Anchor Cable

[David M]

Wire has to be stored on a drum. Chain can be dumped down a spill pipe into a chain locker below deck. It's a matter of convenience, weight distribution and room.

[Mark1977]

Originally Posted by boasun

Actually I measure from finger tip of the right hand to the finger tip of the left hand when the arms are out stretched to the side. That is One fathom. When measuring line and having to hold the line in each hand, I add a couple of inches due to the fingers being curled around said line. And that is close enough for Government's work. And seeing how I use to work for the Government, There is no problem in the measurement.

I use this technique as well for measuring rope for fishing trawls.

[nwdiver]

It’s very common in BC on 35-45ft salmon fishing boats, but they use hydraulic drums to roll it in and out on the fore deck. It is easier to handle than chain on the drum and much cheaper, it is normally very greasy to extend its life. I could see its use on some heavier industrial style boats. It will not store off a drum, I have seen it all tangled and dumped on a dock when it was not rolled on properly and got a kink in it and had to be replaced.

[SSI / NH]

I found this but it's a lot of chain....
Vetus Denouden DEN CHAIN1010 Boat Anchor Chain Galv. Chain 10Mm Din 766 - 330Ft