Anchor rode brand

[Gulfislander]

Hi All, I've just installed my new windlass and am ready to purchase the anchor rode. I have my 5/16 high test chain but I'm having troubles deciding which brand of anchor rope to purchase. Is there really a difference between Marlow, New England, and Samson? Thanks in advance for the help.

Dustin

[Pblais]

Is there really a difference between Marlow, New England, and Samson? Thanks in advance for the help.

Sure there is but does it matter? If you look at the size and the specs I think you will find any of these vendors are truthful. Price varies by geographic location as well as currency values. They all are equally reputable being world class rope manufacturers.

[GordMay]

What Paul said.

[jzk]

There seems to be quite a few deals on new anchor rode on ebay. Too risky or good deal?

[Pblais]

eBay has many people selling items. ebay as an organization does really know anything about the items for sale. The vendors on ebay offer evrything and some vendors are more deceptive than others. Finding out the details of any purchace is always a good idea. You can post questions to any vendor and it's always a good thing to do first.

"Anchor Rode" is not all the same so you need to enquire about the details. You can generally find a lot of cheap deals for 1/2 inch rode even in local discount stores. It's fine for a small runabout power boat but not much else. If they can't disclose the exact details that you can verify I would pass. Big name rope makers also make cheap rope too in addition to the premium ropes you might be seeking.

[Gulfislander]

Thank you for the info. Regarding rope size, I have been told by 3 of my local chandleries that all I need is 9/16 for my 31 ft Niagara. I want to get the right size and there comment is that with the lewmar pro series 1000 that I have, 9/16 is stong enough and has a better chain to rope splice???? Any thought.

[cabo_sailor]

I seem to recall a Practical Sailor test on rodes - if memory serves they recommended New England. Pricier than the rest but lasted a great deal longer.

[GordMay]

I’d agree that 9/16" dia. Rope (3-Strand or 5/8" 8-Plait) should be adequate for an 8500 lb boat, which should match up to the #504 Gypsy utilized on the Lewmar Pro Series (1000) windlass.

[GMac]

Lewmar 1000 - 5/16" chain to 9/16" Samson Pro-set and spliced well will work like a dream or so the 100 odd I've done have.

Don't worry about the splice, assuming it's done well, strength is not an issue. But do keep an eye on it as more often than not it is the first part of the rode to give grief. It'll stiffen a bit over time and from use and should be checked now and again. Resplice after 3 years just for the peace of mind.