Chain Length vs Weight - How much is enough?

[ramblinrod]

The general rule for minimum chain length, is equal to boat length. The size, we’ll get what is easily available but 3/8” would be a decent choice for your boat. Is all chain rode better? If one has the means to get it back aboard. If you don’t have a windlass and have no intention of getting one, a 30 kg anchor and 300 ft of G40 wouldn’t be a good idea. First deep water deployment will see you skidding across the foredeck before you get sucked through the bow roller as all the chain pays out at 100 ft/sec.

[StoneCrab]

Rod,
Thanks for the chuckle along with the advice.

[mlydon]

In my last boat (allied seawind 32) i used 60ft of chain on a 300' 8-plait anchor road with great success. In really shallow water, you dont need to let out any line, plenty of scope in total, the chain length made for good catenary, and i had a chain/rope combo gypsy.

The 8-plait packs down nice and compactly, and not too much weight overall

In combination with a latest generation anchor (mantus, rocna, etc.) i slept quite soundly in the northeast to marthas vinyard, as its all sand/mud.

I u deratand up in maine you need all chain due to the rocky bottoms

Matt