anchor questions

[simple]

1. What's the recommended scope for calm to fair conditions? Is 3 to 1 enough?<br /><br />2. Do you people prefer the plastic dipped chain over the galvanized type? I was thinking the dipped type would be less damaging if it were to come in contact with the hull.

 

[ziggy]

Re: anchor questions

the power squadron teaches that 7:1 is average. don't for get that yer boat is above the water some. so ya need to add that into yer equation for lenghth of rode.<br />chapmans piloting book calls for no less than 4:1 in fair conditions and 5-7:1 in average conditions and 10:1 in heavy conditions.<br />it seems there are many factors to consider when achoring, but these numbers seems to get us started.....<br />as far as the plastic dipped stuff. i don't know. seems to me the plastic would perhaps better potect yer boat. myself, i just have a plain chain but have to be careful when pulling it up as the chain will certainly contact the hull if i don't, and i don't want that.....

 

[imported_Curmudgeon]

Re: anchor questions

I think it depends on the water depth and current - I've found the deeper it is, the more scope is required, the more current when putting it out, the more scope needed. 7:1 is a good rule of thumb for heavy weather; inappropriate for a tight anchorage and unnecessary for most open water applications. I think vinyl chain is subject to air entrapment, which sorta defeats it's purpose. Had a hard time setting the anchor where I usually fish, dumped the vinyl for galvanized of the same size/length and haven't looked back.

 

[QC]

Re: anchor questions

I'm with Old Curmudgeon on the vinyl and the tight anchorage deal. That's why I want approximately the boat's length or more in chain. Adds a little security to less scope. I must use 2:1 scope often. I have to be very delicate and not power down to get it to set, it can be scary and I watch for dragging constantly.

 

[simple]

Re: anchor questions

Originally posted by Old Curmudgeon:<br />I think vinyl chain is subject to air entrapment, which sorta defeats it's purpose.

Interesting point. I never thought of this. So, you're saying that if the vinyl gets nicked or worn away, air can get under the vinyl which would cause it to be not as heavy?

 

[magster65]

Re: anchor questions

I anchor in tidal currents and sometimes windy conditions. I usually go with 5 or 6:1 if there's room and prefer the danforth anchor to any of the others (even though I currently have a plow style). Never tried any other chain than galvanized and yes, it'll scratch the heck out of your boat if you're not careful.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: anchor questions

Simple, It appears you do you boating on lakes. If so, good galvanized chain will resist rusting in fresh water, with minimum maintenance on your part. If you are anchoring in calm to fair conditions on sand or soft bottom, and can get a good scope (5::1 or greater) you can skip the chain. Today's fluke anchors hold extremely well without chain.

 

[SwampNut]

Re: anchor questions

So, you're saying that if the vinyl gets nicked or worn away, air can get under the vinyl which would cause it to be not as heavy?

No, it's full of air all the time which can't escape when you put it in the water. Nicks and scrapes would help let the air escape.

 

[navigator336]

Re: anchor questions

Here's an article that will give you a lot of info on the relative peformance of different anchors, bottom conditions, ease of setting and re-setting and holding power. After much review, I changed from a Bruce anchor to a Delta.<br /><br /> http://www.ussailing.org/safety/Anchor/anchor_study.htm

 

[magster65]

Re: anchor questions

The Delta looks like mine except that mine has the swivel on it. I haven't had any problems with the plow it's just the danforth is so much lighter... but then again the danforth doesn't work on a rocky bottom very well. Ideally, I guess a person would have one of each

 

[simple]

Re: anchor questions

Thanks for the replies.

 

[phantoms]

Re: anchor questions

I've always worried that the dipped chains were not protected in any way other than the dip coating, meaning that if a tear in the coating were to happen, corrosion would attack the chain. I've always used galvanized for this reason. I don't know this to be the case, but none of them I've seen state what type of chain they use.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: anchor questions

Plastic coated chain is for pretty boats that never drop anchor. If you intend to drop anchor, inevitably, the plastic coating is compromised, water gets in between the steel and the plastic, is held there, and rust happens. You won’t be able to see the rust and at some point, the chain separates. Probably takes awhile, but it will eventually happen. Best to just stick with galvanized chain.

 

[rwidman]

Re: anchor questions

......... good galvanized chain will resist rusting in fresh water

It won't rust in salt water either. That's what the galvanizing is for.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: anchor questions

rwidman, all metal corrodes in salt water. The only difference is the time it takes. Galvanized chain will rust, aluminum turns to powder, brass pits. Even Stainless Steel corrodes to some extent. Lead is pretty resistant to rust, but makes a bad anchor chain and an even worse bow eye.

 

[navigator336]

Re: anchor questions

All titanium, that's the way to go. Strong, light, won't corrode. About a $1000 a foot. You can be anchoring in style for say, ... a quarter million!

 

[heycods]

Re: anchor questions

Originally posted by SwampNut:<br />

So, you're saying that if the vinyl gets nicked or worn away, air can get under the vinyl which would cause it to be not as heavy?

No, it's full of air all the time which can't escape when you put it in the water. Nicks and scrapes would help let the air escape.

Polly floats as I presume does vunyl.

 

[magster65]

Re: anchor questions

Originally posted by navigator336:<br /> All titanium, that's the way to go. Strong, light, won't corrode. About a $1000 a foot. You can be anchoring in style for say, ... a quarter million!

<br />ah haha<br />Save a fortune and beach it!