Anchor rode question

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HarlenW

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I am attaching new line (300') to my 90' of 5/16" chain. What diameter 3 strand nylon line will work best and go through the windlass gypsy? We tried 3/4" but that was too large; the junction where the line is attached to the chain jammed in the gypsy?

The previous line was of a braided type that I won't be reusing and it seemed to be 3/4" so that is why I tried it in the 3 strand line.

My boat is 38' LOA and 22,000 lbs.

Thanks.
 
Depends on the gypsy head and the tailer, if so equipped. As far as the line-to-chain splice jamming, might be more due to the splice? Again, not knowing anything about the gypsy/wildcat it would be hard to say. 3/4" diameter is roughly 2 1/4" circumference line, which, if memory serves me, has a BS around 17-20k lbs, at least in the double braided nylon flavor. 3 strand nylon somewhere around 12-15k. If you're downgrading to 3 strand - and if it's going right from the drum to it's manger, laying how it falls, I can't think of any good reason to - keep in mind you're losing some breaking strength. The only possible advantage to 3 strand, besides the cost, is the additional elongation at breaking strength (not necessarily more elasticity - just more elongation) - but it comes at a cost. 3 strand is NOT a very stable construction, and doesn't recover from elongation well. Remember that your ground tackles capabilities don't necessarily align with the dry weight of your boat - add up the gravitational forces from 90' of 5/16" chain (might want to run the numbers on 5/16" ), 300" of DBN or 3strand nylon, and the buoyant force of your boat (22k, yes?) and you've got an idea of the upper end of what your ground tackle should be able to take.
 
8-Plait

* 8-Plaited nylon rope eliminates some of the service problems associated with the 3-strand ropes. 8-Plait uses 8-individual braided strands woven together that allow the rope to be relaxed. But, when under load, it tightens up to a firm lay. The higher the load the harder the lay becomes.

* 8-Plait carries the same tensile strength as 3-Strand.
* 8-Plait does not coil or create a "birds nest" in the locker like 3-Strand will. 8-Plait flakes and falls upon itself.
* 8-Plait will not twist and knot up.
* 8-Plait will not loop over onto itself.
* 8-Plait has less stretch so it will not bury itself deep into the gypsy's grip when overloaded, which means less damage to the stripper when the windlass is abused or overloaded.
* 8-Plait pays off of the windlass into the locker much like chain, allowing for better use of smaller locker designs.
* 8-Plait is 80% less prone to becoming stiff when used in salt water than 3-Strand.
* 8-Plait nylon rope is 1/3 more absorbent than 3-Strand rope. More absorbent means more weight; more weight means better fall into the anchor locker.
* 8-Plait should be soaked in water (salt or fresh - it does not matter) to pre-lubricate the rope so it can be used in the windlass initially. When rope is used dry and new, we have seen either slippage or sticking in the rope pocket of the gypsy. Once the rope is wet and used, it out performs the 3-Strand. The longer it is used the better it gets.
 
quote:
Originally posted by HarlenW

What diameter 3 strand nylon line will work best and go through the windlass gypsy?

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First, determine the make and model of the windlass. Next, look for a code stamped on the gypsy.

Armed with that information, go to the manufacturer's website and determine what line is recommended for your windlass and gypsy. If you can't find it, contact the manufacturer. They will tell you what it's designed for.
 
yes use what the maker suggests. If you use three strand as I always did buy only the best. The cheap stuff is too soft and subject to hockles.
 
As stated above you need to find out what your windlass is designed for. Mine, a lewmar 600, is recommended only for 3 strand. So, I went with lewmar 3 strand and chain.

Works well for me.

Bob
 
Be careful with 8 plait line if your windlass is not designed for it.

My Ideal horizontal is designed for 3 strand and the 8 plait was too soft and would jam around the gypsy. Changed to 3 strand and no issues.
 
Yep, find out the windlass is and then check the manufacturers recommendations. I was thinking of switching to 8 plait because I had been hearing good things about it but then I checked with Simpson-Lawrence and they said my windlass was not designed for it and to stick with 3 strand.
 
in three strand you really only have two choices in size 5/8 or 3/4. if the later is too big you are going to be using the next size down unless you are willing to pull it up manually when you get to the change over.

another suggestion is just add more chain. you can still carry extra line for deep water but in most shallow applications you'll not need to pay out more than chain only. just use a snubber to take up the shock when using chain only and you'll be set.
 
quote:
Originally posted by vic33004

in three strand you really only have two choices in size 5/8 or 3/4.

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West Marine has their "Premium Prespliced Line" in 7/16 with a SS thimble spliced at one end. The box it comes in listed 9/16 and 11/16 as well. It comes in lengths up to 300' and was priced competitively with other sources I checked.
 
quote:
Originally posted by vic33004

in three strand you really only have two choices in size 5/8 or 3/4. ........
Click to expand...


I have seen three strand nylon line in many sizes. 3/8", 1/2", 9/16" for starters.
 
Checking what my windlass maker recommends is a great idea (imagine that?) and I discovered that my Lewmar also recommends only three strand. But the boat was delivered new with 8 plait 3/4” that never did run through the gypsy correctly. They also recommend 1/2” or 5/8” for my size windlass. The 3/4” I tried almost, but not quite, went through the gypsy so I am going with the 5/8”. Kudos to West Marine who sometimes takes flack here, they gave me a full refund on the 3/4” without any question (I expected at best a restock charge) even though it had been uncoiled from the box and the box had gotten pretty beat up.

Thanks to all who gave input.
 
quote:
Originally posted by HarlenW

Checking what my windlass maker recommends is a great idea (imagine that?) and I discovered that my Lewmar also recommends only three strand. But the boat was delivered new with 8 plait 3/4” that never did run through the gypsy correctly. They also recommend 1/2” or 5/8” for my size windlass. The 3/4” I tried almost, but not quite, went through the gypsy so I am going with the 5/8”. Kudos to West Marine who sometimes takes flack here, they gave me a full refund on the 3/4” without any question (I expected at best a restock charge) even though it had been uncoiled from the box and the box had gotten pretty beat up.

Thanks to all who gave input.

Click to expand...


You're welcome.
 
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