Windlass HRC-8 (Horizontal Rope and Chain), Chain Only?

[Robbabob]

Hello y'all, It's been a while...

The wife is tired (and so am I) of keeping track of much smaller boats trolling around our rode during festive events; we cannot relax and enjoy the time during these events while guarding our rope/rode. We have a Maxwell Windlass, HRC 8, and I want to get chain only of about 120-150'. We are inland boaters on Lake Chickamauga, TN River, and only anchor in 15-25' deep water. She's concerned that the windlass says Rope and Chain, but I am thinking there shouldn't be an issue just using chain. Some chain rope combinations use 10-20 meters of chain before the rope, so why not 40 meters of chain only?

I understand the chain will be a heavier weight on the bow, but I'm not really concerned about that. I'm betting the peace of mind will outweigh worrying about another boat cutting our rode.

Thanks in advance!
Robb

 

[alldodge]

Would be best to double check with Maxwell but I think this would not be an issue

I have a Maxwell 500 (1994 vintage) which is all chain on my 27PC. Mine has a working load of 500 pounds and the HRC8-6 has a 770 pound working load. I carry 130 feet of chain and anchor most often in 40 to 60 feet. After connecting the latch, once set it holds. Have even hand 9 cruisers tied to me (some much larger) and we didn't move

Issues with all chain
Weight - that is a lot of weight on the bow

Length - Knowing how much has been released (pay out) needs to be seen and counted (visually or chain counter). With chain and rode, its released unitl it stops, then you pay out more and tie off. With chain it will continue to fall until it reaches its stop, or all goes in the water. I paint the chain every 25 feet with different colors so I know.

Have thought about installing a counter but yet to do it

Type - If you go all chain, most likely need 1/4 high tensile weld-less chain. most cases it comes in a 600 foot barrel. I worked with a supplier to get a shorter piece

On a side note: I sold my 110 foot piece of chain to a dock mate with a Carver about the same as yours. Had it all painted up for depth and he installed. They just installed a windless and were glad to stop manually hauling in the anchor. Never mentioned about watching the chain for depth. First time using it in 60 feet he payed it all out and when the last bit when in the water his wife went ballistic. I took dive gear out but never found it, all mud and real dark

Edit: galvanized chain

 

[cptbill]

Ever think about adding a bouy to your anchor rode? That would at least make it more visible, Though that might not make a difference with some of the boat operators out there.

 

[Robbabob]

AllDodge:
Though my signature had our boat length, 32' Carver Montego, acts like many newer 36 or 37' cruisers for actual length and width. Yeah, we painted our rope every 25' as well, alternating red and blue, with a knot on the end to prevent it from all bailing out, and would mark the new one, too. Our HRC-8 would use 8mm or 5/16" chain to match the teeth in the windlass.

cptbill:
Our attempt at making a buoy to slide down the rode was useless. We had so much rode due to high winds and current, it wasn't steep enough to run down the line to the water. I suppose we should have released the marker prior to final rode let out to allow it to reach the water.

So far, I take it the 100% chain will be okay, and will contact Maxwell (an obvious answer) to confirm.

Thank you both!
Robb

 

[Mischief Managed]

100% chain is no problem at all for the windlass

 

[Tassie 1]

100% chain is no problem at all for the windlass

That is what l have on my 30 ft fb although the maxwell has been retired now.