[Rhodes22-list] Chain -- Another Opinion

[Robert Skinner]

Hence the big rubber shock-absorber link in my storm rig.

Dammit, man, why neglect additional safety options?
Why depend on the strength of your opinions when there
is good gear available as backup?

/Bob Skinner

Bill Effros wrote:
> 
> I am busily working on a rant, and in the course of my research stumbled
> across this from the inventor of the Spade anchor:
> 
> "NB - these are Alain's opinions, and as with all advice you must
> eventually make up your own mind. He does do a lot of anchoring though!
> 
> CHAIN OR ROPE?
> 
> The main and ONLY advantage of the chain is that it is the only and
> perfect means to avoid chafing of the anchoring rode on aggressive sea
> beds...
> 
> Except for this point, chain has all the disadvantages..:
> 
> Stored in the bow chain locker, it adds a heavy weight in the last place
> you want one.
> 
> When deployed, chain is actually working in the the opposite way to the
> way it should work:
> 
>     * with light wind, it gives a perfect horizontal pull to the anchor
> and the best holding.
>     * with moderate wind, its weight and catenary effect give a perfect
> shock absorbing effect.
>     * As the wind builds up, the chain will become straighter (and this
> with as little as 25/30 knots of wind). The pulling angle will increase
> and as a consequence, the holding of the anchor will decrease.
>     * When the shock absorbing effect is most necessary, the "bar tight"
> chain will not allow this to happen.
> 
> If there are waves entering the anchorage, the resulting shocks will be
> then directly transfered to the anchor, which then has more chance to
> break free .. . and more seriously, the chain is subject to high "peaks"
> of pulling force and has a consequently higher risk of breaking.. "
> 
> Bill Effros