What Is The Purpose of Anchor Chain?

How much anchor chain will I require?

Please keep in mind that the information shown here is for basic anchoring in winds up to 30 mph. Extreme caution is required when winds surpass 30 mph, and short scopes are never suggested.

In harsh conditions, always utilize a minimum of 5:1 scope, and make sure all of your ground gear can withstand the predicted loads.

The amount of anchor chain you require, like the size of your boat anchor, can be determined by various factors, including:

-The length, weight, and beam of the boat

-Boating spots - inshore/offshore, or on lakes, rivers, and so on

-Conditions: Will you be anchoring overnight or only for day trips? Are you close enough to the coast to return if the weather turns bad?

-Water depth - In particularly deep water, greater chain lengths can assist the anchor in setting faster and with less line let out. When releasing 100-200 feet of line in deep water, this might make a significant difference.

Why is Anchor Chain Important?

The most significant aspect of any anchoring method is the use of chain. While some manufacturers may claim that their anchor does not require chain, decades of anchoring research and testing show that this is not the case. These are often low-grade anchors used by kayakers or on smaller bodies of water where the forces on the anchors are minor and chain won't make much of a difference.

Benefits:

-By producing a downward pressure on the anchor handle (also known as the shank), chain allows the anchor to set faster and more reliably.

-Aids in keeping the rode horizontal after it has been set, rather than being pushed upward and loosening the anchor.

-Protects your nylon line from underwater debris or other sharp items that could cause a cut line and anchor loss.

-Allows the use of the breakaway release method, reducing the possibility of losing an anchor that has become lodged under something.

-Transfers energy in a downward motion to the very end of the anchor handle. Adding 4 feet of chain to an anchor is equivalent to extending the handle by 4 feet. Although that is not practicable, one may envision the type of leverage that would be gained from such a lengthy handle.

Chain classifications

-Hot Dip Galvanized (HDG) - Because of its strong corrosion resistance, this chain is the ideal type of chain for anchoring. Stainless steel chain is the only chain that is more corrosion resistant than HDG, although it is 2-3 times the price and not as widely accessible.

-Zinc Plated - Typically offered as a "all purpose chain" in hardware stores. This is not suitable for anchors or any other marine environment. The chain is much more gleaming than HDG, however it will rust in 1 month or less in any marine environment. Because HDG costs around 50 cents less per foot, it is recommended.

-Vinyl Coated Chain (VCC) - Originally intended for playgrounds and swingsets, VCC is only suggested if replaced annually. The coating will often wear off within one season, revealing the uncoated bare steel chain, which will rust the first time it comes into contact with water.

Furthermore, unlike HDG chain, VCC does not allow the links to move independently. Because VCC is usually rigid, the sagging effect of the chain (known as catenary) to keep the anchor line and anchor itself down is not used.

Making Use of More Chain

A longer chain length will have no effect on the operation of your Hurricane Boat Anchor. Some larger cruisers (30+ feet) even have an all chain ride.

For example, on a 24' yacht, instead of utilizing our standard minimum of 4-6 feet, you can now utilize the anchor at a shorter scope by employing longer lengths such as 6-12 feet, which can be extremely useful in busy places or very deep water.

Note: If you anchor frequently in regions where an anchor is likely to be lost in the rocks, we recommend utilizing no more than 6 feet of chain overall - even if the anchor is rigged for the breakaway release.

The reason for this is because a long length of chain is more likely to become entangled in between rocks and debris when laying on the bottom and prevent you from releasing it. Generally, the anchor rope will not become entangled in rocks and debris.

More chain can also help to compensate for a smaller anchor.

For example, your 22-foot boat lacks sufficient storage room to accommodate the 14-pound anchor. You can go with the 10 lb type and raise the minimum chain length from 3-4 feet to 8-12 feet for offshore use and 6-10 feet for lakes and rivers. The extra chain will assist in keeping the anchor angled down and will boost your holding power.

It's worth noting that many fluke/danforth anchors, as well as plow anchors, recommend one foot of chain for every foot of your boat's length. The innovative design of the Hurricane Boat Anchor does not necessitate this, but if you already have a long piece of chain from a prior rode arrangement, it won't hurt to use it on your Hurricane Boat Anchor.