Chain #
Chain (as opposed to rope) is used for a number of reasons, its abrasion and chafe resistance properties being a primary one. Anchor rode is dragged around on an unpredictable seabed, and must endure rough treatment on the vessel as well. The catenary from the weight of the chain makes some small impact on the anchor’s performance, but for small boats not as much as tradition would have us believe. Strength has nothing to do with it, as ropes are easily matched to exceed the chain’s working load limit.
Short link chain is used as anchor chain, to suit windlass gypsies, and it should be calibrated. Stud link chain is found in larger sizes.
Rope #
Rope is usually a necessary component in any rode to extend chain, unless long and heavy lengths of chain are able to be carried. However, the smaller the vessel, the more desirable rope is – for its shock absorbing properties. Rope however is obviously not as durable as chain, and must be kept clear of the seabed and any possible obstacles (such as coral).
There are a number of different rope types and lays which make good anchor rode. With most anchor systems, rope is required to handle shock absorption. The recommended type depends on the specific application, although we generally recommend 8-braid polyester.
Snubbers #
Snubbers are a dedicated device for shock absorption, an option if not enough rope is deployed as part of the main rode to naturally achieve this important functionality. All small boats require some form of shock absorption, to avoid placing shock loads on the rode as the boat pitches and veers. Such shock loads will otherwise either result in far higher peak loads on the anchor, so increasing its chances of dragging, or over-stress the chain.
Snubbers reduce or eliminate noisy ‘chain rumble’ and noise which travels as vibrations up the chain. This sound can otherwise be quite severe in the forepeak or forward berths of a boat. On the other hand, while some boaters find this irritating, this noise can also provide feedback regarding what the chain and anchor is doing on the seabed.
