When the rope meets the windlass!

[LeeV]

Our 36' tri came with a windlass up front, to which was led 20' of chain and 250' of rode (rope). The problem occurs when the rope meets the windlass; everything stops!

Does anybody have a solution?

[Vasco]

Need a picture of the chain/rope splice.

[LeeV]

Originally Posted by Vasco

Need a picture of the chain/rope splice.

I'd love to oblige, but the rode was cut with about 100' feet out; lost A100 Spade anchor, chain, shackle and 100' of rope. Long story that's forthcoming...

[UNCIVILIZED]

Yep, knowing exactly how the rope & chain are joined is important, as is knowing what make & model windlass that you have, along with the size of chain & rope that the windlass is set up for.

Also, there are several different types of splices for such applications, & some windlasses will only accept one or two types. As well as a specific type & size of rope, at the same time.

[aclmck]

Hi Lee,

Check your windless Vs the rope your using, but even when using the supplied chain/rope i have experienced this happening, we checked everything including the splice onto the chain only to find it was a plastic shoe inside the windlass, we tried other types of ropes but these were never any good we had to use 8Plait rope which is very expensive.

Allan

[capt-couillon]

50' chain 250' rode no windless.... but still best chain to rode splice

BlueMoment - Articles

[LeeV]

Originally Posted by capt-couillon

50' chain 250' rode no windless.... but still best chain to rode splice

BlueMoment - Articles

I agree with the "no windlass" since we try to keep the weight down on the trimaran, but 50' of chain is way too much weight for us. I'd like to cut down to 15' and 250' rode. We can get into very shallow water for anchoring.

Thanks to all for the input. I'll look at my pics to see if I have one of the join.

[thinwater]

Google "irony splice." It is a long splice for chain-to-rope. Basically, only 2 strands go through the chain and the other is mated like a long splice. A little trickier to make (strands need to be balanced and everything snug). but just as strong and very smooth through the windlass.

[JOHNMARDALL]

8 strand braided nylon is more expensive than 3 strand twist but there's no comparison, the brait is so much better. It grabs the Gypsy better, feeds better, doesn't form hockles and lies flat in the chain locker, unlike the bird's nest of twist. As others have said, the rope- chain splice must be made in accordance with the recommendations of the windlass and rope manufacturers.
Best Regards
John Mardall
Vetus Maxwell Group

[reed1v]

Originally Posted by LeeV

Our 36' tri came with a windlass up front, to which was led 20' of chain and 250' of rode (rope). The problem occurs when the rope meets the windlass; everything stops!

Does anybody have a solution?

Get more chain, at least 100' of it.

[reed1v]

Originally Posted by JOHNMARDALL

8 strand braided nylon is more expensive than 3 strand twist but there's no comparison, the brait is so much better. It grabs the Gypsy better, feeds better, doesn't form hockles and lies flat in the chain locker, unlike the bird's nest of twist. As others have said, the rope- chain splice must be made in accordance with the recommendations of the windlass and rope manufacturers.
Best Regards
John Mardall
Vetus Maxwell Group

Obviously from someone who does not sail. Do not use braided. No stretch; and you need stretch to absorb wave shock so you do not pull out the anchor.

[smj]

Originally Posted by reed1v

Get more chain, at least 100' of it.

I doubt he wants to do that as he's on a lightweight performance trimaran.


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by reed1v

Obviously from someone who does not sail. Do not use braided. No stretch; and you need stretch to absorb wave shock so you do not pull out the anchor.

Obviously from someone who does not know about anchor lines.

https://www.jimmygreen.co.uk/product...g/anchor-warps

[reed1v]

Originally Posted by smj

I doubt he wants to do that as he's on a lightweight performance trimaran.


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

There are high performance, light weight(relative to other chains) chains. For the strength of a fiber line, could go to a small diameter chain and get more strength, more abrasion resistance, and easier stowage.

[powsmias]

Originally Posted by reed1v

Obviously from someone who does not sail. Do not use braided. No stretch; and you need stretch to absorb wave shock so you do not pull out the anchor.

I was informed that 8 strand braid was needed for my rope/chain splice for the windlass i use. isn't the stretch picked up by the bridle?