Comments on: Big Anchors Reduce Fouling Risk http://setsail.com/big-anchors-reduce-fouling-risk/ A New Paradigm for Cruising Sat, 11 Feb 2012 12:58:16 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Steve Dashew http://setsail.com/big-anchors-reduce-fouling-risk/comment-page-1/#comment-4325 Steve Dashew Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:05:41 +0000 http://setsail.com/big-anchors-reduce-fouling-risk/#comment-4325 The scope and spring action required is a function of load, as you have pointed out. Our experience is that if wind or sea state requires added scope, then we lengthen the chain. For spring and noise reduction we use a pair of three strand snubbers. Ten feet (3m) is the normal length, used 99% of the time. We also carry a heavier 50 foot snubber (15m) which has been used once in four years. The scope and spring action required is a function of load, as you have pointed out. Our experience is that if wind or sea state requires added scope, then we lengthen the chain. For spring and noise reduction we use a pair of three strand snubbers. Ten feet (3m) is the normal length, used 99% of the time. We also carry a heavier 50 foot snubber (15m) which has been used once in four years.

]]> By: gerd marggraff http://setsail.com/big-anchors-reduce-fouling-risk/comment-page-1/#comment-4321 gerd marggraff Thu, 11 Feb 2010 04:28:57 +0000 http://setsail.com/big-anchors-reduce-fouling-risk/#comment-4321 Steve, I do fully agree with oversized anchors and reducing scope. Having been working at as Captain on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia for several years, I have seen what damage anchor chains do to the reef. BUT...the anchor chain is not just there to connect an oversized anchor in the shortest way to a vessel (hopefully in a permanent manner). One aspect we are forgetting with changing the scope is the secondary function of a heavy anchor chain is the spring effect of the chain. Anybody who has been diving on the anchor chain in strong wind conditions, has seen that even then at least 50% of the chain stays on the bottom, so no jerking can break out the anchor. My principle is that I could short change the scope on day anchoring but I sleep much better at night with the recommended scope AND a big anchor. I also must admit that I have been caught shortening up my scope and just before dark someone anchors too close up unaware of my choice and the fact that I may increase scope on short notice to deal with weather conditions. Happy Sailing! We do very much enjoy your website. Steve,
I do fully agree with oversized anchors and reducing scope. Having been working at as Captain on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia for several years, I have seen what damage anchor chains do to the reef. BUT…the anchor chain is not just there to connect an oversized anchor in the shortest way to a vessel (hopefully in a permanent manner). One aspect we are forgetting with changing the scope is the secondary function of a heavy anchor chain is the spring effect of the chain. Anybody who has been diving on the anchor chain in strong wind conditions, has seen that even then at least 50% of the chain stays on the bottom, so no jerking can break out the anchor. My principle is that I could short change the scope on day anchoring but I sleep much better at night with the recommended scope AND a big anchor.
I also must admit that I have been caught shortening up my scope and just before dark someone anchors too close up unaware of my choice and the fact that I may increase scope on short notice to deal with weather conditions.
Happy Sailing!
We do very much enjoy your website.

]]> By: Matt Marsh http://setsail.com/big-anchors-reduce-fouling-risk/comment-page-1/#comment-4056 Matt Marsh Sun, 17 Jan 2010 18:23:56 +0000 http://setsail.com/big-anchors-reduce-fouling-risk/#comment-4056 This is a very valid point, Steve, and one that I hadn't really considered before now. For cruisers concerned about their impact on the marine environment, your line of reasoning leads to another interesting conclusion: The small anchor / long scope / heavy rode setup, in your example, will do at least four times more damage to the vegetation and fish habitat on the seabed as will the heavy anchor / short scope setup. Not only does the heavier anchor have less chain sweeping the bottom in light winds, it is also less likely to drag and tear up seabed vegetation in heavy winds. This is a very valid point, Steve, and one that I hadn’t really considered before now.

For cruisers concerned about their impact on the marine environment, your line of reasoning leads to another interesting conclusion: The small anchor / long scope / heavy rode setup, in your example, will do at least four times more damage to the vegetation and fish habitat on the seabed as will the heavy anchor / short scope setup. Not only does the heavier anchor have less chain sweeping the bottom in light winds, it is also less likely to drag and tear up seabed vegetation in heavy winds.

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