Anchor rope/chain

I have a 20′ Champion boat. I’m looking at the different brands, sizes, & quality types of anchor ropes on the market.

I’m debating as to whether I need a 1/2″ anchor rope or if 3/8″ will do. Most anchor ropes that I’m finding are 3/8 and have a working strength of 200 to 300 pounds. Is that adequate for a boat of my size?

Also, what size chain should I get an Menard’s???? Is 5/16 adequate, or should I go to 3/8??? 4 feet of chain sufficient around rocks???

Most rules of thumb will say that for your size boat, 3/8 rope and 1/4 galvanized chain rode is adequate. I am a big advocate of OVERSIZING rodes and anchors. Don’t go nuts, but I would choose a rode and anchor that is rated for 150% of your displacement and length. The web is full of free rode/anchor guides. Im sure West Advisor at Westmarine.com has one.

If your are building your own, err on the size of bigger (as in 1/2 and 3/8 as you mentioned). Also get an adequate anchor. There are a lot of “recreational” anchors (generally the type that are designed to be easy to retrieve) that will place a disclaimer “not to be used in critical situtations.” That phrase tells you everything you need to know about them… avoid them. Unless you fish only small calm farm ponds, you need an anchor that can be depended on to stop and hold your boat in ANY condition. This equipment is not just convenience, it is safety. Some of the rinky-dink specials that people use on large commercial traffic waterways are insane. You have to ask yourself, “Are you confident that your anchor will stop you dead and hold in all conditions? On a fast moving river? On a windy shore?” If it can’t, you need a better anchor and rode.

This is a serious piece of safety equipment and is your LAST line of defense against ending up against riprap, wingdams and other boats should your engine fail.

Sorry for getting preachy… but I’m USCG AUX and I spend a lot of time reading boating horror stories… ah, the things that could be avoided…

Good luck,
Dave

I have a twenty one foot Stratos. I’ve been using 3/8″ rope just fine. I just make sure it’s good rope. I also use the Quick Cleat rope holders. I find them really useful on the river. They release the rope instantly, which has been very handy when changing positions with cold, wet hands.

I have done plenty of anchoring on Mille Lacs over the years. Do not short yourself on the rope diameter. I have been using 5/8″ Derby braid for quite a few years. Is is soft , easy on the hands and will float. This is on the spendy side at $.85/ft. but worth the money.
As for chain…a 3′ piece of 5/16″ will do just fine.
Dino

Not sure what size rope I have but know it is in the 3/8″ and up range have to measure it I guess. I do a lot of anchoring on the river and have a tip for you that I actually learned from a customer of mine. I am surprsed I never thought about it sooner but it just goes to show you that you can learn something from anyone.

When attaching a chain to your anchor it makes a lot of noise that is a no-no when fishing /anchoring in shallow water for me. This time of year with the lower flows, the less noise you emit from around your rig will greatly reduce the “spook factor” in return,put a few more fish in the boat.