Anchor rope size??

[PaddyTime]

I know its a silly question but I'm replacing my old anchor rope which I'm not sure on the current size.. But I was wondering what size you guys use. I was thinking 1/2" @ 300ft would work.. I have a 2120 Sport Cabin.. Thanks Aaron

 

[Megabyte]

If you have a windlass, an 8-plait rode is what you want (rather than a 3-strand twist).
If you are anchoring without a windlass, either 3-strand or 8-plait will work.
For a 21, you would be fine with 3/8" or 7/16". 1/2" is very good but probably overkill unless you anchor regularly in snotty conditions.
Using 3/8 or 7/16 ths, you can put more than 300' in your rode locker.

Length depends again on the conditions you anchor in.
1:7 in snotty conditions. 1:3 or 4 in mild conditions.

At 1:7, 300' of rode is only good for about 43' of water.
At 1:3, 300' will hang you in 100'.

So what sort of conditions do you generally anchor in?

 

[PaddyTime]

Mild conditions.. I picked up 300 ft of 1/2" of 3 strand nylon for 60 bucks on ebay, which I thought was a good deal compared to westmarine.. Thanks again for the reply. And no I don't have a windlass so I better get some gloves..

 

[jeffnick]

You'll find the 1/2" easier on the hands than the 3/8". Maybe no gloves necessary?

 

[windknotnc]

I keep 600' of 3 strand 1/2" + 12' of 5/16 chain on mine, but I anchor up in 70'-80' of water bottom fishing and just let rope out to move around. I also use an anchor ball to retrieve the anchor. Boat is a 21SE

 

[PaddyTime]

Thanks for the idea about a ball.