Anchor Rope Connection ?

[Blind Bobber]

Well folks I must once again strut my ignorance in the hopes of being tossed a little of your insight. This one is a bit embarassing. Here goes. I just bought a new anchor rope 3/8 150 nylon blend. I went to tie i t to my anchor chain and noticed that one end of the rope has a factory brade around an aluminum ring. So I wonder if this ring is for the anchor chain so as to loop the chain and rope through itself for a permanant conection or ? educate me. As soon as you get through laughing that is.
Thanks much:twocents: :twocents: :twocents:
BLIND BOBBER

[Tinman]

I suggest you use a galvanized anchor shackle to connect the anchor to the ring (actually the ring is called a thimble). The shackle is sort of a specialized chain link in a "U" shape. A screw-in pin closes up the "U". Be sure to use a small tie wrap or some wire to lockwire the pin so it won't unscrew. You can get shackles at West Marine or any actual marine hardware store.

If all this is too complicated, cut off the ring, and just tie the rope to the chain with a bowline. Inspect the bowline for wear from time to time, and if it gets frayed, cut off a couple of feet and tie it back on. Simple.

[Akafish]

its best to use the thimble and a quick link or shackle. your eye is protected from inner abrasion with a thimble and the load is taken on the steel, not the line, while keeping an eye and form/ strength of the line..

even tho a bowline maintains 80% of the lines strength before breaking, i would suggest taping the tail back to the main part of the line. Under a huge load, a bowline can slip, causing the tail to suck thru. taping the tail will allow your knot to create its holding spot and having the insurance of a little slippage with any unforseen amount of load you may try or not to try to put on the line, ie, getting the anchor stuck.

[Gundog]

Use the eye with a shackle or link as described. A bowline is a great knot but not for anchoring. The eye of the bowling will wear through in time and abraid the line. The thimble eye is usually rated at 100% of the rated strength of the rope.

The anchor knot makes a good knot if you are going to use a knot because it cinches down on the eye and will not wear like a bowline. Here is a link to tying the anchor knot.
Mike

http://www.tollesburysc.co.uk/Knots/Anchor_hitch.htm

[jet]

Thanks for the Knot link, the site shows many types of knots with actual the motion graphic on how to tied them instead of a picture.

Jet~~~