"Charlie Morgan" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 23 Feb 2007 12:24:05 -0800, "Capt. JG"
wrote:

"Jeff" wrote in message
m...
* 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?

Absolutely, and for the reason Jeff mentioned.

CWM

You forgot the word "retarded". Jeff's reason is retarded. There is no
reason to have a rope tail to cut. If you have chain rode you have a
windlass. If you have a windlass you have a chain stopper. Either a
stopper built into the windlass or a stopper forward of it on deck. Or
preferably both. If you have the bitter end of the chain made fast below
in the chain locker with a stainless steel shackle made fast to a padeye
or eye bolt it is under no strain. If you should have to jettison the
rode/anchor for emergency reasons it is far better to do so from the
safety of the ships interior. Generally, should you have to part company
with your ground tackle it will be under severe wind and wave
conditions. It is generally not as safe on the bucking foredeck as it is
inside the vessel. You could even severely cut yourself with the knife.
You could even use a snap shackle in the chain locker if you thought a
stainless steel screw shackle might be tough to unfasten. Be sure to
buoy your rode before setting it free so you may retrieve it at a later
time. The buoy should have the name of your ship on it.

Wilbur Hubbard