T&T: All chain rode scope question.

[Faure, Marin]

I agree with Lee that a seven-to-one scope is a good target to shoot for
no matter what kind of rode you happen to have.  However one advantage
of all-chain is that in those situations where swinging room is limited
due to geography or lots of boats, a five-to-one scope will give you
good security in "normal" wind and current conditions.  But I would be
very hesitant to use five-to-one with a nylon-chain rode.  Around here
(PNW) chain is pretty much a requirement as part of a rode as rocky or
abrasive bottoms are not that uncommon.  The rule of thumb I've seen
recommended by the folks with a lot of anchoring experience is one foot
of chain for every foot of boat length.  So on the nylon-chain rode we
carry for the stern anchor (both sized to serve as the primary ground
tackle if necessary) we have 35 or 40 feet of chain and a couple hundred
feet of nylon.

However, it is not uncommon in the more popular marine parks in the
islands on crowded weekends to see boaters putting out as little as two-
or three-to-one scope, even with nylon-chain rode, so they can fit in
between boats already there.  Fortunately in this part of the world
strong winds in the summer are not that common and many of the marine
park bays are relatively protected, so the boaters get away with it.
But if the wind does kick up a bit there can be a lot of boats dragging
around the anchorage.....


______________________________
C. Marin Faure
GB36-403 "La Perouse"
Bellingham, Washington