Re: Anchor rope
... Braided is generally not preferred for anchoring as it doesn't 'give' (stretch) as much as 3-strand, and consequently doesn't provide the shock absorption that 3-strand does. Braided can make for a 'jerky' ride at anchor.
Agree +1
... If you plan to spend nights 'on the hook', you really need a rode length (the total length of anchor rope and chain is known as the 'anchor rode') that'll let you achieve at least a 7:1 scope (and up to as much as 10:1). If you're strictly day-tripping you can probably get away with less as long as you're keeping an eye on things.
The operative word in there is "
PLAN"
You will need to plan on the unplanned, as in "The engine won't start, and I am driftng out to sea, and is is getting deeper by the minute.
When you really need the Line you'll
Really Need the Line!
3/8, 3 strand line will be fine for a 19 footer. Nice and springy.
3/8 has a breaking strength of over 3000 lbs.
You could lift the entire boat out of the water with a single line.
If the anchor could even hold the bottom, the force to break the line would likely throw you overboard if you weren't tied in.
1/2, braided line would be like hitting the end of a steel cable in the swells.
250-300 feet would be reasonable. Cut it into two pieces to make it managable, 150 ft. for a planned stop, 300 for the unplanned!
Add thimbles to the ends, and a shackle to splice them together when needed.
There is a reason that anchors are required. They are a life saving device, not a convenience.
