Samson or New England?

[Fritz Koschmann]

I am going to replace my anchor rode and have used Samson Pro-Set three strand in the past. New England Ropes Premium Three Strand is quite a bit more expensive. Is The New England rope worth the extra cost?

[Concordia...41]

Fritz - have you looked at Yale's Brait?

http://www.yalecordage.com

http://www.yalecordage.com/html/pdf/anchoring_tech.pdf

And here's a thread from the Cruisers' Forum:

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f118/conveniently-stowed-nylon-plait-anchor-rode-4798.html

BTW - I really enjoyed the NPR article you linked to on the cruise ship aground thread.

- M

[Bill Perkins]

Thanks for the Brait links Margo . The 3/8th diam. I could justify for my launch . I didn't know it came that small . After reading the Cruising Forum thread I estimate that 150 ft. of the 3/8th brait would fit in a stuff sack 9in. in diameter and 18 in. high . This is great if true .

I'm thinking I would lead the bitter end out the bottom of the bag and secure to something solid . Then the seldom used anchor would be ready for instant deployment with the least possible chance of a foul up . My main concern is quickly anchoring if I lose power in rough water and am being driven ashore : a real danger in one spot I operate .

[Scott Rosen]

I use the New England 5/8" nylon three-strand for my anchor rode. I like it a lot. It has a looser lay than some of the others, which makes it easy to handle. Mine is over five years old, and still looks fresh. The fibers seem slippery, so chafe is less of a problem.

By the way, your ground tackle is the most important item of safety equipment on your boat (aside from your brain). No point in economizing here.