wait... ok, what is cable? Has to do with communication equipment?

The future rode is still a line since it is still in the bag on the floor of my truck.

Its a rope until it is attached to something nautical.

Then it becomes a line, rode, halyard, or sheet.

Is RODE pronounced like ROD, or like ROAD?

It's pronounced "rode"... As in rode hard and put away wet.

ah, like RODEO

Ya never know with English !

Someone's been reading too many romance novels.

i just call it "string".

Back to the original question....

We have a 4 lb claw for a lunch hook. With 6' of chain and 100' of rode, it has been extremely reliable. In fact, we have only dragged it a couple of times, and that was expected based on the conditions (mot much scope and high wind/current). It fits into our small anchor locker, sets easily in most bottom conditions, and was not very expensive. Not a lot of anchor for a 25' boat, but it works great for us.

For longer periods on the hook, we use a FX-11 Fortress with 12' of chain and 200' of rode. This anchor has been 100% reliable for us, even overnighting in a tidal creek where we swing 180 degrees. I figure this anchor is good for 25' of water in difficult conditions, which is quite suitable for the Potomac river where we usually boat. My only worry is that I will bury it so deeply that I cannot get it back, and it is not a cheap anchor.

If I was to connect two lines for an anchor rode, I would also use a sheet bend or carrick bend, but would back each side up with a fisherman's knot for safety.

Is there a story here?

Our experience with short pieces of chain (6-12') is that they make a large difference in how the anchor sets. The figure I often hear is that you should use at least as much chain as the length of your boat, but we have been satisfied with less. Of course, with a boat most suited for day use, we do not often overnight, especially in bad weather.

The story here is Raystown Lake waters are too deep for my 50' long rode and we kept dragging the anchor. When we boat at our typical lake, the 50' is just (emphasis on just) long enough but I don't want to get that close to shore. My lovely bride likes to be in hte deepest waters she can be in for her comfort level.

I still have the 50' er and the anchor. One time I had a chain on it that I had in the garage. The chain was used when the Harley had to live outside for a few months and I chained it to the house. My plan is to get a short 4-6' long chain as well.

Sorry that my story is not very exciting.

this is a favored way for aft anchors and a lot of flat line in a small space
http://www.marinestore.com/ankarolina.html?cart=330168434661100

Have been thinking of adding one to my boat here as we always used them in Scandinavia, it has a nice crank to reel it in with.

h

Good thread.

I avoided reading it because I really dislike having to set an anchor. Why? Because I suck at it.

I always get frustrated because I struggle to get it to set. I do need to add some chain to our lunch hook to make it set better, but it seems like I always fight with it (even on the last boat with 6' of chain). The guy next to me can throw a paper clip over attached to a string and it will hold him.

I have a fried that swears by a mushroom type anchor. I use a dansforth. I do have a Fortress FX11 (overkill) for when we leave the boat in the lake while camping. I've only used it a few times and it has worked well. But, it is too big to keep on the boat.

I am looking to get an FX7 and perhaps a box anchor for more lunch hooking. We usually boat in lakes where wind is the only issue. Current is rarely a problem. Depth can vary, but the lakes we frequent are steep walled so 30 feet off shore, the water may be 45-50 feet deep.

I know I would enjoy myself more if I could get a good set and not have to worry about drifting. I can't go with a long scope in most places as we are usually too close to shore to get to under 40 feet of depth.

At this point, I am considering trying a box anchor since many say they work with a shorter scope. I've also considered another fortress, but an Fx7 this time to make it easier to stow.

Great idea! For me I wouldn't use the reel since it seems to big to fit in the anchor locker. For anyone else it's a great option. Or even as a backup rode.

185' Breaking Strength 6600lbs

Saturday was a day to use my new anchor rode. It was a good day to upgrade as the wind was blowing more than normal. The first time I tossed the anchor over, we picked a spot on land and however the spot kept moving as the anchor did not hold. After getting the anchor to hold, I let out the 95' and we stayed put all afternoon. The best part is, the anchor and rode still fit in my small anchor locker. In our cove that we stay, I counted 21 boats so it is a good thing that no one drags an anchor or a raft up will quickly form.

Next week we're taking a day off from boating and will be getting the motorcycle out for a benefit ride for students that want to join the trades (carpentry, plumbing, electrians, etc.), this week will be spent getting the bike all nice and shined up.