Anchor question for North Wales members

Philiz said:
The new boat has a mixture of chain and rope. I would trust all chain more so the question is, what length of chain would it be sensible to have given the area we are in and assuming we will visit the usual haunts?
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I used to find rope and chain a pain in the neck, then later I had 20 metres of chain, which was never enough. I now have 60 metres of chain. I cant say I've used the 60 metres very often, but to much is better than to little.

Mostly round wales I let out about 30 metres, probably more than necesary, but on the other hand I dont move. So if you want to scimp 30 metres, 40 would be better.

If your thinking of joining the chain be carefull, the rivet together link thingies they sell in the swindelers for the job are very weak and soon rot away. Tried it once but never trusted it after I seen rusted away ones.
 
Just a guess, but I suspect the reason your boat has a rope/chain rode is to minimise the weight in the bow. Mucky F is a big beast & wouldn't notice several hundred lbs weight in the bow. 30-40m of chain is close to 100lbs ish. That is like a person stood on the bows. How would that affect your trim or planing capability?

You could try a good heavy angel which can be stored low down amidships & brought out when needed. There was one of the anchor johnnies on Scuttlebutt that tried to say angels were no use, but the "proof" he pointed to actually said that a chain & rope rode with an angel was the most efficient anchoring technique!
 
Searush said:
Just a guess, but I suspect the reason your boat has a rope/chain rode is to minimise the weight in the bow. Mucky F is a big beast & wouldn't notice several hundred lbs weight in the bow. 30-40m of chain is close to 100lbs ish. That is like a person stood on the bows. How would that affect your trim or planing capability?

You could try a good heavy angel which can be stored low down amidships & brought out when needed. There was one of the anchor johnnies on Scuttlebutt that tried to say angels were no use, but the "proof" he pointed to actually said that a chain & rope rode with an angel was the most efficient anchoring technique!
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I think you might be partly right, but as it's all original I suspect there was also a cost issue, it is French you know! The boat has an electric windlass which is also making me think all chain would be better as I can see problems occuring when we get to the rope section.

I don't really fancy making Liz hump the anchor up from below when it's needed ;).

Don't know what an angel is, unless it's the old fashioned 'Popeye' style anchor is it? I think the boat will stand quite a bit more weight on the bow, but I might be wrong of course!
 
I'm not saying it cant be joined, but I'd be using a proper D hook or something, but then you will have to see if it will go round your windlass or down the hole.

I think some one makes a good link, not sure who, but watch out for the cheap chinese ones, I tapped one with a hammer and it fell apart.

Also dont forget, you need calibrated chain if you have a windlass, else it will go clunkity clunk and slip.
 
The tidal range on the N coast of Anglsey is ~7-8 m on springs. Most(?) anchorages are in 2-3m charted depth, but there are some that are deeper.

Say you want minimum of 4:1 scope for an overnighter (insert your preference here otherwise) then you're looking at being able to put out 40-45m.

Went from 30m of chain to 45m this year, and were glad of the extra in Porth Wen.

(Tidal range on S and W coasts of Anglsey & the Llyn Peninsula are significantly less, so not an issue if you can cope the the N coast.)

0.02p

Andy
 
Chain and rope

I used to anchor a (heavy) 26ft Macwester round those areas with no problem using chain 30m plus 60m anchorplait. I also used a cqr, that everyone now says is useless, with no problems.

I think you main need is to put out plenty of chain/rope. Don't be mean with it. If you have a winch (which I didn't) then you can get it in ok.

You must make sure that the chain is the right, calibrated, size for your winch. You also have to make certain that you can pull in the rope as well. If not, will have to be all chain.

Chain and anchorplait are joined by a simple splicing technique that is shown on the Jimmy Green site www.jimmygreen.co.uk/chandlery_products/anchors.htm

An anchor 'angel, is any sort of weight, eg lump of lead, bucket full of concrete, expensive shiny weight, etc that can be attached part way along an anchor chain/rope to keep it down and provide "spring" as the pull of the boat lifts it a bit as waves and tide move the boat about, It compensates for not having a lot of heavy chain out.

