NC11: All chain rode?

[hegrelma]

Hi - I need to buy a new anchor rode for my NC11.  We operate in the Chesapeake Bay so anchor depth is not particularly deep, around 10ft typically.  I am considering purchasing an all-chain rode, maybe 120ft, which would put an additional 130lbs in the anchor locker.  I'd be grateful for thoughts on the viability of doing this.

For me, the advantage is more secure anchoring and more reliable windlass operation (in my experience the rope part of the rode is more prone to slippage).

Thanks in advance!

[odetta]

Although I only do daytime anchoring now with my NC795, I had a lot of nighttime anchoring with a 35 foot sailboat on the Chesapeake in the past, using 35 ft of chain and a 35 pound Delta anchor. I would use an Danforth as a second anchor in storm conditions.
I would have concern with how much weight you will have in the bow with anchor and all chain ("hobby-horsing" and effects on steering). Since you are going to be anchoring in mud and minimal depths, nylon rode with equal to boat length with a second Fortress anchor with chain and rode stored aft is probably a better way to go. 
West Marine does have some general recommendations and this site has specific data of tests of some anchors in the Chesapeake:
www.boatingmag.com/top-anchors-tested/

Maybe you could compromise with 50 feet of chain with rode, so that you would only be winching chain when you lunch-hook in 10 feet of water...

[hegrelma]

Thank you odetta; appreciate the information.

[ian222]

On our NC 11 we use 100' Chain and 200' of rode with a Rocna 15 anchor and we have never had a problem. Plus the Rocna launches and retrieves nicely on the NC11 bow roller.

We cruise the West Coast of British Columbia Canada, which has a very wide range of bottoms to deal with, some places you will have a rocky bottom with 75' of water only 50' from shore and others will be shallow sandy or muddy often filled with weeds. I think the key is to have a good heavy chain to keep the angle from boat to anchor at the lowest possible angle. 

[hegrelma]

Thanks you Ian - that sounds like a good combination, and I am planning a similar arrangement using the comparable Rocna Vulcan anchor.  I will let folks now how it goes, but sadly not until the next season as the window is closing here in the Chesapeake.

[richardc1]

Question for those of you that have gone to all chain: Does the extra weight at the bow assist in helping avoid slam and keeping the bow down in sharp choppy seas? I find the NC11 needs tabs fully down in even small chop and am considering chain to help put more weight forward. How much weight (chain) did you add?
Thanks!

Richard

[nigelnc11]

Sarca #4 with 75m of 10mm chain

Seems to work ok, never really tested it.

Must fit snubber in current or a bit of wind as the bronze bush in windlass will break.

Agree about weight up front to help keep nose down.
Changing to Zipwakes as I type, so might also be better

I find best economy with tabs down drives at 0 to -2 degrees