Anchor line length?

[Mike Answeeney]

Hey guys, what the rule of thumb on anchor line length?

I don't plan on going out of the Tampa Bay area any more than 25-30 miles out.  I don't think it gets much deeper than 100' until you get closer to the middle grounds.

Thanks
-Mike

[GoneFission]

Minimum 3:1 scope, so if you're trying to anchor in 100' water, you need to have at least 300' of line (and a good piece of chain on the end as well).  I carry 3 lines 3/8" each 100' long with loops at the ends.  That way I'm not having to constantly work with 300' of line when setting an anchor in 20' of water.  If I go deeper I can link 2 or 3 lines together.   Clevis on the end with 6' of double heavy chain, clevis to main anchor.  Second "lunch hook" lightweight anchor that I often use without the chain - if it holds great, if not, out comes the other one...

Also, don't forget to fasten the bitter end!  It is always a sad day when you see the end of the anchor line go over the gunwale!    
There are some pretty good deals on nylon line on eBay:

http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dl ... category0=

See ya on the water!

[John Jones]

Mike, Most of the guys around here carry 600' but if it's sloppy enough to need 600' in 100' of water, this old boy is going home.  On days with average wind and current 300' would probably do.  Then there is preparation for the time when your motor dies and Sea Tow tells you they will be there in 4-5 hours.     If the weather were to turn snotty, 600' might come in handy.  It's personal preference but I don't like 3/8" anchor rope because it's too hard on my old hands.  I like at least 1/2" just because it's easier for me to grip.

I have not compared Capt John's link but the best price I have found, especially for continous lengths, is:
http://www.cudjoesales.com/catalog/rope.html

[Undertow2]

Mike,

I got 200 feet of line @ West for $99 with the Port Supply discount.  I was advised to start there.  You can braid more on later if you need.  Don't forget you're in the land of 1 foot depth per mile.  Using that formula 200 feet should do.
HEAVY chain and a good length of it.  You might also want to consider the orange anchor ball and slip ring assembly.  Great for when it's only you and the old lady out there plus the ball can cover for fast getaway when Tarpon fishing.

[John Jones]

1 foot depth per mile

Aww, come on.  It's only 15 miles from Egmont Light to the whistle bouy and it's 50' deep there.  17 miles out of John's Pass is over 50'.  From Anclote to Sarasota, the 30 miles Mike specified will get you 90-100' of water.

$85 will get you 600' of 3/8 at Cudjoe Sales.

[Undertow2]

I use 1/2" always.
JJ, your points are valid.  I see where you're coming from.  Mike will have to decide what's best and how often he will use it for what.  After meeting Mike and discussing his boating, I think 600 feet of rope will cost more up front and be a nightmare to manage for him.  As I said he can braid more on later if desired.  I know EXACTLY what Mike is about to go thru after dropping beaucoup bucks on the AS...it's gotta be outfitted.  Save what you can up front on things that can be expanded later was my idea.
Plus, IF you add on an anchor locker to these older AS's, you don't get too much room.  My locker just fits 200' and the anchor.
JJ, you're also right I am over-exaggerating the "1 mile per foot" thing.  I just wish we could catch sails in plain view of condo buildings...

[John Jones]

I just wish we could catch sails in plain view of condo buildings...

Ain't that the truth  :cry:
Or put in some oil rigs just over the horizon...

[Mike Answeeney]

Thanks guys.

I ordered 200' of 3/8", 15' of hot dipped galv chain and a shackel off of Ebay for $56.00 including shipping!



That should do me fine around here but I just may trailer her down to the Keys. There you can get into 100' quick. 12-15 miles out and your in the shipping lanes and REALLY deep!

I've got lots of room below deck for line, my anchor locker feeds into the hull space below the casting deck lockers.  I just may order more to have on hand if needed. Better safe than sorry!