T&T: Anchor rode marking

[John Peters]

* *

*Anchor chain markings*



It has been an interesting thread on marking one's anchor rode and the
'proper' amount of scope to have.

No exciting sea stories but I have used this system for about100 years and
it has worked very well for me.

I require a reliable system that doesn't make my head hurt when setting the
hook and figuring scope.

Obviously, I don't sweat the small stuff.  When in doubt, I let out a few
more feet.

Cheap insurance in my book.

My windless delivers and retrieves at a set rate and I can count the seconds
if need be.



My marking system -

25 feet  =  1 Black fat tie  the last warning that the hook is about to
break the surface

50 feet  =  1 Black tie  first warning that the hook is about to come up



100 feet  =  1 White

150 feet  =  1 White and 1 Black



200 feet  =  2 White

250 feet  =  2 White and 1 Black



300 feet  =  3 White

350 feet  =  3 White and 1 Black



400 feet  =  end of chain  no markers



Onto the end of the chain, I have spliced 600 feet of 3-strand nylon and on
that I use the same marking system  starting over from zero.



Therefore  at the first 100 foot interval of nylon  =  1 White

150 feet  =  1 White and 1 Black



200 feet  =  2 White

250 feet  =  2 White and 1 Black

And so on - -



And  no.  I have never had 1000 feet of rode out.

But we have been in areas where it would be necessary to do so if we'd had
to anchor.



My procedure -

- Each tie on a separate link

- Do not cut the ends of the ties as they will be sharp and dangerous and
the long ends make them more visible

- Replace ties after each season

- Wrap a solid copper wire around s link at each 50 foot interval as a
permanent marker



Incidentally, my theory is that the 600 foot nylon rode would serve as a tow
line  if needed.

I would simply untie the bitter end and feed out to the Good
Samaritan.  However,
that is all conjecture.



Anchor well and sleep well  we do.



Best,

John Peters

Winship  a 49' Sunnfjord