View Full Version : Anchor line know
Johnson_Bar
10-13-2001, 02:03 PM
Is a bowline the best know for tying your anchor line to the chain?
A bowline is an excellent knot for tying your line to your chain. Make sure you tie it securely and check it each time for fraying. Remember; the rabbit comes out the hole, around the tree and back down the hole!
Why don't you splice the rope around a thimble. It will last a lot longer and you don't have to worry about the knot coming loose.
Properly tied, a bowline will not come loose. Pressure tightens it on itself. Also, it allows you to easily swap ropes if you want to use a longer or shorter one with the same anchor. I carry 3 ropes for varying situations.
URB - I'm not sure why you say a spliced thimble will last longer ... seems to me a given rope will wear at the same rate regardless of the method of fastening.
bait boy
10-13-2001, 09:43 PM
I think with the spliced thimble it puts a metal barrier between the rope and the eye of the shackle or chain link . But I still believe in the Bowline for anchor ropes. Its too easy to change stuff around with to not make it a permanent use knot.
fishbait
10-14-2001, 07:33 AM
Bill, If this is for say a Columbia River anchor and chain, do yourself a favor and use a thimble. go ahead an tie the bowlin, then whip the tag end to the mainline to make a little neater conection. This will last you for many years. You might even put a few whip raps just above the thimble to ensure that it stays put.
Paranoid
10-14-2001, 10:45 AM
Thimble and whip.
fishbait
10-14-2001, 01:34 PM
Bill, I looked at mine and I have a clevis at the end of my chain. Simulat to above post. The thimble is somewhat permenant and this way I can disconnect if necessary. Use stainless wire to secure clevis pin.
fishbait
10-14-2001, 01:35 PM
Mark, tell me more about your chain snap....
Johnson_Bar
10-14-2001, 08:00 PM
Never thought about the thimble, but the reason I am asking this question is a result of using a clevis, this might fall under lessons learned the hard way. I have my rope tied to a rubber chain and then the chain is attatched to the anchor with a clevis. I now know the reason they put the whole in the pin on the bolt of the clevis is so that you can put a wire or something in it to keep it from coming loose, if your carless enough not to check it before you throw it. I was careless enough not to check and had to settle up for another anchor. Atleast it didn't come off until we were pulling to leave images/icons/rolleyes.gif
I put have a chain snap at the end of my anchor rope I change anchors from time to time. it also makes it easier to store your rope without draging an anchor around. I used the a snap that has two releases to open it. Used the best knot your can.
NAUTI-NOTIONS
10-15-2001, 08:26 AM
I also learned the hard way about what the hole in the pin was for. i nearly drifted in to a couple of anchored boats at beacon rock this summer... as a piece of mind and for good looks a use a piece of 2/0 shrink tube on the tail of my knots on my anchor line. i also use a carabiner on the anchor chain and on the large float in stead of a snap it allows you keep the 400' of rope in a net bag for easy storage also for a piece of mind...anchoring in 60' of hvy current should make you a little nervous
Bought the chain snap at ace hardware.It is galvanized and is a safety type used for fall protection. It has a big hook and requires moving two releases to open the snap.I have a $60 anchor at the end of it and do not want to loose it.