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On 12 Nov 2004 02:35:15 -0800, (Steve
Smith) wrote:

Hi all

Thanks for all your contributions. In the UK there is very little
information that I have found on using either of these methods apart
from the occasional mention of using short snubbers to reduce shock
loading when using chain and the lowering of weights etc. to give a
more horizontal lead and to provide some damping when using rope and
perhaps chain. Mixed chain and rope is probably used as much here as
in the US with appropriate chafe prevention. My own experience has
been generally with all chain with no problems but I have not
experienced anything like the weather that you get in the US. I am
planning on a circumnavigation and will have all chain for most use
since I think the benefits do outweigh the detractions but I
appreciate that in severe conditions the shock loading aspect and
pitching of the bow could be the decisive factor so would look to
other alternatives. I would have an equivalent length of chain/nylon
for secondary use and probably additional rodes.

The benefits of the buoy method seem to be - sufficient damping if the
buoy is large enough and lessening the pitching of the bow. As was
rightly pointed out this can only occur if the chain is not pulled bar
tight by the constant force from the wind.

The problems that I see with the rope and chafe protection is that it
has to be maintained and in severe conditions when a crew is likely to
be exhausted this may not be possible. Any method that needs less
maintainance is then more attractive which is why I was interested in
the buoy method. Apart from hearing of quotes in Hinz's books (I
haven't managed to persuade the library to get a book after two
attempts) I have only come across it mentioned in Hal Roth's 'After
50,000 Miles', an excellent book although quite old.

If anyone can scan any of the relevant information from Hinz's
'Complete book of Anchoring and Mooring' I would appreciate it. Apart
from fishing boats using this method there seems little other evidence
of its use.

In addition to Hinz, a good reference is van Doorn-- 'Oceanography and
Seamanship"

Rodney Myrvaagnes NYC J36 Gjo/a

"WooWooism lives" Anon grafitto on the base of the Cuttyhunk breakwater light