All chain rode for TC255?

nwboater · Posted: Wed Aug 14, 2024 7:15 pm Post subject: All chain rode for TC255?

I want to replace the 15' of chain+rope that came with my TC255 with an all-chain. By my estimate, 200 feet weighs 125 lbs -- too much for the Tomcat? Maybe 150'...?

Captain Starbucks · Posted: Wed Aug 14, 2024 7:29 pm Post subject:

I can answer the weight part. I have a 75 lb trolling motor and an 80 pound life raft on the bow of my boat. I would say the weight actually helps handling, planing and keeping the cockpit scuppers slightly drier.

nwboater · Posted: Wed Aug 14, 2024 7:47 pm Post subject:

That's helpful, thanks! We're cruisers, not fishers, so I want the confidence of an all-chain rode when anchoring here in the PNW.

Pacificcoast101 · Posted: Wed Aug 14, 2024 8:38 pm Post subject:

I have about 220 feet of stainless chain on my Tomcat. We use the boat for diving, so I don't want to risk dragging the boat or having to feed out a few hundred feet of scope.

nwboater · Posted: Wed Aug 14, 2024 8:52 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the feedback. You and Starbucks have affirmed my thinking for an all-chain anchor rode Smile

)

thataway · Posted: Wed Aug 14, 2024 9:36 pm Post subject:

Be sure to use a horizontal axis windlass. There probably. would not be enough 'fall" for the vertical axis. Another idea is to use a drum windlass, and even go with back up after XXX feet chain with a synthetic such as a few hundred feet of Dyneema®. That would allow anchoring in up to 100 feet, and have the advantage of chain, and long scope.

T.R. Bauer · Posted: Thu Aug 15, 2024 1:01 pm Post subject:

Sure you can do it, but what you are suggesting is not needed at all. I happen to like Bob's suggestions quite a lot.

Dreamer · Posted: Fri Aug 16, 2024 2:25 pm Post subject:

We found that 100' of chain was all that was necessary in the PNW. Added another 100' of rope rode to that just in case. I don't remember ever paying out the whole length of chain.

nwboater · Posted: Thu Aug 22, 2024 12:25 pm Post subject: all chain-Update

Thanks all for the feedback on my question about switching from rope to an all-chain anchor rode. I purchased 200' of 1/4" high-test from Washington Chain in Seattle. After loading it all into the chain locker, the bow dropped somewhat, but the biggest problem was the factory installed D-ring bolted through the bridge deck/bow. The chain kept piling up on the protruding bolts, then tumbling down into a tangled mess. My solution was to install a 3" PVC pipe with a 45-degree curve to direct the chain to the center of the locker -- it is working like a charm! (Photos in the gallery)

Pacificcoast101 · Posted: Thu Aug 22, 2024 3:23 pm Post subject:

Where is your gallery?

nwboater · Posted: Thu Aug 22, 2024 3:45 pm Post subject:

Hi No Pressure…sorry, I just uploaded the photo.