anchor snubber length

N

nwboater

New member
I am fitting out my new-to-me Tomcat 255 and would like to use a single length of nylon rope for an anchor snubber. My anchoring experience has only been with larger trawlers (40'-52')...what diameter rope and what length would you recommend for the Tomcat (we typically anchor in 25'-35' of water)
Thanks!
 
Gary, what is the length of your snubber. I have a Mantus snubber from my previous boat but at 23’ it seems too long for the Tomcat…I’m thinking maybe 15’-18’ is about right?
 
For the smaller C Dorys I use 5/16" to 3/8" is max I would use for the C Dory 255. The snubber is to stretch and take the any shock load. If your snubber is 1/2", then I would be using 3/4" for the main rode. 15 feet would be fine--
 
Many thanks! I've decided to order a double-leg snubber, 5/8"x15', 3-strand nylon that is called an "equalizer" -- "It consists of two sections of rope that create a “Y” shape and slide through each other to ‘equalize’ the tension on the bow cleats..." I've never seen a snubber like this but it makes sense so I'll give it a go :) You can link to it here: https://rightrope.com/equalizer-mooring ... P3-58-15-W
 
Sorry Richard, I failed to mention that we have about 15 ft. of line for the snubber. I agree with Bob Austin that using a line of 5/16" to 3/8" would be better for stretch. Thinking of switching to 3/8 inch.
 
5/8 might be appropriate for the back up bridle line for the 35 ton 62' motorsailer we voyaged 40,000 miles on. I used one side 1/2" and one side 5/8". In all of that anchoring, we only broke the 1/2" bridle/snubber in a gust which knocked the boat down with only a Mizen sail up as we were getting ready to sail off the anchor. The 5/8" held.

In the gizmo you showed: I would be worried about chafe on the metal thimble. It appears as if part of the line is chafe protected. Also the rode will encourage more "sailing", than with a fixed bridle.
 
You make a good point regarding possible chafing at the thimble...I'll stick with the tried and true fixed snubber. Btw, I've had good results using a single-leg snubber in settled weather...fast and easy to deploy.
 
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