T&T: Rescue tape

[Jeffrey Siegel]

> If the weather permits I'm marking my chain today.  How many wraps  
> did you
> use (I was assuming just2 for mine)?  Also, how is it holding up?
>

> Just how do you use, apply, rescue tape to mark the anchor chain?  
> Does  it
> interfere going through a chain gypsy on an electric windlass?

I use all the same color tape for my anchor chain markings.  I mark  
either 1, 2, 3, or 4 links in a row to signify 25, 50, 75, or 100  
feet.  After 100, I repeat the pattern since I don't usually forget  
which "hundred" I'm on.  Other people like using different colors,  
etc.  Rescue Tape comes in 7 or 8 colors.

I made it wrap about twice on the long side of the chain link.  When  
the tape stretches it sticks to itself and takes very little tape to  
make a marking.  I've tried it different ways but I like to cut the  
tape in half - it's more manageable to stretch it through the link  
when it's not as wide.  I honestly don't have much time with it going  
up and down against the gypsy so I don't know how long it will really  
hold up.  I asked the same thing of the Rescue Tape people and they  
thought it would last about a year under normal use.  One really nice  
thing is that it can be re-applied when the chain is wet since there  
is no adhesive.  So it's easy to have some pre-cut pieces ready to add  
if you see one in bad condition.

I just added a Rocna 55 to my boat and plan on doing some  
experimentation with it next weekend before we head south.  I'll be  
running over the 25' marking many times while practicing with the  
anchor and will watch what happens.


====================================
Jeffrey Siegel
M/V aCappella
DeFever 53RPH
W1ACA/WDB4350
Castine, Maine

www.activecaptain.com
The Interactive Cruising Guidebook

Our cruising blog:
http://takingpaws.blogspot.com


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