Hope this helps

Good luck

Mike
 
Phil, I've gone through all sorts of methods, before going to all chain. First I found that the spice between chain and rope, would not go down the hole, then I got given off the forum, chain with a few joins in it. Never happy with that. Then some one else on the forum sold me/ gave me 60 M no joins.

I'd see how you go on with what you have, the windlass is designed to take both rope and chain. Whether it does or not is another question.

As Sea rush says, one thing I have found, is since having 60m in the bow, I hardly ever need to use the trim tabs.

Angle?? think it's like a brick you attach to the chain.

CQR always works for me, though it has bad press these days.

But it's not the anchor that stops you, it's the amount of chain on the floor. There is no substitute for chain on the floor.
 
All good stuff. Best point is probably Haydn's last one - suck it & see. It could save you a lot of hassle & cost if it works. Try it for day trips first & make sure it works on the windlass. Then try it in a strong current - but not the river conway as far too many old moorings buried there!

MrG knows the area well & his calcs are good. But don't get caught on the N coast of Anglesey when a big front comes through! You need really strong tackle for that & with a MoBo, discretion is best solution - run for cover!
 
misterg said:
The tidal range on the N coast of Anglsey is ~7-8 m on springs. Most(?) anchorages are in 2-3m charted depth, but there are some that are deeper.



(Tidal range on S and W coasts of Anglsey & the Llyn Peninsula are significantly less, so not an issue if you can cope the the N coast.)

0.02p

Andy
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Phill, the above is good imput by Andy.

All chain is best for You.
What you have seems the correct calibration from a quick glance at Your newly aquired Ship;)

As hlb says tiss the chain on the deck which does a lot of the job.

Your 'Fortress' anchor is well suited to Your vessel, so tha's ok.

Taint like you are going to anchor in very deep water on purpose.
The nice anchorages you will visit in the near future will be in fairly shallow places.
Good place to have a first overnight on the hook is Llanddwyn.

Actually there today it was nice!

Have you measured the rode that you currently have?

The weight issue, taint a prob.
In fact, from driving boats like yours a bit of weight up front is quite nice.
BRIZA as you have noticed kinda drives more 'flat'.

When She runs:rolleyes::)
 
hlb said:
We still dont know if phils chain is 6 mm or 8mm, or how long it is. So all just a guess. I like to get at least 20 m on the floor,the rest is just hanging there.
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Well it seems to fit the gypsey ok.
From the glance I had at it.
I dunno how long it is either.
Reckon We can all check next weekend at the 'Frostbite do'

In fact, if its gonna be stormy like yer say.
He should anchor off the Marina all night and check how She holds I reckon!;)
 
For those who require a translation; please note that, in this context, when Kwaka says "on the deck" he actually means "on the sea bed".

Please do not leave all your chain on your deck when anchoring.:eek:
 
don't buy Chain Yet

HI Phil & Liz
I still have the chain I removed from Seafisher cluttering up the garage. It held in some of the biggest tides in the narrows near Carnafon bar so should be fine for most places you are likely to visit.

Only changed it because I had to replace the windlass and needed a smaller gauge chain. I think the original windlass was the same as yours. I'll check at the weekend how long it is and what the link sizes are.

Bob
 
Hi Bob nice to hear from you, how are things in Deganwy?
Thanks for that, although I'm sure mine's 8mm I'm not sure of the rest of the dimensions. I'll check em this weekend and if they match I'll buy yours of you if I can.
You not coming to Caernarfon Saturday then?
 
Unforunately I'm not down at the weekend, it would have been great to meet up with all the local forumites.
I'm sure the chain is 8mm. I think the white windlass with the two buttons on top was common to a number of the Antares range. I'll call you shortly to let you know when I will be around.

Bob
 
polyanna said:
Unforunately I'm not down at the weekend, it would have been great to meet up with all the local forumites.
I'm sure the chain is 8mm. I think the white windlass with the two buttons on top was common to a number of the Antares range. I'll call you shortly to let you know when I will be around.

Bob
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Good job Bob aint coming
A little bird told me you lot got 'Ratted' last time there was a coming together:D

I reckon the chain will fit or I,m the 'Missing Link':p
 
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