Is my chain rode too small?

[Stu Jackson]

Here's some more information for you to consider:

Ground Tackle & Anchor System Sizing TABLES & Swivels

[donradcliffe]

Originally Posted by NorthPacific

I have a Dufour 35. heading south to the South Pacific. I have 3/8 bbb. can I upgrade the chain, without changing the windless gear? Hoping to buy one of those new Rocna anchors.

If your bbb chain is in good condition, its fine for your boat. You should have a minimum of 200 ft for the coral anchorages, 250 ft is better.

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by NorthPacific

I have a Dufour 35. heading south to the South Pacific. I have 3/8 bbb. can I upgrade the chain, without changing the windless gear? Hoping to buy one of those new Rocna anchors.

Be careful, some chain is different slightly in size. Best to buy a foot and see how it fits your windlass. 3/8 BBB should be plenty big for your boat though and will corrode less than G4.

[NorthPacific]

Thank you for the posts the fog is clearing! Getting ready to go cruising. A buddy on the next slip stuck a bloody big rocna on his Catalina 36. It dwarfs my CQR! So I have been reading about these Rocna jobs, seem to be the wonder drug!

So I can use much stronger G40 3/8 chain if my gypsy will allow? So now to figure that out.

Cheers all for the advice.

[Cheechako]

Just as a point of Ref: MY 47 foot 35000 lb boat had 3/8 G4 on it, as did my 44 foot heavy boat.....

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by NorthPacific

Thank you for the posts the fog is clearing! Getting ready to go cruising. A buddy on the next slip stuck a bloody big rocna on his Catalina 36. It dwarfs my CQR! So I have been reading about these Rocna jobs, seem to be the wonder drug!

So I can use much stronger G40 3/8 chain if my gypsy will allow? So now to figure that out.

Cheers all for the advice.

The AREA of the new generation anchors is FAR higher than the old ones. Regardless of the rollbars!

The CQR is a rock on a rode.

Anchors & TEST Results of New Generation Anchors EXCELLENT & Important

Read the whole thing.

Let the anchor wars begin, yet again.

[NorthPacific]

Great info and I really appreciate the advice. Thanks Steve

[NorthPacific]

So my Sailing has been limited to the fiords of the Northern BC and Alaskan coast for the last 25+ years. To be honest I sleep very lightly at anchor. I have a halyard that when tied correctly starts to slap the mast at 20knots. That is my time to get up and start the anchor watch.

So on the occasion when the wind does get up, to strong gale or storm force and I start to worry, my usual procedure is to use the engine to take the strain of the anchor if I have any fear of dragging. Dragging in my neck of the woods means you are in deep water or on the rocks within seconds.

Since my cruising ground is going to change, I do need to change my rode. More chain and since I can not afford to change everything on my boat, I guess I will continue with my trusted halyard.:-)

[AiniA]

Originally Posted by NorthPacific

Thank you for the posts the fog is clearing! Getting ready to go cruising. A buddy on the next slip stuck a bloody big rocna on his Catalina 36. It dwarfs my CQR! So I have been reading about these Rocna jobs, seem to be the wonder drug!

So I can use much stronger G40 3/8 chain if my gypsy will allow? So now to figure that out.

Cheers all for the advice.

If your currrent BBB chain is in decent condition (physical inspection should do) then you do not need to get new chain, the BBB is more than adequate for your boat. Spend your money for a better anchor. One of the new generation (Rocna, Manson Supreme, Spade, SARCA) is the way to go. We have a Mansor and it has been terrific - and this is not to say that the others would be worse. I have had CQR and Bruce anchors in the past and the Manson is much better and we have anchored in some dicey spots (Easter Island comes to mind).

[NorthPacific]

^ I agree about the anchor, Mansor have that tripping slot? Spade seem to have some good test results.

Still think that I have to add chain to my rode because of the coral. will have to trust in a c-link I think.

[noelex 77]

Originally Posted by NorthPacific

Still think that I have to add chain to my rode because of the coral. will have to trust in a c-link I think.

Have a look at this web site written by a very practical engineer on different c-links.
C-links

[NorthPacific]

Cheers! found this dated post as well not everything is as it seems.
ACCO C link chain connectors from West Marine - WARNING - Yachting and Boating World Forums

Guess who invested in 100ft of acco 3g 2 years ago thinking it was good stuff:-( maybe not bother changing any thing and just buy more booze for when the wind blows!