On Friday, April 4, 2014 3:13:02 AM UTC-7, Wayne. B wrote:
On Thu, 3 Apr 2014 20:52:39 -0700 (PDT), Tim

wrote:



On Thursday, April 3, 2014 6:08:17 PM UTC-7, Wayne. B wrote:



On a smaller boat they could get by with



a 45 lb anchor and 5/16ths chain but that still is a lot of weight to



handle.



Wouldn't steel[stainless] cabling be a lighter choice than chain as far as weight and be as durable?



===



Good question.



Many, if not most, commercial work boats use galvanized wire rope for

anchoring, as do some commercial fishing boats like shrimpers.

Galvanized wire is considerably cheaper than stainless and more

durable in some respects even though it is eventually prone to

rusting. Those boats have specialized winches for handling wire

however and prevent it from snarling. The weight of the winch alone

could easily exceed the weight of comparable chain. Probably the

biggest advantage is with stowage space since the wire rolls up rather

compactly. On the other hand large ships and yachts always use

chain, really big chain. For deep water anchoring the weight of the

chain is regarded as an advantage in getting the anchor down quickly

and getting it set (stuck to the bottom). Additionally, the weight

of the chain forms a catenary curve which helps to absorb the shock

caused by wave action and wind gusts.

That;s some pretty good explanations, Wayne. I can see the 'shock-value' of using chain after i'd invisioned it for a bit