www.iFourWinns.com

How long of chain should you use when using a combination of chain and rope?

Had a hard time getting the anchor to catch this weekend with only the rope. Felt like the rope was pulling to high on the anchor for it to bite properly. Hopefully the chain will weigh it down at one end for it to do its job properly.

Not quite sure if the length of chain makes any difference or the actual proper way to set up your anchor.

Thanks for the heads up.

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97 258 vista 7.4 VP/DP......... 2008 GMC Yukon XL Denali


96 sundowner 5.7 vp/sx (SOLD)

The length of chain depends on the size and the conditions. My H260 has a 8' piece of vinyl coated 3/8" chain. My H200 had a 10' of 5/16" galvanized. It doesn't hurt to buy too long and shorten it if you think it's excessive.

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Marc, Kathlin & Nathalie


'89 Chaparral Laser 32

'93 Vista 245, 5.8L w/ King Cobra

Former Boats
'01 H260, 7.4 VP Duoprop
'98 H200, 5.0 GL w/VP SX drive

I use 8' of galvanized chain and have no problems. In addition to chain make sure that you are using an anchor that is appropriate for the bottom conditions. West Marine has useful guide.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/WestAdvisorView?langId=-1&storeId=11151&catalogId=10001&page=Selecting-the-Right-Anchor

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Martin
04 268 Vista - Knot Again
08 Boston Whaler 130 Sport - Double Good
Previous Boat:
97 278 Vista - Buoy Howdy

If you can afford the weight, go all chain and forget the rope!!!

My current set up is 20' of chain. Old boat a 6' length worked well. But remember this all depends on bottom terrain, type of anchor, scope, ect.....
I would guess that for a boat your size a length of '8 to 20' of chain will work well.

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2000 248 5.7L DP
'92, '94 SXI 750, '08 STX 15F, '12 Ultra LX 300
Videos

I use no chain and have never had a problem.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

Rule of thumb that's worked well for us, use a chain length equal to the overall length of your boat.

IIRC, I'm running 15-20' of 3/8" chain. IMO, you can not have enough chain and rope. The chain helps keep you anchor set. This would almost certainly help your anchor holding issue. Also, you can powerset (I think that's what it's called) your anchor. Basically you drop it, let out some rope, tie it off, and put your boat in reverse to set the anchor into the bottom (obviosly be careful). West marine has a good article on setting anchors.

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'99 Horizon 200

As JAK says the rule of thumb is one boat length of chain. I have 25' for 37' boat. More is always better on setting and holding but worse on hauling up and hauling around, it's heavy.

My trick is drop lots of scope while backing very slowly, let the boat settle in and the wind place the boat. Then backdown to set the anchor. Now if I have too much scope, I cheat it back.

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2008 V358 Two-tone Blue V/P Dual Prop 320 HP
Lake Winnipesaukee, NH

How deep were you, how much rode did you have out, etc?

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2002 Funship 214
VP 5.7 GX Si
2003 Tahoe

Was around 10 to 12 feet had about 30 feet of loose.

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97 258 vista 7.4 VP/DP......... 2008 GMC Yukon XL Denali


96 sundowner 5.7 vp/sx (SOLD)

Not knowing anything about the conditions (current, sandy bottom, swells if you were in the ocean, etc), it's hard to say except that it sounds like you just didn't have enough scope. If you had more chain (as much as the length of your boat, as others have mentioned) that scope may have worked OK.
You typically want somewhere between 5:1 and 10:1 - so in 10' you'd be looking at 50' to 100' of rode. Seems like a lot, and isn't always neccessary depending on conditions, but that's the rule.....
More chain helps keep the anchor on the bottom, but weight is the trade-off. I use my boat as a dive platform in the ocean - I want to make sure it is still there when I come back up so I have about 25' of chain and 250' of line so that I can be sure that I have enough when I need it.

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2002 Funship 214
VP 5.7 GX Si
2003 Tahoe

All depends on type of bottom you are trying to hook to.

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I assume you are using the danforth style or similar anchor....i personally opted for the next size up for my boat. It's a little heavier and wider, but still fits perfectly in the anchor storage compartment. I use a lead chain, but only about 6' or 7' of it and have had no issues. Only time I have anchored is to swim though and in fair to good weather - sandy bottom.

FYI - I know where there is a setup just like mine for free....in about 20' of water in the center of a cove in Somerville, Tx....PM me and I will draw you a map...oh, don't use quick connect rings to attach the rope to the chain lead! Your crew may get a laugh, but the results pretty much suck.

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http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o71 ... wqm355.jpg


08' H210SS
VP 5.7Gi

Thanks for all the tips.

I am using a traditional anchor right now but I think I will switch for a plow type.

I was reading on a couple of anchor sites and seems that traditional anchors are mostly used for sandy bottoms and plow types are good for any type of bedding you come across.

Now since I have a 26 foot boat should I go with a 14 pounder that is good for boats 21' to 31' or 22 pounder for 25' to 41'?

No mater what model or make there seems to be a 50$ difference between the both of them.

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97 258 vista 7.4 VP/DP......... 2008 GMC Yukon XL Denali


96 sundowner 5.7 vp/sx (SOLD)

I use one of these: http://www.cheneanchor.com/ . I've never used a chain. I drop it, tie off, and relax. Never had a problem setting or releasing, it's lightweight, and fits my anchor locker.

It all depends on bottom conditions, though.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic