Yachtingsouthwest
Member
How is the length of chain decided in a mixed anchor rode. Currently fitting out a small trailer sailer and there are various suggestions to the length of the chain.
The boat is a Swift 18.
The boat is a Swift 18.
Mixed anchor rode chain length
- Thread starter Yachtingsouthwest
- Start date
Neeves
Well-known member
I don't know you nor the Swift 18 and as I'm of Scots background I'm parsimonious - reasons not to offer a slick answer.
One reason you are asking the question might be because the suggestions you have seen need to cater for a pretty large cross section of environments.
Tell us more detail of the equipment you have inherited. where you intend sailing and why you want to anchor - and you will receive more focussed replies.
Freshwater, seawater. Local sheltered salt water. Sailing in a muddy estuary, deep or shallow water. You have inherited a copy CQR or a rusting fluke anchor. ?????
Single handed, some adventurous crew, the kids and they want to fish....
Many of the recommendations are the same but hankering after Swallows and Amazons, Bass and Flinders or encouraging young children to share your passion offers different responses.
Jonathan
One reason you are asking the question might be because the suggestions you have seen need to cater for a pretty large cross section of environments.
Tell us more detail of the equipment you have inherited. where you intend sailing and why you want to anchor - and you will receive more focussed replies.
Freshwater, seawater. Local sheltered salt water. Sailing in a muddy estuary, deep or shallow water. You have inherited a copy CQR or a rusting fluke anchor. ?????
Single handed, some adventurous crew, the kids and they want to fish....
Many of the recommendations are the same but hankering after Swallows and Amazons, Bass and Flinders or encouraging young children to share your passion offers different responses.
Jonathan
Yachtingsouthwest
Member
Hi Jonathan
I have already ditched the anchor it came with a 6kg Brittany copy. I have also taken off the 20m of 18mm warp. In between it had 15m 6mm chain which I have kept for the moment the anchor I have is a 4kg Vulcan I have 3 lengths of 6mm.chain 10m, 6m and the 15m. In conjuction I have 45m 10mm octoplait to use. But which chain length should I use? The original boat brochure says it came with the 6kg brittany and 5m of 8mm chain.
Anchoring will mainly be for overnighting and lunch stops.
Tranona
Well-known member
There is no specific length as it depends on how and where you anchor. The purpose of the chain is to provide some stability for the anchor when it sets and then abrasion resistance, plus chain provides some catenary effect which is helpful in reducing swinging circles. Downside of chain is weight although 6mm is not too heavy. Personally I prefer all chain and for most situations anchoring in a small yacht like yours 15m would effectively mean all chain, leaving the rope for times when you might want a bit more scope. However in terms of holding power of the anchor, it does not really matter if the rode is chain or rope.
Neeves
Well-known member
My thoughts are:
I looked up the Swift 18 and discovered she has a lifting keel (which I suspected) but did not devine how easy it was to lift the keel. If the keel is easy to lift (if its not easy you will not do it) then you can anchor in very shallow water (and dry out - if you have inspected the seabed. To dry out you need calm water (so really good shelter).
We still don't know where you will sail but even in a small yacht - if you want to overnight - 15m of 6mm chain will not be adequate in places with some tide - and you can add the octaplait. You will not be able to easily splice the octaplait to the 6mm chain and I suggest you add a shackle to the end of the chain, add a spliced eye to the octaplait and join the 2 together with the shackle - but mouse the shackle (for over night a decent cable tie will be adequate).
I'm like Tranona and prefer all chain, but then we (and I suspect Tranona) anchor in locations where we don't know the state of the bottom and all chain removes any doubts over abrasion. Balance that with the idea that it will be downright back luck and awful weather to allow you to abrade through your 10mm octaplait if you also use the 15m of 6mm.
A downside to a textile rode (of which your octaplait would neatly fit) is that it can smell when coated and impregnated with mud and is difficult to clean on a small yacht (you can easily clean at home - but that might be 2 days later.
Given what you have I'd use the 15m of 6mm, a shackle that fits 6mm chain and the Octaplait with an eye in one end (to fit the shackle). I'd store the whole lot in a milk crate or a self draining container (its easier to carry to the bow). I suggest actually keeping the rope separate from the chain - because the chain is easier to clean and you might want to take the rope home, wash it down with a hose and let it dry. Later when you have had a few nights at anchor in your local area you can refine this - just start another thread.
We used to cruise in a J24 - you will enjoy it (if you choose the right weather windows).
Keep your eyes open for offers of small Fortress on ebay, or the for sale section of the forum - you might find one very useful (people do lose anchors).
Enjoy.
Jonathan
Anything over 6mm chain is overkill - forget it. 18mm cordage was also overkill.
I looked up the Swift 18 and discovered she has a lifting keel (which I suspected) but did not devine how easy it was to lift the keel. If the keel is easy to lift (if its not easy you will not do it) then you can anchor in very shallow water (and dry out - if you have inspected the seabed. To dry out you need calm water (so really good shelter).
We still don't know where you will sail but even in a small yacht - if you want to overnight - 15m of 6mm chain will not be adequate in places with some tide - and you can add the octaplait. You will not be able to easily splice the octaplait to the 6mm chain and I suggest you add a shackle to the end of the chain, add a spliced eye to the octaplait and join the 2 together with the shackle - but mouse the shackle (for over night a decent cable tie will be adequate).
I'm like Tranona and prefer all chain, but then we (and I suspect Tranona) anchor in locations where we don't know the state of the bottom and all chain removes any doubts over abrasion. Balance that with the idea that it will be downright back luck and awful weather to allow you to abrade through your 10mm octaplait if you also use the 15m of 6mm.
A downside to a textile rode (of which your octaplait would neatly fit) is that it can smell when coated and impregnated with mud and is difficult to clean on a small yacht (you can easily clean at home - but that might be 2 days later.
Given what you have I'd use the 15m of 6mm, a shackle that fits 6mm chain and the Octaplait with an eye in one end (to fit the shackle). I'd store the whole lot in a milk crate or a self draining container (its easier to carry to the bow). I suggest actually keeping the rope separate from the chain - because the chain is easier to clean and you might want to take the rope home, wash it down with a hose and let it dry. Later when you have had a few nights at anchor in your local area you can refine this - just start another thread.
We used to cruise in a J24 - you will enjoy it (if you choose the right weather windows).
Keep your eyes open for offers of small Fortress on ebay, or the for sale section of the forum - you might find one very useful (people do lose anchors).
Enjoy.
Jonathan
Anything over 6mm chain is overkill - forget it. 18mm cordage was also overkill.
Fr J Hackett
Well-known member
I think Tranona has it right in mentioning the nature of the bottom and depth in the areas you are likely to anchor. Use as much chain as is required to keep the rode off the bottom and free from abrasion risks.
