Saturday, March 8, 2008, 8:36:46 PM, Ed wrote:

EB> OK, we've learned that there are several ways to mark anchor chain but what
EB> about those of us who, for various reasons, are forced to use a short length
EB> of chain and BRAIDED line.  What is the best way to mark the line?  Thanks.

I've used the plastic strips from West Marine (or other chandlers)
mentioned earlier in this thread. They are easiest to install in
three-strand line, but can be worked into double braid.

--
Peter Bennett, VE7CEI    Vancouver, B.C., Canada
Ennos 31 "Honeycomb"
GPS and NMEA info: http://vancouver-webpages.com/peter
Vancouver Power Squadron: http://vancouver.powersquadron.ca

Hmmm, that's interesting and certainly something I had rejected as not
feasible.  Perhaps I should take another look.  Thanks.

Ed
PT-38  "Makin' Do"
Poulsbo, WA

-----Original Message-----
From: Peter Bennett

I've used the plastic strips from West Marine (or other chandlers) mentioned
earlier in this thread. They are easiest to install in three-strand line,
but can be worked into double braid.

Could someone explaing the reasons for using double braid as anchor line. I have always been under the impression that the most common line used for anchoring is 3 strand twist primarily for it's ability to stretch as it does. Stretch being a good thing...Braid stretches less than 3 strand and double braid stretches even less. From what I have seen double braid is more expensive too. Certainly harder to splice.

Is it for added strength? Or does it run better on a windlass? Or is it for laying better in a chain locker?

Enquiring minds want to know
Joel Wilkins
Miss Magoo
C-45, #98
S. Pasadena, FL

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Joel,

In my case the surveyor said the 1/2" 3 strand that was on the boat was not
large enough.  I don't have an operational chain locker because a PO
installed an open faced windlass on the bow.  It covers the opening to the
chain locker.  The reel capacity on the windlass is such that 200' of 5/8
line will not fit on the reel with 40' of chain.  I went to the high
strength braided Sampson rode to overcome the surveyor's fears and to
satisfy the insurance co. - if they follow up.

So, I did it for strength and to conserve space on the windlass in order to
add a bit more chain.

Ed
PT-38  "Makin' Do"
Poulsbo, WA

-----Original Message-----
On Behalf Of Joel Wilkins

Could someone explaing the reasons for using double braid as anchor line. I
have always been under the impression that the most common line used for
anchoring is 3 strand twist primarily for it's ability to stretch as it
does. Stretch being a good thing...Braid stretches less than 3 strand and
double braid stretches even less. From what I have seen double braid is more
expensive too. Certainly harder to splice.

Is it for added strength? Or does it run better on a windlass? Or is it
for laying better in a chain locker?

You are right in that dbl braid, due to its poor stretch, is not suggested as an anchor rode.
Plus, it is harder to splice and chafes amazingly easy.

However, as with any rode that has poor stretch, such as chain, if used for an anchor rode, it would need a long stretchy snubber to reintroduce this stretch into the system.

For a number of reasons, we prefer our snubbers to be size so they are loaded no more than 15% of their breaking load, which still gives 15% stretch, an amount that we find is adequate.

Keep in mind though, as the wind speed increases, the load on the ground tackle increases and the snubber's size will need to increase, if you desire to stay within whatever stretch range you choose.

Also, since most snubbers, if sized as suggested above, will slip on dbl braid (3-strand also), we suggest that a snubber braid be woven into the end of the snubber for a better grip.

Rudy and Jill Sechez
Briney Bug, Sanford, FL- leaving for the Bahamas in 2-3 weeks

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