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BozSail · 10-06-2013, 02:32

What is a chain hook used for?

charliehows · 10-06-2013, 02:41

not dumb, honest. I use mine to transfer the load of a set anchor from the bow roller to the fairlead. So, drop the anchor, chain hook is on a heavy rope which goes through the fairlead, tied on the samson post, hook the chain, let out a good loop of chain through the roller til it almost hangs in the water. Saves a lot of wear and tear on the bow roller.

**noelex 77** · 10-06-2013, 03:03

It is used to attach rope snubber to the chain.

The snubber stops the load on the windlass (if you have not got a chain stopper) and gives some stretch to the anchor rode.

A snubber should always be used except in light conditions, but some prefer to tie the snubber to the chain in which case a chain hook is not needed.

BozSail · 10-06-2013, 04:29

So with a combination chain/rope rode, what's the best way to tie off the rope rode to take pressure off the anchor windlass? Although, this does nothing to take pressure off the bow roller. It seems as though it would be difficult to tie off the rope rode, because there is tension on the rope (and the windlass) after setting the anchor. Will just letting out more rode take the tension off enough to be able to tie off the rope rode to a bow cleat?

I installed a new anchor winch over the winter with a new rode of 30 feet chain and 270 feet of rope and haven't used it yet. I also have a new Mantus 45 lb. anchor. Previously I had a Danforth anchor with 15 feet of chain and 240 feet of rope which could be handled manually, and that setup worked fine in and around Long Island Sound. Although I'm glad to be rid of that manual effort. (At 67 I'm not as hearty as I once was.)

savoir · 10-06-2013, 04:51

There is a recent thread on this and it is very detailed. Take a look. In your case the snubber must be tied to the anchor rode with a knot such as a rolling hitch. There are other similar knots.

You can avoid the need for a snubber by taking the rode off the capstan and putting it on a cleat. Snubbers are really for all chain systems.

**noelex 77** · 10-06-2013, 04:52

If you let out a bit more rode the tension will come off long enough to cleat the rope off on a suitable strong cleat. Try and do this before setting as the anchor windlass gears are not designed to take a heavy load.
Some people still use a snubber even with mainly rope rode as it gives you a backup, and eliminates chafe on the rode. The snubber can also be thinner and nylon so you have a bit more stretch than in the main rode.
Its worth at least considering this in stronger winds.

**s/v Jedi** · 10-06-2013, 04:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by savoir

There is a recent thread on this and it is very detailed. Take a look. In your case the snubber must be tied to the anchor rode with a knot such as a rolling hitch. There are other similar knots.

You can avoid the need for a snubber by taking the rode off the capstan and putting it on a cleat. Snubbers are really for all chain systems.

Oh no,I disagree with that completely! You should use a snubber to take up the load and keep the anchor rode from chafing.

savoir · 10-06-2013, 06:08

All you are doing is replacing one nylon rope with another nylon rope.

**skipmac** · 10-06-2013, 06:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by savoir

All you are doing is replacing one nylon rope with another nylon rope.

Well certainly. That's the point. Replace your long, expensive nylon anchor rode with a short, cheap, easy to replace snubber. So when (not if) the line is chaffed you replace the snubber and you have not compromised you main anchor rode.

**noelex 77** · 10-06-2013, 06:40

Its not wise to rely on one rope holding the boat overnight. All anchorages have some debris on the bottom.
If you only have have short length of rope out that does not reach the bottom you are probably going to need a longer snubber for stretch.

goboatingnow · 10-06-2013, 06:44

Quote:

Its not wise to rely on one rope holding the boat overnight. All anchorages have some debris on the bottom.

I dont understand that remark Noelex. if you have a combination rode/chain. you only have "one rope", the snubber is not a total replacement for the rope part of the rode

dave

**noelex 77** · 10-06-2013, 06:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

, the snubber is not a total replacement for the rope part of the rode

dave

If anchoring overnight it should be IMHO.

I dive on a lot of anchorages and its amazing what is down there.

This is the main reason most cruising boats that anchor overnight generally use all chain.
If weight prevents you doing this, two ropes are good insurance.

**Cotemar** · 10-06-2013, 07:03

Maybe this will help.

zeehag · 10-06-2013, 07:06

take this as you wish--but, facts are that boats out cruising with chain to rope rode break loose. i know only one that didnt to date.
some folks need to experience things to understand them. is all good...
when there is a semi rocky bottom, you will break away and go walk about. if you dont have any respect for your home, use rope to chain rode.
enjoy and happy sails.

i use a snubber to keep the sprit from bearing all the load and pull from wind and swells....makes a difference. it also keeps chain away from bobstay nicely. reduces yaw somewhat, as i use a bridle which uses both sides of my bow........