When it comes to scope, there's no two ways about it: more is almost always better. More scope means less vertical strain on the boat anchor thereby decreasing the chances of unsetting the boat anchor.We generally recommend a scope ratio of 5:1 minimum, but ideally 7:1 or even more (especially if anchoring overnight), i.e. let out 7 feet of rode for every 1 foot of water depth you're anchoring in, so if you are anchoring in 10 feet of water, you'll let out 70 feet of rode. Unfortunately, in small or crowded anchorages there's often not enough room to allow for a lot of scope. What can you do?
When facing this dilemma, the aim is to increase horizontal rode tension. This is a basically a fancy way of saying you want the anchor rode to sit as horizontal as possible in the water.
There are a couple of ways to do this. The most common way is to add 20 feet or so of chain to nylon rope. It has been shown that by adding just 20 feet of chain to 180 feet of nylon rode you can increase horizontal strain nearly 250%. This is the result of the extra weight pulling the anchor rode to the sea bottom. By using 200 feet of chain you can increase horizontal tension nearly 800% from all nylon rope. However, it's debatable whether the tension gains achieved in an all chain setup offset its disadvantages, most importantly the strain on one's arms! Without a doubt though, at least 20 feet of chain should be added to all rode setups.
The other popular option in increasing horizontal strains is to add a kellet. A kellet is a weight added somewhere along the anchor rode. Adding the kellet as close to the chain-rope connection as possible results in the largest tension gains but many prefer to place it about half way along the rode to ease the shock loads. It has been shown that by adding a 20 lbs kellet half way up (or down) a 200 foot rode setup one would achieve 300% horizontal tension gains over an all rope setup.
Whether you’re sailing around the world, exploring remote destinations, or hosting a few friends for a weekend getaway, there has never been a better time to connect your boat and guests with high-speed internet. Today’s digital era has made connectivity an essential part of work and play for most people, so we’ve assembled the best methods for accessing the internet right from your boat.
In today's modern world, there are a plethora of apps available to help us navigate our everyday lives. In recent years the boating world has benefited greatly from a variety of helpful apps that can help take your boating experience to the next level. Boaters today can download apps to help them log their trips, download nautical charts, reserve a slip, and even learn to tie essential boating knots. We have reviewed many of the apps on the market today and are sharing our best boating and fishing apps.
Dock lights not only help give your dock the right look but also go a long way to ensure you, your guests and your property remain safe and secure. We've assembled a list of the best dock lighting options to help you find the perfect solution for your dock.
Anchoring with inadequate ground tackle is not only unsafe but can also make setting anchor a painstaking and arduous process. Luckily there are a number of solutions available to help simplify the process and to help keep you and your craft safe. The three main components of your anchor rode are the anchor line, chain, and anchor but additional accessories can be added to customize your system for your specific needs to help make dropping anchor a snap.
It's that time of the year again! Are you having troubles finding that perfect gift for your boating enthusiast? Never fear, we have assembled 15 of this years coolest and best gift ideas that will put a smile on any boaters face.
As the weather begins to cool off and the boating season starts to wind down, now is the perfect time to start planning a few DIY upgrades you can perform to improve the comfort factor and value of your boat for seasons to come.
Oh no! You go to crank your outboard only to realize it won't start. Don't fret - by following these common outboard problems and fixes you'll be able to identify and resolve the issue in no time.
Dirty fenders aren't just hard on the eyes, they can also leave ugly streaks and scratches down the hull of your boat that are hard to remove. Dirt, mildew, and sediment can build up on a fender's surface from years of use and abuse. Here are some tried and true methods for keeping your fenders looking good and operating properly for years to come.
Dogs can make great first mates whether you're setting sail for the long voyage or taking the boat out for some quick fun in the sun on your favorite lake. Dogs and boats can be a fun combo, but there are extra precautions you should take to ensure Fido remains safe and secure.
How often do you change your anchor rode? This is a question we seldom hear, but in reality, is a question that boat owners should ask themselves more often. If your anchor rode components operate smoothly and look good at a glance, this is probably a question you wouldn't even think to ask. However, failing to keep a close eye on your current anchor rode setup could lead to costly repairs down the road.
