Dyneema Anchor Rode

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kennharriet

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C Dory Year
1999
C Dory Model
22 Cruiser
Vessel Name
Lochsa
Does anyone have experience with Dyneema anchor rode? I’m considering replacing my existing 8 plait rode with Dyneema. It seems the advantages are greater strength, reduced weight and takes less space in the anchor locker. It also appears to be a fairly simple splice to anchor chain. I have a Lemar 700 pro fish windless. If anyone has made the switch, what size are you using and how compatable is it with the Lewmar gypsy? Thanks, Ken
 
I had a similar set up on my last boat, 8 plait rode 1/4" HS chain running thru a Lewmar ProFish 700. I really liked that set up a lot. I now have the Lewmar 700 but not pro fish. I'm not sure the dyneema will work with these windlasses. I believe it is used with drum roller type windlass. Here is a video from Dark Horse Marine that may help.
https://youtu.be/P-UavahbgeA?si=ia7yzEjMAgIYPt9S
 
Ken,
Go to Practical-sailor.com, as they did a review of this very subject several years ago.
 
I have 200ft of 1/4” on my drum winch under the chain and 150ft of nylon for deep anchoring. The major benefit of the dyneema is in its small diameter to strength ratio. I don’t see the benefit for your application as your windlass requires 12mm rope to operate.
 
There is. elasticity, no stretch, no shock loading ability. That mitigates against any of these type of ropes being used as an anchor rode.

The Dyneema rope will not work in your windlass--as noted it is used on drum windlasses. It will be vary hard to pull in by hand because of smaller diameter.

There are arguments that the Dyneema can be used as a single rode to replace chain with some of the light anchors...true, but without chain there is no stretch, or shock loading ability.

There are plenty of places on a sailboat where Dyneema is a great choice, including some standing rigging and Dyneema cored and easy grip covers for spinnaker sheets and guys are areas where you don't want any stretch.
 
Thanks guys. That’s what I love about this place. Sounds like Dyneema is not a viable option for the Lewmar. Really, the only problem I have with my existing 8 plait/ chain rigging is that the windless will no longer pick up the splice. That’s what got me thinking about other options. I’ll check the gypsy for wear and possibly swap ends with the rode and re splice. Thanks again, Ken
 
kennharriet":30s4qxgq said:
Thanks guys. That’s what I love about this place. Sounds like Dyneema is not a viable option for the Lewmar. Really, the only problem I have with my existing 8 plait/ chain rigging is that the windless will no longer pick up the splice. That’s what got me thinking about other options. I’ll check the gypsy for wear and possibly swap ends with the rode and re splice. Thanks again, Ken
Click to expand...

Not picking up the splice is a common problem with the 8 Plait! :cry:
 
Colby, glad I’m not the only one. Thought maybe it was just my splice job. It worked fine initially but was not long before it would not pick up. I guess if it was easy, anyone could do it.🙂
 
kennharriet":3vy6so7z said:
Colby, glad I’m not the only one. Thought maybe it was just my splice job. It worked fine initially but was not long before it would not pick up. I guess if it was easy, anyone could do it.🙂
Click to expand...

I've turned my rode around twice, each time resplicing it. Sometimes, not often, it'll catch, many times it won't. It's a PITA when I'm solo, to have to go up on the bow to pull it a few inches between the 8 plait and chain. When my wife is along, I just crawl into the V-berth, open the anchor locker, and tug on the rode while she bumps the anchor switch for me. I do find if I keep tension on the anchor (ie, have to be in less than 20' of water, as I have 20' of chain), the windless seems to cache the splice a little better.
Colby
 
Colby, you are correct that keeping some tension helps with the chain to 8 strand Brait going thru the chain wheel. Also I would have either a wired remote, or RF remote for the windlass. Some of the Lawman's come with that kit, but it is easy to add if you want. Basically a set of relays. If you already have the relays, then just a corded remote will be $50 or so. If you have to add the relays, it would be from $150 to $350 (If you want wireless).
 
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