Short amount of anchor chain?

[Camel413]

Hello, I had a quick question. On my boat I have an anchor winch and this will only allow me to use a very short amount of chain with my anchor, maybe only 12-18". Is it even worth it to put that small of an amount of chain in there? Or should I just skip the chain all together?

 

[americaneagler77]

Re: Short amount of anchor chain?

any is better than nothing...

 

[Camel413]

Re: Short amount of anchor chain?

Ok, next question since its a short length what size chain would be best to get?

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Short amount of anchor chain?

Since the weight is what's needed to keep the anchor layed over, I'd say the heaviest that can still be attached.

 

[bekosh]

Re: Short amount of anchor chain?

I have the same problem. All I have is about 12 inches of chain. I think that with a limited amount of chain, anchor selection becomes more important. While a typical Danforth style works in most conditions, they really need the chain to hold well because of the light weight.
I went with a 16lb claw anchor that has enough weight to really dig in to the sand and mud bottoms that I am typically anchored in.

My other thought was to get about 10' of chain that I could keep in my anchor locker and put heavy duty carabiner clips on it so that I could easily clip the extra chain in when I need it.

But other than one time when I got hit with a 60+mph wind gust with another large cruiser rafted to me, I have yet to have the claw anchor drag. So I'm not sure the extra chain would really be worth the hassle.

Danforth


Claw

 

[shrew]

Re: Short amount of anchor chain?

Are you using a thimble on the anchor line and a shackle to attach the thimble on the anchor line to the chain? Most (all that I know of) windlasses don't handle a shackle. Most will handle a combination of anchor line and chain properly sized for the windlass. However, you need to splice the anchor line directly to the chain. Most chandleries will sell you a spliced chain and anchor line and some will splice it for you for a fee. This should allow the windlass to take the anchor and as much chain as you want to run.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Short amount of anchor chain?

Yes, what Shrew has said. You can make your own rope/chain splice, as well. Look up eyesplice and figure out how to tie it.

 

[bekosh]

Re: Short amount of anchor chain?

Are you using a thimble on the anchor line and a shackle to attach the thimble on the anchor line to the chain? Most (all that I know of) windlasses don't handle a shackle. Most will handle a combination of anchor line and chain properly sized for the windlass. However, you need to splice the anchor line directly to the chain. Most chandleries will sell you a spliced chain and anchor line and some will splice it for you for a fee. This should allow the windlass to take the anchor and as much chain as you want to run.

Yes, what Shrew has said. You can make your own rope/chain splice, as well. Look up eyesplice and figure out how to tie it.

Thanks for the advise. Yes, I'm using a shackle and thimble.

I'll have to check the owner's manual for my windlass again, but I'm certain it said that I can only run triple strand rode through the windlass and have chain between the windlass and the anchor.

I'm lucky that the previous owner was a bit of a pack rat and I have a whole box full of manuals for everything on the boat.