Anchoring, rode , chain etc.

[Toxophilite]

For my Shellback Dinghy I was using a 1/4" nylon 3 strand and I had about 3' of galvanized chain on a lightweight Danforth anchor. I was never anchoring overnight, mostly in shallow water off beaches, while swimming , picnicking, off loading camping gear etc.
I have about 110' of the 3 strand and pretty well have never used it all, maybe half.
It seemed to hold well.

Can I use this same rig on my 180lbs. slightly bigger Gartside 130?
I did double the chain length and so far it seems to hold well for the above applications.

It would be nice to have something to feel comfortable anchoring overnight with.
I was contemplating going up to 5/16" line and a heavier Danforth I have, maybe keep a small grapnel handy for a clothesline if needed.

There seems to be a roughly 4.5 m tidal range in my immediate sailing area

Overkill?

[Boatsbgood]

Well, 1/4" is probably strong enough, but bigger line is easier to grab and pull...one factor to consider.

[Canoeyawl]

I never use chain for small craft, it just collects mud, dings up the finish, in smaller sizes it doesn't weigh enough (under water) to do any good and chafe is a non issue, you are not going to stay in any one place long enough to wear through your rode.

[Toxophilite]

but.. but.. chain is so manly!

[Woxbox]

The actual working strength of 1/4" nylon varies a lot. That being said, if an anchor line does give, it's more likely thanks to chafe than actually exceeding the strength of the rode. I always put at least 6 feet of chain on an anchor, and prefer a boats' length. That's a lot of tide you have to deal with. You'll sleep better with the bigger anchor and some chain -- and make sure the rode runs cleanly over the side.

[willin woodworks]

Agreed, I think a boat's length of chain is the minimum.

[johngsandusky]

I think I used to use a four pound Danforth on my 20' sloop. 8# on my 26' yawl. They were sufficient. There are better grades of that style anchor, the ones with beveled edges set and hold better in my experience. For a dinghy I wouldn't use any anchor I couldn't toss a ways.

[Breakaway]

Anchoring is different in different places for different people with different boats. There are general guidelines, but its best to find out what works locally and for you.

Your proposed set up sounds reasonable for the boat in question. Take the boat out on a gusty day with the tide running. Anchor over the type of bottom you mostly project anchoring in during your camping trips.

If the hook sets readily and holds fast and you stay put for a couple hours, you are good. It wont matter if it's overnight or not, it is now tested to hold. Establishing that, you can, if you like, even try removing the chain, or swapping a lighter hook or a different style.

If your proposed set up does not hold, assuming you have scoped out enough rode, try a heavier anchor, different style anchor, more chain, etc, until you find what works.

Kevin

[Thad Van Gilder]

I am not a big fan of chain for small craft. its easy to slip on and its hard to store well.

[Bobcat]

As for chain, it depends how you store your anchor rode.

I recently made up a lunch hook: 11 pound Claw anchor, 6 feet of chain, and 150 feet of 3/8 line. It all sorts in a bucket with the anchor on top.

The chain is no issue

[WI-Tom]

^^^ I agree. I stow my anchor (an old Northill 6R, 12 lbs) in a folded-up Crazy Creek chair, on top of 100' of 1/4" 3-strand rode, and about 12' of chain. No problems with anything banging around at all.

I think the chain is useful not just for chafe, but for establishing a better angle on the anchor to help with holding power.

Tom

[Woxbox]

I think the chain is useful not just for chafe, but for establishing a better angle on the anchor to help with holding power.

That's exactly it. The weight of the chain keeps the shank on the bottom; the pull is always sideways -- no chance of lifting the flukes and breaking them free.

[Autonomous]

I have about 230' 3/8" three strand nylon rode along with 6' of chain which is way stronger than my 17' dinghy needs and it's bulky. Oversize nylon won't give the spring I want either. It will be retired soon, just need to decide with what.

5/16' line has about 0.7 times the mass-bulk-strength of 3/8" line and would be more manageable to stow.
1/4" three strand is actually strong enough at 45% of 3/8" or 64% of 5/16". FWIW the boat will not be left unattended for any significant duration. I also suspect 1/4" polyester three strand would give as much spring as oversized nylon.
I should learn about the nylon-poly blend three strand options too.

The anchor is a 2 1/2# Mantus which fits neatly in the bilge.

[Canoeyawl]

You kinda, sorta don't want it to float, a powered skiff will mess it up your good nights sleep...

[Autonomous]

The nylon-poly I assume is polyester which has a specific gravity heavier than water. Is it polypro?
Not impressed with what I see on a quick search. Don't see how two materials with different stretch characteristics could share a load evenly, doesn't mean they can't though.
Edit: Ordered 1/4" nylon three strand.