Neeves
Well-Known Member
A conundrum for the weekend
I was asked the question - what does the word scope mean to me. There are at least 2 answers, one as defined by the Oxford English Dictionary (or its in my rather dated hard copy version) defines it as the length of chain or cable deployed when at anchor. But in America, apparently, scope commonly refers to the ratio represented by the distance from bow roller (or hawse pipe) to seabed divided by the length of rode, or chain, or scope??, and or rope deployed.
I suggested that usage was clear in how the term was used, so there would be no confusion (though this fudged the answer as to which was correct). I also suggested that in terms of anchoring neither piece of information was complete as to be really useful one also should mention (if using scope as length) that the water depth is 'X' or the ratio is 'Y' and maybe add how big the chain is, 6mm being different to 12mm - unless of course you are enquiring of a neighbouring yacht so as to ensure your 'scopes'?? or rodes do not cross and then you only need to know scope, sorry, length (preferably in metres, but maybe shackles!!)
1 So - what is the correct answer, is the OED wrong (or out of date)? Do other dictionaries provide alternative maritime meanings? Is the use of the meaning to be a ratio correct - or at least common understanding (and at variance to the correct, or OED, meaning).
2 And then finally if it does mean a ratio - when, assuming the OED was, once, correct did it morph from a length in shackles, or cables to become a simple ratio? (and does anyone use shackles (or shot, if you are American) apart from the Merchant, Royal or US Navy?)
Jonathan
I was asked the question - what does the word scope mean to me. There are at least 2 answers, one as defined by the Oxford English Dictionary (or its in my rather dated hard copy version) defines it as the length of chain or cable deployed when at anchor. But in America, apparently, scope commonly refers to the ratio represented by the distance from bow roller (or hawse pipe) to seabed divided by the length of rode, or chain, or scope??, and or rope deployed.
I suggested that usage was clear in how the term was used, so there would be no confusion (though this fudged the answer as to which was correct). I also suggested that in terms of anchoring neither piece of information was complete as to be really useful one also should mention (if using scope as length) that the water depth is 'X' or the ratio is 'Y' and maybe add how big the chain is, 6mm being different to 12mm - unless of course you are enquiring of a neighbouring yacht so as to ensure your 'scopes'?? or rodes do not cross and then you only need to know scope, sorry, length (preferably in metres, but maybe shackles!!)
1 So - what is the correct answer, is the OED wrong (or out of date)? Do other dictionaries provide alternative maritime meanings? Is the use of the meaning to be a ratio correct - or at least common understanding (and at variance to the correct, or OED, meaning).
2 And then finally if it does mean a ratio - when, assuming the OED was, once, correct did it morph from a length in shackles, or cables to become a simple ratio? (and does anyone use shackles (or shot, if you are American) apart from the Merchant, Royal or US Navy?)
Jonathan
