2 anchors- 2 snubbers?

[wizoc]

With two anchors set do you still use a snubber and if you do is it one or two?

[Mike OReilly]

Hmmm, never really thought about it. My two secondary rodes are chain to rope, so my snubbers are built in.

[billknny]

Any time you are anchored on chain, you need a snubber, and one that is long enough to actually absorb some shock load.

If anchor "A" and anchor "B" are both chain rodes, you need two snubbers.

If anchor "A" and anchor "B" are both rope rodes, you need no snubbers.

If anchor "A" is has chain rode and anchor "B" has rope rode you need one snubber. (on anchor "A" obviously...)

[thinwater]

Actually, it's more complicated than that. It depends on how the anchors are placed and the situation.

• If a relatively narrow V, 2 snubbers (or a rope rode). Often one anchor will carry the load.
• If shore ties, often non-stretch line reduces bouncing, so long as the main anchor has a snubber and it is tensioned. There are no waves coming from the direction of the shore!
• Med moor. Probably not. If the rode stretches you are probably leaning on your neighbor or banging on the quay. If there are waves you need to leave!
• Fore-aft anchoring. Depends. If the space is really tight stretch can be bad.

Generally all-chain is a pain for the secondary rode. Too hard to move around and fewer rigging alternatives (you will tangle in an epic way if the boat spins). Do you have two windlasses and two chain lockers?

[Don C L]

Hmmm haven’t seen a boat with 2 all chain rides off the bow in a lot of years. Did you mean bow and stern?

[wizoc]

It is a dual anchor locker.

[thinwater]

Originally Posted by wizoc

It is a dual anchor locker.

In most cases (narrow V) you do NOT want the rode to go in the anchor locker. You would, in fact, be better off without it IMO.

Instead, terminate the secondary rode to the main rode ~ 5-20 feet from the boat. In this way, if the boat spins, the rodes will not tangle because the main rode can absorb the twist. I've done this many, many times.

For example, if you are in 8 feet of water, place the second anchor (probably from a dingy) about 30 feet to one side of the primary anchor. Set it lightly by pulling on the rode (about 75 feet) from the main boat. Then ease the main boat back a little and attach the secondary rode (only 75 feet long) to the main rode with a soft shackle through a link or something similar. Then ease back to 10:1 scope and power back hard on both anchors. (Assuming you are expecting big wind--that is the only reason you would set 2 anchors in a V. I'm also assuming the bottom is soft mud with poor holding, the other common reason you might want two anchors.)

Because only one rode comes over the roller... no tangles. Additionally, the anchors are better positioned to support each other.

There are a lot more details, but this is the general idea.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, wizoc.

Originally Posted by billknny

Any time you are anchored on (connected to) chain, you need a snubber, and one that is long enough to actually absorb some shock load...

Indeed.