Why put a chain on an anchor?

[scbackpacker]

I've read several threads about anchoring and was wondering why use a chain on an anchor line? I've got 6-7 ft of chain that I could use but right now I have my rope tied to my anchor.

 

[nitsuj]

Re: Why put a chain on an anchor?

As I understand it, the length of chain is there to act as weight to keep the rode at an angle and pulling the anchor towards its set. Plus, it prevents the rope from getting chaffed on the bottom surface.

Am I right?

 

[dave11]

Re: Why put a chain on an anchor?

As I understand it, the length of chain is there to act as weight to keep the rode at an angle and pulling the anchor towards its set. Plus, it prevents the rope from getting chaffed on the bottom surface.

Am I right?

You are right.

 

[golf101]

Re: Why put a chain on an anchor?

I used to have my anchor tied directly to the rope, and it never seemed to grab the bottom as quickly or as well as I would have liked. I added five feet of chain, and the difference is night and day. I would definitely recommend using chain. Also, no reason not to; it's as easy to pull up and stow as an anchor without chain, so, to me, worth it.

 

[bigskiohio]

Re: Why put a chain on an anchor?

check this site on anchoring,check the flash video
http://www.boat-ed.com/oh/course/p3-8_anchoring.htm

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Why put a chain on an anchor?

Nitsuj is correct. To add on tidbit: The rule of thumb is that the chain length should be equal to the length of the boat. Although, if you have a 14' aluminum boat with a 10 hp out board 14' of chain is probably not required.

 

[scbackpacker]

Re: Why put a chain on an anchor?

Ohh now I see the advantage of having a chain. I'll install that chain today. I see that I also need more rope. Thanks for the replies and the video.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Why put a chain on an anchor?

The chain is vital for anchoring in salt water or rocky areas where oyster shells and sharp rocks combined with the action of the waves and swells will eat right through a rope in no time. I have some first hand experience with this and the coast guard had to retrieve our boat which had drifted a couple of miles out to sea. The shells/rocks ate through that 1/2"nylon rope in 1 to 2 hours! It was a little embarrassing to us but the coast guard guys said it happens all the time. When they found our boat it still had the anchor rope hanging in the water with the end all chewed up and they knew what had happened. Stainless Steel chain is expensive but very nice and no rust stains all over your decks. Good Luck!

 

[QC]

Re: Why put a chain on an anchor?

The chain comments are correct plus one more "tidbit" . . . A good length of chain also acts like a shock absorber. When the bow of your boat rises and falls while at anchor it lifts some of the chain off the bottom. If the chain is long, and the movement not too severe, it never disturbs the shank of the anchor. Consider if you have 20 ft. of chain, and the motion lifts 10 ft. of that length off the bottom, the anchor never even "feels" it . . .

 

[joed]

Re: Why put a chain on an anchor?

The chain also acts as a sort of shock absorber. As the boat rises & bounces with the waves the rope pulls the end of the chain up off the bottom and reduces the tugging directly on the anchor.

 

[salty87]

Re: Why put a chain on an anchor?

the chain also acts as a shock absorber when waves or wakes rock the boat, protecting the set anchor. as the line pulls on the chain, the chain doesn't move as much so the anchor isn't disturbed like it would be with a straight rope.

i've never heard the suggestion to use a boat length's worth. i've always read that you want as much chain as you have room for or can handle physically. that said, i've only got about 8' for a 23' boat.

 

[QC]

Re: Why put a chain on an anchor?

Well it sure appears that when it comes to chain benefits, we are consistent . . . We haven't even had a chain detractor yet

 

[esobofh]

Re: Why put a chain on an anchor?

This is the reason I didn't buy an "anchormate" - in theory, a good idea.. but you can't use it with a chain on your anchor.

Perhaps they're fine in a soft bottom situation, but where i boat in the rocky areas, i feel more comfortable with a length of chain.

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: Why put a chain on an anchor?

Chain is 50% of the anchors power. No chain, no anchor.

 

[skargo]

Re: Why put a chain on an anchor?

I might not be using enough chain length, I only use 6' on my 21' boat. It holds in decent current, but the deepest water we anchor in is 25'.
I bought a nylon "clad" chain to keep it from bitching up the side of my boat.

 

[QC]

Re: Why put a chain on an anchor?

How much total rode in that 25'? ^^^^^

 

[skargo]

Re: Why put a chain on an anchor?

How much total rode in that 25'? ^^^^^

100' or more depending on current, wind, etc. I've let out 150' before.

I should also mention that 9 out of 10 times we are in 8' or so at our favorite anchoring location.

 

[QC]

Re: Why put a chain on an anchor?

As scope increases, chain benefit drops some. I need 3:1 scope sometimes in tight, deep coves. That's when I really appreciate a boat's length worth of chain.

 

[skargo]

Re: Why put a chain on an anchor?

As scope increases, chain benefit drops some. I need 3:1 scope sometimes in tight, deep coves. That's when I really appreciate a boat's length worth of chain.

Gotcha, I've never had to keep it that short yet.

 

[QC]

Re: Why put a chain on an anchor?

Gotcha, I've never had to keep it that short yet.

Yeah, you don't want to, but we anchor where there are steep canyon walls and just don't have a choice. We drag often . . .