Anchor Rode Length In Rinker Cruisers?

Michael T

Does anyone with a 342, 350 or 360 know how much chain and line the locker will hold. I think all three of these boats come from the Rinker factory with 30 feet of chain and 130 feet of line. I'd like to have at another 40 feet of line. Has anyone increased the length of their rode/line? 

Stodge

I replaced my rode last season with a 20 foot chain, 200 foot line combination.  I had to peek inside to un-hook the bitter end and there was quite a bit of space in the locker.

Handymans342

I have all chain, 100 feet. 

Michael T

Thanks guys! @Stodge - clarify for me, please - do you now have 220 feet total or 200 feet total?

LaRea

When I sold the 342, I think it had 60 feet of chain and 150 feet of line.  Never had a problem with line or chain piling up in the anchor locker.

Michael T

@LaRea - very interesting - that's a LOT of room! There's no question that I'm going to add some more line, maybe even more chain too as that is supposed to help the anchor set better!

Stodge

I have 220 feet total.  20 chain + 200 line

Michael T

@Stodge, thanks very much.

summerx

more chain will definately improve your anchor holding...just adds a bunch of extra wieght in the nose of the boat.

Stodge

If I could afford (and lift) 200 feet of chain that's what I'd have.  

BTW, I found out the hard way to get the rode with the stranded line, not the braided stuff.   I got replacement rode with braided line and my windlass would not grab it.  I contacted Lewmar and they said for the Horizon 600 I had to use the the stranded line.  I got the pre-spliced chain/line rode from West Marine and it works like a champ.  Even found someone local without a windlass who needed new rode to buy the braided one.

LaRea

Coupla issues with all-chain rodes.  Chain doesn't stretch, so it can be tough on a boat in a serious blow.  BoatUS published an article about this a while ago.

Also, in certain types of emergencies, it could become necessary to part the anchor rode to save the boat.  For example, suppose a runaway barge is going to hit you in 30 seconds if you don't move.  With rope, you can cut the rode with one swipe with a sharp knife, and you're underway.  Can't do that with chain.  

Granted, it's unlikely, but I've heard of it happening.  I always let out enough rode to at least get past my 60' of chain.  

Handymans342

Dully noted LaRea

rasbury

dang, where are you guys anchoring at, middle of the Atlantic? Handy, in your new area, you'll be lucky to find 10' of water anywhere!

Handymans342

Well with the wind I will need chain

rasbury

You want your chain, that's good- just play heck finding deep water until your 50 miles put in the gulf! Not a bad thing...

Handymans342

Its 20 miles out I think before it gets deeper

JoeStang

I don't even use chain right now, just an oversized (for me) 14lb Danforth works well enough in the 3-4' spots I anchor. Even in deeper water I just let out a little extra rode and it always grabs solid. I just got tired of the extra weight since I have no windlass and it seemed like overkill for our local bay's. 

TonyWalker

Comment on one of the earlier posts in this thread.  I keep a sheathed knife in the anchor windless hatch at the ready for that just in case moment.

Tony

Salt Shaker 342

Michael T

@Tony, great idea! I now keep a knife ready when we are transiting canal locks in case one of the lines gets snagged in the lift cables. Happened once and lukily the Admiral had a pair of sharp scissors within reach. The line was starting to pull the boats bow rail - that line snapped like a gunshot when I cut it.