* Capt. JG wrote, On 2/23/2007 3:24 PM:
"Jeff" wrote in message
. ..
* Milton Waddams wrote, On 2/23/2007 12:01 PM:
What is the best way to tie off the anchor chain in the chain locker?
Should it just be left free? I am reluctant to run a large bolt
throught the last link because I don't want it ripping through the
deck. It would be nice to have something easy to disengage rather than
something real permanent. Any suggestions? As always, thanks.
Of course the bitter end should be attached to the boat. Can you imagine
how stupid you would feel if the chain got free and ran out to the bottom?

However, ignore the amateurs that advise shackling the chain to the boat.
It should be attached with a length of line, strong enough to hold the
boat, accessible enough to cut with a knife if need be.


What about boats that have all chain rodes? Are you proposing adding line to
the end of an all chain rode?

Of course. Why is that a problem? If you were concerned that you
could actually have all of the chain out in a gale and the boat was
being held by that piece of rope, then make it good nylon, which is
almost as strong as chain, for its size. This would provide some
shock absorbing when the boat snubbed up. You can even splice it onto
the chain such that it would run out a chain pipe.

However, it often would be sufficient to use smaller stuff. If the
chain locker is accessible you could use several turns of 3/8" line in
lieu of the shackle. The problem is that if you're dragging into
danger and want to jettison the ground tackle, you don't want to be
fumbling with a shackle that you went to great pains to make sure it
would never come loose!

I even keep a cheap serrated fillet knife stashed in the chain
locker, not because I expect this particular problem, but because its
a handy place to have a spare knife if I happen to be forward and need
one.

BTW, as it turns out I have mixed rodes, 50 feet of chain with 250
feet of nylon on the primary, 30 feet chain and 200 nylon on the
secondary. A third rode with chain is waiting in a locker, plus a
forth long nylon line.