How Much Rope can My Boat Hold for My Anchor???

PaulFMcG

Hello,

I just Purchased a 1999 Fiesta Vee 330 and it did not have any rope for the Anchor. It has a Lewmar Horizon 500 Windlass and I'm trying to find out What Size Chain and Rope to get BUT most importantly...How Much Rope can my Boat hold in the locker???

The Lewmar site shows the Windlass accepting 1/2" Rope and 1/4" Chain...but is that enough for My Boat???

Thanx   :-)

Michael T

Paul, the question may not be how much can your boat hold but how much you should carry. In my opinion the total length of line/rope (rode) should be 7 or 8 times the depth of the water you plan to anchor in - including the distance from your bow roller to the water. As well, at least the first few feet (say 30) should be chain for two reasons: to help the anchor set and stay set and to prevent chafing on underwater obstacles/rocks. I believe your boat would have left the Rinker factory with 130 feet of which 30 feet was chain. I believe your factory anchor would have been a 10KG or (about) 22 lbs. Congratulations on your purchase. If it's your first Rinker you picked a great model and a super company! :-)  MT

Black_Diamond

There was an earlier thread on here about this same subject.  The windlass should tell you the chain type to get, just the size (1/4") is not always enough.  You should also consider the water depth you would be trying to anchor in, add the proper scopes for the weather AND add a distance from the bow to the water when looking at the total you want.  Chain is what keeps the anchor dug in, I'd be looking at a minimum of 15' of chain, upto ~25'.  Then ~100' of line at least.  Just my .02:)

PaulFMcG

Thanx for the Feedback...

I guess  my last concern would be if 1/2" Rope is sufficient for the Size and Weight of the Boat?

I will only be Anchoring to Fish or Relax on the water...and as mentioned, the Windlass says it recommends 1/2" Rope for the size unit I have.

Black_Diamond

If it says 1/2" line, use it.  Too small or too large and the windlass won't handle it.  I believe my 342 has 1/2" line.

PaulFMcG

Awesome!

Thanx Again for the Info   :-)