T&T: All chain rode scope question

[Robert Phillips]

< The 4:1 all-chain recommendation seems
way too short to me. >

I routinely anchor in 65 - 85 feet and use 180 - 200' of chain.  
Anchoring at Bitter End in North Sound, Virgin Gorda, BVI, is 65' - 70' 
and I have sat happily in close quarters in twenty plus knots on 180' 
of chain.  I have 400' on my primary anchor, 66 lb. Chinese Bruce type, 
and could put out a lot more, but have never found I had to.

I often have to use 120' - 150' in 30' of water to hold so am a 
believer in the theory that with all chain you need less scope as the 
depth increases.  I remember reading an article stating that in some 
publication but can't remember which one or when.

Bob Phillips,
Another Asylum, Tortola, BVI