Chain vs nylon anchor rode

S

Squid1962

GreatGrady Captain
Joined
Jan 5, 2021
Messages
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Location
South Coast MA
Model
Express 330
I have a 330 express whose anchor tackle in 30’ of chain and the test three strand. I was thinking of changing it out and replace with all chain.

Pros, cons?
 
Squid1962 said:
I have a 330 express whose anchor tackle in 30’ of chain and the test three strand. I was thinking of changing it out and replace with all chain.

Pros, cons?
Click to expand...
Chain is heavy & bulky - are you having a problem holding? What anchor do you have? I would suggest more chain, but not all chain. I have a 2003 330 Express, with a Delta 22 lb. anchor, 50 ft. of 1/4" HT chain and 300' of 8 plait nylon line. With this configuration, I have never had a problem holding.
 
One of the ex owners of my 306 Canyon put all SS chain, but honestly i have no idea how much as i never anchor.
Yes chain is bulky and heavy but the advantage is/can be
  1. chain only use less distance between boat and anchor due the amortising effect of the chain
  2. additional weight in the front chain locker can be beneficial for boats COG
  3. all chain should work better with a windlass than chain and rope
  4. a correct installed windlass should drop the chain in such manner that it deploys without tangles
For not too deep, less than 20 ft anchor depth i would get chain only, if you need to anchor deeper then chain alone will become too heavy and bulky so a mix is probably the better solution.
Having only +/- 60 ft of chain can be dangerous as it can be too less to anchor in case of a emergency and far enought from the braking waves.

If your actual system works well then just leave it as it is.

Chris
 
One thing to consider is if you don't use all SS chain,(and it's spendy) the anchor hold will become a terrible rusty mess after a few years soaking in salt. Even hot dipped galvanize will fall victim.
 
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