8 Plait Anchor Rode & Your Windlass

[Lucky John]

This has been the start of the fourth season for my Lewmar Pro-Fish 700 free fall. I have used 3 strand 1/2 " anchor rode ( Plastimo) and premium 3 strand. (Plastimo)
Since my windlass made the 4th trip back to the repair center. Merke Marine,who has given me excellent service by the way.
After this latest repair of my stripping arm, I decided to bite the bullet and invest in another anchor rode. I had read about 8 Plait,but didn't want to spend an additonal 300 bucks to replace the rode I had already.
I am glad I did it. I gave it a full test today fishing wrecks in 70 ' of water.The new 8 Plait falls straight into the locker without a hiccup. Nothing at all like the 3 strand, which you have to be extremely alert cause the gypsy can cause a jamb and hockle under the stopper cam at any moment.
Hopefully I won't have to remove it from the boat for a few years now........we'll see how it keeps working. I should try and sell the 3 strand

 

[JTR]

What problems have you had with the Pro Fish 700?

 

[Lucky John]

Well the first problem I had was a few months after install. Lewmar used a spring which wasn't stainless and allowed water to enter gear casing. I was actually given a new windlass as replacement. The second and new unit had the free-fall jamb after another few months. Last fall the unit crapped out and had to have th entire gypsy replaced. The second trip this spring the rode got jammed under the stopper cam and when I freed it the screw that held the stopper cam sheared off and the stripper arm got mangeled.
I was always babying the unit afraid to having to remove it from the boat yet again. But the difference between the two rodes is huge. Lewmar should remove using 3 strand from their directions.

 

[Lucky John]

Yes I have a plastimo stainless steel double swivel . I used the boat again today and I can honestly say the 8 Plait makes a world of difference. Even though the hole is not directly over the center of the anchor locker it falls off the gypsy now easily with this line.

 

[got_em_on]

Where did you get the 8 plait? I am in Brick, NJ and have been considering it.

 

[esfishdoc]

Where did you get the 8 plait? I am in Brick, NJ and have been considering it.

I got my 8 plait spliced with chain and a swivel here...

http://www.secosouth.com/mm5/merchant.m ... g_hardware

Click on the "custom anchor rodes" and build you own.

Don't think of how expensive it is... think of how much money you are saving and trouble you are avoiding by staying away from 3 strand.


Richard