anchor line for 18 ft sail/row boat

[sea dragon]

I just built an 18 ft cruising dinghy.(Seabright 18)
I just bought 2 anchors for it:
9 lb rocna & 4lb Fortress
And 18 ft of high test 1/4 " chain for each set up.
I'm planning on getting 2 100 ft lengths of 3 strand Nylon line.
My question is:
I am thinking that 1/2" line would be best as far as handling is concerned.
I know it's heavier and bulkier than 3/8"
I'm sure 3/8 is strong enough but, I feel like it would kill your hands using it in cold water.
Does anyone prefer 3/8 inch line & why?
The boat weighs about 6-700 lbs empty.
So about twice that fully loaded with 2 aboard.
Thanks for any opinions.
Sailing area is San Juans,Gulf islands & Lower B.C.

[HopCar]

You can’t anchor with rope! It must be all chain! Your anchors need to be at least twice as large!

Just kidding! I’ve used 3/8” rode on very light boats like canoes but I agree with your logic for using 1/2”. Much easier to handle.

[hugosalt]

Considering space/working room would be of concern, suggest you look into some
8 Plait/braid rode. Will store away in less than half space required for 3 strand and does not hockle.
Thinking ?? with a pair of heavy leather gloves 3/8 may be tolerated.
East coast US sailor here so really don't know but at times you might want/need longer
rode. Maybe eyes/thimble on both lengths to combine if needed.

[Nord Sal]

I'd use 3/8" for that size of boat. I've never had a problem whatsoever pulling anchor in smaller boats with it.

[sea dragon]

Originally Posted by hugosalt

Considering space/working room would be of concern, suggest you look into some
8 Plait/braid rode. Will store away in less than half space required for 3 strand and does not hockle.
Thinking ?? with a pair of heavy leather gloves 3/8 may be tolerated.
East coast US sailor here so really don't know but at times you might want/need longer
rode. Maybe eyes/thimble on both lengths to combine if needed.

I will look into 8 strand rope.Maybe I will go to the marine store and have a look at the different types.
Yes, the idea is that the 2 lengths of line could be tied/shackled together when needed, but most of the time a hundred feet would be plenty

[sea dragon]

Originally Posted by Nord Sal

I'd use 3/8" for that size of boat. I've never had a problem whatsoever pulling anchor in smaller boats with it.

What type 3/8 line would you use for anchor line?
Braid, 8 strand, 3 strand?
And what size/type would be good for a long shore line?
I'm new to small boats.
My 40 ft Trimaran is a completly different animal.All lines are big
Space is definitly at a premium on the little boat, but I don't want to scrimp on ground tackle

[JPA Cate]

I think that 1/2 inch 3 strand would be overkill for a 700 lb. boat. Go with the 3/8" three strand nylon. If your sailing area is such that you'd need more than 118 ft for 5:1 scope, then the suggestion to make it easy to use double length rode makes some sense, but then what to you do if you need your 2nd anchor, so maybe carry some spare line, based on the deepest place you might anchor it. Mostly, little boats don't require too much, and you tie them ashore, unless you're out fishing.

Ann

[Don C L]

I like the idea of the 8 plait/braid. Second choice is 1/2" which is of course overkill, but comfort in handling will make it worth it after a while, at least for me it does.