Marking anchor rode & chain

[Lil Rascal]

I would like to mark my anchor rode and chain at certain lengths so I know how much has been lowered into the water. What is a good way to do this and what is a good distance interval to use? Thanks,

Scott on Lil' Rascal

[Sea Wolf]

Scott-

There are ready-made ribbons of different colors available for this purpose.

With three strand line, you just measure to prescribed distances, twist open the line's lay, insert the ribbon (directions might say to tie it in somehow for better security). The ribbons are marked with the distance in feet for 30 foot intervals up to 300 ft. I think there's a sticker that also de-codes the ribbons vs. distances by color. Retail about $7.50 at West Marine.

You can also do this yourself with colored waterproof pens, but the fadeing due to the sun will force you to repeat the marking at least every other year.

If you have a windlass, a magnetic switch and counter can be rigged to record the distance out. The windlass manufactuers make them for their own equipment, or you can devise your own. Put "windlass counter' in the search engine and see if you can find our discussion of how to build a counter if you're interested.

Joe.

[Sam Walker]

I can't fathom the idea of using any other length.

[Dora~Jean]

I have my anchor line marked with those ready-made vinyl strips with numbers: Green (30, 60, 90), Red (120, 150, 180) and Yellow (210 +). But sometimes had trouble reading the little numbers at the helm especially if at night or the windshield smeared or wet. So I sort of coded them with strips about 1" apart in groups:
1 green strip = 30 ft
2 green strips = 60
3 green strips = 90
1 red strip = 120
and so forth.

Works great for me. I use colored vinyl tape from the hardware store (avoids that 'marine' tax...!).