Snubber

[PabloPicasso]

My boat came with a short piece of rope with a loop at one end, and a S/S hook that fits between the anchor chain links.

Is this a snubber?

How is it supposed to be used?

 

[noelex]

If it is only a short piece of rope, it will not have any significant stretch, but it will take the load off the windlass which can be useful.

Some people call this a "short snubber", but it does not replace the need for a "long snubber".

We have both a long and a short snubber. We more commonly use our chain stopper rather than the short snubber to take the load off the windlass, but having all the options is helpful.

 

[vyv_cox]

My boat came with a short piece of rope with a loop at one end, and a S/S hook that fits between the anchor chain links.

Is this a snubber?

How is it supposed to be used?

I use a short length of quite heavy three-strand rope to unload the windlass when we are berthed stern-to against a wall. A stretching snubber is most definitely not needed in this situation but unloading the windlass is essential. A long, light elastic snubber is used when fee anchoring.

 

[Kwik Decision]

Sounds like a snubber. Once anchored put the loop over a cleat, and the hook on the chain, and then let out more chain until the weight is taken on the rope, with the chain above the hook loose. On our boat, with twin bow rollers, I run the snubber over the free roller, rather than with the chain.
Take note of Noelex's comments - length (and diameter) do matter when it comes to snubbers in strong wind conditions. They need to be able to stretch appreciably to be useful.