What size anchor warp?

[BlueChip]

I have got a 37' Westerly with a 35lb CQR and 15 fathoms of 8mm chain
Occasionally that’s not enough and I want to add at least another 10 fathoms of warp

What type and diameter warp should I use? Ideally it will be 3 strand so I can splice it to the chain and use it with my electric windlass

 

[TigaWave]

according to MCA (blue code) which is a good guied.
11m 8mmchain 12mm rope nylon
12m 8mmchain 14mm rope
Neil

 

[snowleopard]

Certainly 14mm rope is the stuff to use with 8mm chain. You won't get anything larger through the links of the chain.

If you are going to use it on a combination gypsy it is essential to ask the manufacturer what size of rope to use and what type of splice or you won't get the grip.

The general recommendation is octoplait rope which can be spliced into the last 10 (ish) links of the chain - there are several sites that will show you how. Lofrans windlasses say you must use 3-strand spliced through the last link.

 

[BlueChip]

I just checked on the Lewmar web site and the manual for the Sprint windlass says use only 3 strand rope with a back splice

 

[ditchcrawler]

I have a Simpson Lawrence windlass & that says to use traditional 3 ply rope.I gather that Octoplait type rope is too soft to get a good grip with many windlasses(mores the pity because it is much easier to flake).

 

[snowleopard]

The rope diameter is as critical as the chain size, too large or too small and it will slip. It's also important to use a rope that feels 'hard'. There are some 3-strand nylon ropes out there that are as soft and floppy as octoplait (I have one for my kedge - ideal for hand hauling) but they won't give a grip on the gypsy.

 

[hylass]

I personnaly disagree with the back splice for the rope, as the radius of the rope around the last link of chain is much too small and this will weak the rope and decrease its resistance..

To connect the rope to the chain I will suggest a direct rope to chain splice.. See the description I have done on:

http://www.bluemoment.com/warpchainsplice.html