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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

anchor line diameter

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TomA
1st Mate

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USA
91 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/10/2003 : 12:19:35

I am replacing my anchor line this season. After studying the catalogs for recommendations, I decided on 3/8" nylon. I bought braided for my primary anchor and 3-strand for my backup. When the line arrived, it looked a bit skinny. Should I have gone with the 7/16"? Any thoughts? Thanks!

Tom

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Douglas
Master Marine Consultant

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1595 Posts

Response Posted - 07/10/2003 : 12:26:34

http://www.sailnet.com/store/buying_guide.cfm?guide_id=1020 have a look here for you questions.

Doug&Ruth
Triska (Alberg 29)
Tacoma Wa.

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svmoxie
Past Commodore

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USA
331 Posts

Response Posted - 07/10/2003 : 14:31:48

Tom,

I like 1/2 myself but don't go higher than that. A lot depends on your area of use, wind strength, etc... but I would agree that 3/8 is a tad under-sized. 7/16 or 1/2 would be a better strength fit and easier to haul in by hand.

Just my opinion,
Clif

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Shawn
1st Mate

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USA
62 Posts

Response Posted - 07/10/2003 : 21:11:35

Tom,
I also think 3/8 may be a bit small. Even if it has the strength you need for your area, 1/2" line is a lot easier to get a good grip on when you have to haul in that anchor and chain. Unless you are one of those lucky ones with an anchor windlass. I have also been told to always use three strand for anchor rodes. It allows a lot more stretch than other types of line, and you don't get the shock loads directed up to your deck hardware if the boat is pitching or rolling.
Shawn
1980 C25 tr/fk #1960

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cch
Navigator

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202 Posts

Response Posted - 07/10/2003 : 23:35:50

Tom,

3/8" seems large enough but 1/2" is much easier to haul in by hand.

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Greg Jackson
1st Mate

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84 Posts

Response Posted - 07/11/2003 : 05:30:29

I use 200' of 3/8 as a primary with 250' of 3/8 as backup. I think most people have far too little rode and pick one which is much too big in diameter. An anchor will rarely pull out if you have the right angle on it and if there is no shock. The 3/8 line will have so much stretch that it absorbs all of the shock.

If you are disabled in 30' of water and being blown to shore, you need at least 200 feet to grab the bottom and a lot of spring to the rode to not pull out once it grabs and decelerates the boat. With the typical 100' of rode you will not have a chance of grabbing the bottom until you are in 15' of water. In 15' of water the waves will be breaking and transmit much higher shock loads to the anchor.

Be sure to have a good length of chain on the end and watch for wear. If you don't get abrasion on the rode, you will never be able to break a 3/8 line. It can almost lift the boat.

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.