Greetings!
We are a couple from Alaska heading out this summer for a two or more year long cruise. We’re thinking of upgrading the anchor system on our 38′ steel Waterline cutter to something stout enough for exposed anchorages in places as extreme as Antarctica or Greenland. Currently we have 100 meters of 5/16 BBB with a 70# Bruce-type anchor and a 45″ CQR as backup. A fellow at Rocna anchors is advising us to go to G40 in 3/8″, and upgrading to a larger, 33kg or 40kg main anchor. My question, other than any comments/suggestions you might have regarding what you might advise us to go with, is do you think we can keep our 3/8 system (mostly our hydraulic anchor winch) by going to a G70 chain? I understand that Steve Dashew has gone to stronger, lighter 3/8 G70 so I wonder how you would think I could best apply this variable for our needs. Also, can you direct me to sources where chain higher in strength than G40 could be purchased?
I would appreciate any thoughts/suggestions you might have as we move towards making our final decision. Your expertise is very appreciated.
Kind regards,
Fred Hiltner
Hi Fred:
There is lots of data on SetSail on this subject. Try to website search window (upper right hand corner). Quick answers:
5/16″ System Seven would be my choice for your boat. Try Washington Chain in Seattle, the Acco distributor. We like the Rocna hook. But I’d go to about 100 lbs/45kg, which will allow much shorter scope anchoring. Be sure and get oversized links welded to the chain ends with your order and use an appropriate shackle.
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 25, 2010)
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on Sunday, April 25th, 2010 at 12:28 pm and is filed under Cruisers Q & A.
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Comments or Questions?
June 6th, 2010 at 5:19 pm
I used 3/8″ HT on my 38′ Hans Christian with a 45# CQR or a 45# Bruce. Never dragged. Once during a hard (but predicted) bolw I set it up with both anchors on the same rode, one 25′ behind the other, that night it blew 70/70 mph. We stayed put.
Rocky
[Reply]
May 11th, 2011 at 9:03 pm
Hey there,
Was wondering what you guys would recommend for anchor chain for our 52′ pilothouse schooner. I just found a great windlass which has a 3/8 gypsy and am therefore motivated to make that sized chain work for us, but I’m aware that I can go with G4 or possibly G7 and either might fit (I’m not considering BBB). Basically I’m hoping that G4 will be adequately strong for us even in extreme anchoring situations. What say you? Also, would it be excessive to have 400′ on hand? This would give me all-chain for nearly any depth anchorage, with the option of hooking up to 3/4” nylon when needed.
Thanks for all the terrific content, books and web!
Paul
[Reply]
Steve Dashew Reply:
May 12th, 2011 at 2:51 pm
Howdy Paul:
G4 chain is probably OK for a 52 footer. But 400 feet seems like a lot of weight in the bow. For our own cruising we have 325′, and only use more than 200′ once a year on average.
[Reply]