Anchor Rope Length

[papafrancisco]

I have a bass boat. About how long should the anchor rope be?

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Anchor Rope Length

Alot depends on conditions.. Wind, current, waves, and the type of anchor used... While it's not always necessary, I'd have at least 3 times longer line than the depth of water you intend to anchor in...<br /><br />Example.. say you want to anchor in 30 foot of water, it's best to have 90 foot of line available...

 

[swist]

Re: Anchor Rope Length

Actually you might want to reword that as 3 times longer than the depth of water you intend to anchor in, or are forced to anchor in. If there is a lot of deeper water particularly near hazards, you might want to take that into account. Your anchor is emergency equipment if your engine quits.<br /><br />There is of course a practical limit to how much rode you can stow....

 

[Kiwi Phil]

Re: Anchor Rope Length

Back on the 6 Jun 04 we discussed this subject in some detail. Was Called 'Anchors" I believe. You could find it helpful.<br />Cheers<br />Phillip

 

[rwidman]

Re: Anchor Rope Length

Once placed on a boat, "rope" becomes "line" unless it is connected to the anchor in which case it becomes "rode".<br /><br />Semantics aside, you need to figure not only the depth of the water but the height of your bow cleat above the water. Total this figure and go from there. It is often recommended to put out seven times this figure (this is called scope). The reason for such a long scope is that the anchor actually holds by digging into the bottom and the more horizontal the pull is, the better it does this.<br /><br />As a practical matter and because you are in the boat and not sleeping (as in overnight), you can probably get by with less. Five times the depth plus the height of your bow cleat is probably enough in your case. Put ten feet or so of 1/4" chain between the line and the anchor. As stated above, this is a safety item.

 

[papafrancisco]

Re: Anchor Rope Length

Thanks to all for the feedback. Rwidman, thanks for the correct lingo. Consider this 'the rode rode the anchor to the bottom.' Just playing with my new words. Thanks again

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Anchor Rope Length

i was always told to have a anchor rode scope of 7:1 if water is 10 feet deep, let out 70 feet of rode....was i wrong this hole time

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Anchor Rope Length

I always thought 3:1 rope and chain length depending on tidal flow.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[BillP]

Re: Anchor Rope Length

A very general rule is 7:1 normal and 10:1 storm for rope...including deck height. After 10:1 the scope doesn't help in holding because the attack angle no longer wants to pull the anchor up. An all chain rode uses less scope. Too much chain out can break the chain so max length must be correct. Reference Duttons or Chapmans for specifics.

 

[salty87]

Re: Anchor Rope Length

depends is the key word here. you'll have to decide what the conditions warrant. if you're overnighting in a tidal area, you'll probably have more luck in the 7+:1 range. if you're hanging out for the afternoon rafting up with some friends in a crowded area, 3:1 may be more practical so you don't swing into other boats that are temporarily anchored near you.