Rode

I hope somebody can advise me on this. I was always under the impression the more rode you put out the better. Assuming you have space. I seem to also recall reading somewhere that putting out to much can be detrimental. We have a little wind predicted in a couple of days (30 knots). Would feel much better knowing I am doing the right thing.
Thanks

 

I was always taught the rule of thumb was 3 to 5 times depth for rode + chain and 4 - 7 for rode alone, ideally twice as much rode as chain. beyond 10:1 there is no practical advantage.

Yes, more rode will improve anchor performance, but think about other factors too - could you deploy a bigger / heavier anchor. Chain is always a compromise - you want it heavy for anchoring and light for storage.

If the setup is not good, a long rode will act like a spring rather than a shock absorber and allow too much momentum to build before snubbing the boat with a jerk, then repeating.

 

Is rode the same stuff the hangman uses ?

 

I live not far from Rode Road, but there is no spelling error in it, it is named after an early German settler.

 

10:1 is ideal, assuming you have the space for it. It's also easily calculated by tired sailors.

In in crowded anchorages, 5:1 is the absolute, bare minimum.

You won't catch me on anything less than 7:1.

If an anchorage is too crowded for my desired scope, I anchor outside of it in more wave action. Better to bounce around a bit than be under scoped when the big gusts come up.

Note: I wouldn't even think about boating without chain in part of my rode, unless it's a tiny little think and you're stopping for lunch.

Typically, my rode is 100 or 200ft of chain, plus another 100-200' of rope rode. Anchor shackle (pin seized with monel wire) and proper, resetting type anchor. (never a Danforth unless you are staying awake).

I also use a snubber system in shallow waters when on all chain. In deep water, when I'm into the rope rode, the rope becomes its own snubber.

Setup on current boat (catamaran):

80lbs Manson Supreme
Witchard shackle, one size up... max size to fit pin through chain
100' 3/8" G4 HT chain (keeping weight down)
200' 3/4 quality nylon rope rode
30' snubber system with rubber shock absorbers, chain hooks

Using this type of system, I've been anchor drag free for well over a decade. I also spend every night at anchor, so that's a lot. Bedn through a few named storms with this setup as well.

 

I have 175m of 12mm chain. With lots of room. Can I put out too much?

 

Assuming a bottom that's not likely to foul your chain, no... you can't put out too much.

In moderate weather, when you drop a lot of chain, you will notice the anchor does nothing with the chain itself holding your boat in place.

 

If your rode is rope and chain (joined with a shackle), slipping a kellet (a sentinel) on the rode will increase its catenary, improving the holding power.

 

I am a very big fan of a sentinel, but it is not needed here.
The boat is about 75 tons, and we are in only about 6m of water. I have about 60m of chain out now, but I will put out another 20