How to choose anchor line

Knowing how to choose anchor line isn’t difficult, but you do have a few things to consider.

For smaller recreational boats, the recommended anchor rope or rode is the correct length of nylon line shackled to a piece of chain at the anchor end. The chain adds weight, which helps secure the anchor especially in sandy or muddy anchorages.

Highly recommended for its strength and elasticity, nylon line prevents your boat from jerking violently as it rolls up and down in rolling waves. Both braided and three-strand nylon make excellent anchor line. Three-strand line has better elasticity and is lower in price, whereas braided nylon is more flexible. If you feed your anchor line through stowage, braided nylon is the better option.

What size anchor line do I need?

You need an 1/8-inch-diameter of anchor rode for every 9 feet of boat length. For example, if you have an 18-foot boat, you need a 1/4-inch-diameter (2/8) line. You’ll need a 3/8-inch-diameter line for a 20-foot boat and 1/2-inch-diameter line for boats up to 36 feet.

How long should my anchor line be?

In many cases, it’s better to have too much line instead of too little line. The last thing you want is to go to anchor and find out your rode is too short!

Also, don’t forget to install a suitable swivel where the rode and the anchor chain meet the anchor shank.

Now that you know what anchor line to use, make sure you know what kind of anchor to use for your boat. –Bob Goodwin