On Mon, 14 Jun 2010 14:54:54 -0700, "nom=de=plume"
wrote:

Half a boat length of chain is the recommended minimum. Most serious
cruisers are using all chain (with a snubber) for a variety of good
reasons.

Did you get a copy of Chapman's yet ? You'll learn a lot from it and
get more details than anyone here can provide:

http://www.amazon.com/Chapman-Piloti...Small-Handling

Yes, have a copy though not the latest. So, a 40' boat would have at least
20 feet. Seems like with all chain that could get pretty heavy if you need
to get it out without a windlass... Seems like picking a good place with
(among other things) less likelihood of coral would mean you wouldn't need
to have as much use for all chain.


There are a number of ways to pull a heavy anchor and chain without a
windlass, but a windlass is certainly the preferred way of doing it.
Most serious cruisers prefer all chain simply because it provides more
security when anchoring, and when you are living on your boat in
remote places, that counts for a lot. Chain sets faster because the
catenary effect reduces the angle of pull on the anchor. Chain offers
a great deal of protection from accidental or intentional
cuts/abrasion. Chain has a very high ultimate breaking strength,
etc., etc.

99 out of 100 international/offshore cruising boats can't be all
wrong. Get the big anchor, get the chain, and get the windlass
unless you intend to spend all of your time in a marina.