Anchor rode twist

C-Dawg · Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2009 6:59 pm Post subject: Anchor rode twist

The C-Dawg crew hasn't done much anchoring in the past, so the windlass is pretty quiet. But last weekend while chasing sturgeon on the lower Columbia the cabon-based windlass got a real workout and started to make some noise.

The windlass mentioned at one point that the rode was getting twisted. Sure enough, I noticed after each retrieval that the entire rode--chain and line--was developing more twist each time, which developed into kinks that needed to be straightened next time we set anchor. Another thread here mentioned that rode twist was a result of hauling the anchor too fast. I don't believe that to be the issue here; not saying she's slow, but she definately doesn't pull too fast. The other thread also talked about shackles that swivel, but I'm disinclined to go that route.

So how do we prevent rode twist? Do those with an electric windlass still develop twist?

Captains Cat · Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2009 7:08 pm Post subject: Re: Anchor rode twist

ffheap · Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2009 7:21 pm Post subject:

Hi Folks,

I have a windless on my 22' Angler and have a STAINLESS STEEL DOUBLE SWIVEL attached between the anchor and the rode

No twist but sometimes the rode jumps off of the wheel.

If you put one on, the twist will stop.

Fred

Papillon · Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2009 7:23 pm Post subject:

Let me get this right. You have a problem with anchor rode twist. You don't want to install a swivel. You want to know your "other" options...Ok

1. Try another style anchor...one without wings.

2. Remove the windlass and install an anchor wench...the kind that wears a bikini and hauls your anchor up by hand.

But your best bet is to become inclined to install a swivel.

I personaly like option number 2 the best.

(Disclaimer)All of the above post should be taken toungue in cheek.

Captains Cat · Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2009 7:34 pm Post subject:

DaveS · Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2009 10:50 pm Post subject:

Papillon · Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2009 11:03 pm Post subject:

No Dave,
I don't think you will find this item at West Marine....unless your local WM store is located at Division Street and Watson Road...but watch out they take your picture and publish it.

jkidd · Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2009 11:27 pm Post subject:

Dave
Down boy don't want to get your rope in a twist. Very Happy

C-Dawg · Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2009 12:05 am Post subject:

I have a Bruce type (claw) anchor and never thought about the wings causing it to spin on the way up. But even so, I'm only anchored in <20' of water with <75' of line out. So even upon retrieval it's less than 20' the anchor is free to spin.

I was reading the thread about rode swivels and many said they didn't use a swivel and that the swivel was a possible weak link because of lateral forces and stress. So, do those people have the same twisting problem without the swivel?

As far as replacing my carbon-based windlass, I doubt I could afford it. It's cheaper to eventually purchase an electric one and let her operate it.

kennharriet · Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2009 12:06 am Post subject:

Obviously your rode has been subjected to the reverse Coreolous Effect. The solution is to simply do your future boating south of the equator.

Sea Wolf · Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2009 12:07 am Post subject:

I'm not sure if Dave S's rope or mind is more twisted, but if he's like the rest of us old farts, it gets harder to get either one twisted up as time goes by.......

and now about the twisted rode ..............

Anchors with flukes tend to "fly" especially on the way down and sometimes on the way back up, inducing twists, and all boats can twist the rode if the wind spins them around from directional changes.

The best solution, with a winch, wench, windlass, winsome lass or whatever is to stop and let the rode unwind on the way up, unless you're in some situation where you can't afford the time or associated dangers.

An all chain rode is the quickest to make itself unwind due to its nature, and another reason I favor it.

Joe. Teeth

localboy · Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2009 1:18 am Post subject:

I have nothing constructive to add to this debate; I have a Force swivel installed, have only used my anchor once, have no issue with my "rope twisting" (yet Wink

) and do NOT own or know a wench (I'm confident THE Admiral would not allow me such an after market add-on Laughing

). All in all, this thread is amusing. But it doesn't appear C-Dawg is getting a realistic answer.

On a serious note, all this talk of swivels/weakness etc has made me realize that installing one on my rode has both advantagaes and disadvantages. I'll hook to a buoy whenever possible.

matt_unique · Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2009 8:11 am Post subject: Twist

I have never had twist or had my rode jump the gypsy. I have a 22lb Delta anchor attached to 25' of chain and 275' of 3-strand nylon line.

I don't have a swivel, but I do periodically release the windlass switch while retrieving in case there has been any sort of "spin". Also, I will pause the retrieval if I notice any sign of twisting of the rode that may lead to other trouble. I usually pause just once while retrieving.

I know some swear by the swivel, and it probably works great in most normal conditions. I have this nagging feeling that it creates a weak point if I were ever in a high load situation.

Good luck.

DaveS · Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2009 9:23 am Post subject:

Although I don't use swivels, it would seem to me that if using one and you fear that it might break and leave your anchor down at Davy Jones Locker, you could at least insure that you could retrieve your anchor by attaching a "trip line" to your anchor with the other end attached to a round fender floating on the water's surface. (Of course, that doesn't solve your problem of an unplanned drift if the "weak link" breaks while you are sleeping).
On occasion, I have extended my anchor rode completely out while the boat is on the trailer and "untwisted" the twists, thereby starting anew.

(Once in a great while I can be serious.... Laughing

)

cemiii · Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2009 6:31 pm Post subject:

I know there are a lot of differing opinions on anchor swivels.

Since my shackles, anchor and swivel are all in the garage right now, I went out and put the shackle on the anchor and the swivel on the shackle and found there was virtually no angle I could find that would put undue side loads on the swivel. So that combo, suggested in the other thread, may be a very good improvement over a swivel only.

I have not checked whether the added length of the two combined connectors fits in front of the windlass and I suspect this would vary boat to boat and anchor to anchor anyway.

I have a friend who can weld stainless and I may ask him to spot weld the pins on the swivel to remove any possibility of backing out. I also think I may add a safety clip to either the shackle or anchor itself, for trailering security. This should help relieve 90% of my swivel paranoia.

Now, as soon as I perfect the “string and mini-anchor toe harness” to wake me in the event of dragging, I’ll sleep well on the boat again too.