What size/type anchor 'trip' rope?

[Mike k]

Hi

In places where I would like to anchor, there is allegedly a deal of scrap metal on the seafloor. I have always anchored pretty much on sandy ground so no problem with snagging anything. However if i am to risk foul ground I believe some 'trip' rope is needed alongside the anchor rode to lift up the anchor tip prior to windlassing ( is that a word?) the chain in.

Just wondered what guage mm I should go for.I cant imagine there is much load though??!


I like that flecky braided stuff but what is the best type of rope to get polyprop /braided /nylon ?

Many thanks for any replies

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

This post is looking a bit lonely so I'll try to answer. The few trip ropes I've seen have been relatively light and I don't think there is any particular recommended type. Personally, I don't like the idea of a trip rope because it is just another thing that's going to get in the way if you have to up anchor in a hurry. Also it may get run over by a passing boat in a crowded anchorage. On the few occasions I've managed to get my anchor stuck under a rock or lump of concrete, I don't think a trip rope would have helped much anyway because the anchor was well and truly stuck. On all of the occasions, I've managed to free the anchor by moving the boat to a different angle relative to the anchor and then going gently astern

 

[omega2]

Anchor trip

Why not rig the anchor to trip?? put your chain to the nose of the anchor, bring ot along the shank, and were it lays alongside the normal fixing hole tie with cord or cable ties, if you do become fast then motor off it and the "weak" link will break and the hook will come up backwards. Or one of these??

www.anchortrip.co.uk

I understand a 10mm is on the chocks.

 

[Mike k]

Deleted User and Omega2

many thanks for your replies- i am really glad you posted that advice because both things had crossed my mind. I am going to do the cable tie arrangement until the bigger 'anchortrip' is available.

many thanks

Mike

 

[MedMilo]

Mmmmm...not sure I like the look of that anchor trip arrangement! Seems to me that at the very point the anchor is actually having to do some work (ie the chain is pulling hard on the anchor during strong winds etc), the angle of pull suddenly changes in a way designed to completely unset the anchor. Just when you don't want it to!! Obviously understand that in a perfect world that the chain would be doing most of the work rather than the anchor however in a blow there can still be an occasional strong snatch on the anchor itself. I'd go with a 4mm line and anchor buoy - low tech but very effective...

 

[ThreeSummers]

Why not rig the anchor to trip?? put your chain to the nose of the anchor, bring ot along the shank, and were it lays alongside the normal fixing hole tie with cord or cable ties, if you do become fast then motor off it and the "weak" link will break and the hook will come up backwards.

That's how my anchors are rigged - but make sure there is some slack (two links will do) between the the nose and shank points, otherwise the weak link won't snap (don't ask how I know this...).

I've not replaced the cable ties on my main anchor for over a year now, and that is with almost daily use. But then, it's not been snagged

Tim.