What is the best anchor rope

[brshooter]

I purchased a couple of 300' rolls of 7/16" solid braid anchor rope from GI Joes when they had it on sale earlier this year. It is starting to show quite a bit of wear already. I keep both a 300' coil and a 150' coil on the boat and use whatever coil the water conditions dictate. It is too the point that I don't know how much longer I would trust it in a strong current.

I am looking at replacing it. Any suggestions? What is your preference? Solid braid vs. twisted braid? 7/16", 1/2", or 5/8"? How long should I expect an anchor rope to last. I would think I should get at least a years use out of it.

[Joe Schwab]

If you are wearing out rope that often there's something wrong. I used a spool of twisted half inch poly for four years fishing Halibut in Alaska under some extreme conditions. Often had 600 feet out in strong currents. I used an EZ anchor puller and rinsed off the rope regularly. Some fraying but strength is still there. Softer ropes tend to wear quickly. Yes they feel nice but do not stand up to the abuse of constant rubbing and pulling. Go to a big hardware store and get a 600 foot spool for less than $75. It does get kinks in it but pulling the anchor in an open unpopulated area with all your line out straightens out the kinks. Good luck.

[ 09-03-2001: Message edited by: Capt. Hook ]

[SureSet]

I've used both the soft solid braid and the three strand twisted braid. I actually like to work with the twisted better. It's not as soft, but you can splice it full strengh and seamless (takes a little work), it wears good and it doesn't hold as much water. It actually is a little stiffer which I think keeps it from getting knots as you deploy it. It doesn't store as compact as the solid though.

My 2c worth!

SureSet