polyester or nylon anchor rope?

ofhs85

Cadet
Joined
Jun 27, 2009
Messages
25
I just bought a boat and need to get a anchor rope. what king is better polyester or nylon and what length. I have a 21 ft open bow and will be using it in a small lake about 20ft deep. thanks for you help
 

robert graham

Admiral
Joined
Apr 16, 2009
Messages
6,908
Re: polyester or nylon anchor rope?

For 20' deep water you're probably going to need at least 50' of rope or more, I prefer a 3/8" or 1/2" Braided Nylon because the larger size and the Braided rope is a lot easier on your hands than a smaller diameter or Twisted type rope, and it doesn't seem to tangle and kink up as much. Depending on the type bottom and speed of water current would determine type of anchor and length of rope. A 3' or 4' section of chain between anchor and rope is also a good idea to make the anchor hold better and keep the rope from rubbing itself in two due to wave action, if you have any. Good Luck!
 

Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
27,036
Re: polyester or nylon anchor rope?

Poly Line is much cheaper than nylon, however, the sun will destroy it in short order.

3 strand twisted nylon is the usual anchor line. It has more stretch than braided, and is cheaper. 3/8" is the usual size for that boat. Chain is a good idea. Use shackles and thimbles to make the connections.
 

Mike Robinson

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 29, 2005
Messages
752
Re: polyester or nylon anchor rope?

I assume by polyester you mean polypropolene?

As already stated polypropolene becomes brittle and frays with ultraviolet exposure. It is also bouyant and will float on the surface where it can become entangled in a prop.

I would also recommend braided nylon but it is, of course, more expensive.
 

Ned L

Commander
Joined
Sep 17, 2008
Messages
2,266
Re: polyester or nylon anchor rope?

Hmm, By "Polyester" I was thinking he was meaning Dacron. Nylon would be preferable to either of the others for the reason of stretch alone (Dacron Polyester and Polypropylene are both low stretch materials). 3/8" is more than enough, 1/2" is total overkill on a 20' boat (unless it is something you have already available).
 

ofhs85

Cadet
Joined
Jun 27, 2009
Messages
25
Re: polyester or nylon anchor rope?

Thanks for the help. I went and got a 3/8" x 50' braided nylon rope. When i searched anchor rope in ebay there were several "polyester" ropes that came up in the search so i thought i would ask since it was much cheaper for the polyester ropes.
 

Lrider

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 19, 2010
Messages
631
Re: polyester or nylon anchor rope?

get the nylon, I have 300 feet of nylon that my dad used 15 years ago and it is as good as it was then and it was used in salt water. I plan to use it on my new/used boat when I get it
 
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