Anchor Rode

[SSI / NH]

Originally Posted by Hydra

SSI / NH,
Even if I don't intend to change the Nylon part of my rodes soon, I would like to know which grade / diameter of Spectra or Dyneema you would recommend for a 30', 3,5t sailing yacht.

Alain

Considering that most chain up to 5/16" (8mm) has a breaking strength of 7,600lbs, as long as you exceed that your good. I personally like the Dynex Dux because it's stronger, impregnated with Durocoat for added abrasion resistance, plus using a smaller diameter than most the others. It's hard as a rock when you first get it but once used it softens up.

Single braid rope would be great as anchor line because as tension is applied the rope collapses on the other strains making is a hard a and durable.

Check out the Easy Pull Anchor Rode it might be what your looking for.

[tamicatana]

Dux was invented for trawls and heavy duty anchoring and mooring:
/ Products

But I am curious to know whether anyone's using brait (8-strand). As I understand it, it's strong and lays quite nicely in storage.

[Mantus Anchors]

Tami there is no reason not to use eight strand nylon, strength wise it is similar to same size three strand, it has a little less stretch but that might be just fine if you are using for the anchor rode, on the bridle you might want to stick with three strand (bc you need as much elasticity as you can get on the bridle), and as you say its easier to handle.
Greg

[s/v Jedi]

Yes my secondary rode is 400 feet of 1.25" 8-strand nylon braid, spliced onto 22 feet of 3/8" chain. It stores as compact as it can get and never ever jams or knots up in a mess. Stretch is plenty, the only negative is the higher price.

ciao!
Nick.

[GordMay]

FWIW: Wet Nylon fibre loses about 10% of its strength, and wet nylon ropes can lose up to 15 - 20% of their strength. The full strength is regained when the rope dries out.
Splices are preferred to knotted rope, since, while a knot reduces the strength by as much as 40% (ie: bowline) or more; some splices can retain up to 95% of the strength of the line.

[zeehag]

i LOVE watching yacht braid snap under load. i use 3 strand when i have to use rope for rode. wont snap as readily.

[Kettlewell]

Nylon rope loses more like 15-20% of its strength when thoroughly wet. Marine rope manufacturers use coatings that help to minimize strength loss. You can easily compensate for this in rope by going up one size, if there is need for that level of strength.

[delmarrey]

Originally Posted by tamif27

Dux was invented for trawls and heavy duty anchoring and mooring:
/ Products

But I am curious to know whether anyone's using brait (8-strand). As I understand it, it's strong and lays quite nicely in storage.

I use a multiplait 5/8" rode w/60' of chain. The 3 strand ALWAYS trys to untwist when under load, which twists the chain, causing the chain to not pay in/out right in the gypsy. Almost lost a mast in an emergency situation (under a bridge) once b/c of the chain binding in the hosepipe (twisted).

I've gone multiplait and will never go back!!

[cfarrar]

Does anyone know a brand and source for polyester 8-plait (aka Octoplait) in the U.S.? Alternatively, does anyone use a 12-plait polyester rode like NE Ropes Regatta braid?

Colin

[delmarrey]

Originally Posted by cfarrar

Does anyone know a brand and source for polyester 8-plait (aka Octoplait) in the U.S.? Alternatively, does anyone use a 12-plait polyester rode like NE Ropes Regatta braid?

Colin

Here's where I got my 12 plait, at the best price around locally. But they only have one type of chain available.
Anchorlift - Chains & Ropes

But others, 8 plait...........
Nylon Brait / Eight - Strand Plaited Nylon Rope | Yale Cordage

Rope Inc. Catalog Premium Nylon Lines

[delmarrey]

BTW I believe, anyone that carries the AnchorLift brand can order just the 12 plait rode w/o chain. Or you could buy the shortest chain and cut it off, for its price.

[cfarrar]

Thanks! I already have some 8-plaited Nylon rode. It handles well, doesn't hockle, and stores easily. Still, I'd like to try polyester. The funny thing is that 8-plait polyester appears to be common in Europe and NZ/Oz, but no one stocks it in the U.S.

I guess I could order some 8-plait polyester from the UK. Or maybe I use NE Ropes's 12-plait Regatta braid, instead?

[Paul Elliott]

For what it's worth, I've ordered from Rope Inc on several occasions and have been pleased with their service and quality. I don't see a polyester 8-plait in their catalog though.

[cfarrar]

It looks like Machovec has a wide selection of rope at good prices. I don't see 8-strand polyester, but they do carry a few different 12-strand poly ropes.

[Jim Cate]

While the strength of the Dyneema family of cordage is wonderful, I have a reservation about using it for anchor rode: the stuff floats! Thus, when the wind and current don't put any stress on the system, there could be heaps of your slack rode floating on the surface. This is asking for trouble with passing power vessels, be they dinghies, tinnies full of oblivious fishermen or motorboats looking for a good spot to anchor (near you, the obviously expert cruising sailor). The Dyneema may be tough enough to not be cut by their props, but it's still a bad situation to get it wrapped around someone's prop.

As of yet I haven't tried winching uncovered Dyneema, but I wonder how many extra wraps around the winch barrel are required... the stuff is so damn slippery! Anyone with experience in this??

Cheers,

Jim