Anchor rope

Angus

Active Member
Jul 30, 2022
181
Milwaukee
Boat Info
Sea Ray 330 Sundancer
Engines
2- 502 Mercruiser Bravo 1
I’m wanting to replace the anchor rope on our Good AFD windlass. How is this done?
 
First you'll need to confirm rope diameter and chain size.

I'd remove the anchor from the chain and put it aside. Since you're replacing the rope, you can cut it and remove it from the attachment point in the rope locker.

If you're planning to reuse the chain, find someone to do a rope to chain splice to the new rope or learn to do it yourself. Youtube and books galore on this.
 
First you'll need to confirm rope diameter and chain size.

I'd remove the anchor from the chain and put it aside. Since you're replacing the rope, you can cut it and remove it from the attachment point in the rope locker.

If you're planning to reuse the chain, find someone to do a rope to chain splice to the new rope or learn to do it yourself. Youtube and books galore on this.
The windlass is rope only, 1/2”. I have the old rope out. I need to know the procedure for threading it in, and down to the locker.
 
The windlass is rope only, 1/2”. I have the old rope out. I need to know the procedure for threading it in, and down to the locker.
When I change my anchor rode over (flip it end for end to extend its life), I cut it off the anchor and pull it all out through the the anchor locker. Then I retie the end to the eye in the locker and then drop the line had over hand into the anchor locker. Then I take the end and reach in the locker and thread it back UP through the windlass, around the capstan and then retie it to the anchor end.

Much easier than trying to thread 200 feet of rope (rode once its attached to the anchor!) down through the windlass.
 
390 DA anchor rope size? I just got a bucket from West Marine of 9/16 rope and 5/16 chain and I'm second guessing myself. Should I have 5/8? Will the 9/16 work with the windlass? I'm all confused.... As usual.

I am a lot heavier then you and I only have 5/16 chain, but I am all chain. The 9/16 rope and 5/16 chain sounds right for your boat. In the windlass manual it will specify what you can actually use. The rope and chain are specific to your windlass. Goin up/down in size would require you to change your windlass.
 
390 DA anchor rope size? I just got a bucket from West Marine of 9/16 rope and 5/16 chain and I'm second guessing myself. Should I have 5/8? Will the 9/16 work with the windlass? I'm all confused.... As usual.

You have too nice of a boat to be calling it an anchor rope, friend :)

Call it the anchor rode and stand proud!
 
I'm glad somebody brought this up am I 2006 215 weekender has a good 10 ft of stainless steel chain and then half inch anchor line could I get away with 3/8 anchor line or should I stay with the half inch thanks. It just seems very hard to tie around the cleats on the bow . I have a 6 or 10 lb anchor for the rear with 50 ft 3/8 line just to hold the boat when it's windy but I'm concerned that the 1/2-in anchor line up front will slip off the cleat cuz there's not a lot of room to get it wrapped properly
 
390 DA anchor rope size? I just got a bucket from West Marine of 9/16 rope and 5/16 chain and I'm second guessing myself. Should I have 5/8? Will the 9/16 work with the windlass? I'm all confused.... As usual.
The wrong chain will definitely not work with what the gypsy is spec'd for. The wrong rope most likely will not.

Some gypsy's have the markings on them. If your windlass is original (or an exact replacement), double check your parts manual. From what I see, it's 5/16" - 5/8".
 
I'm glad somebody brought this up am I 2006 215 weekender has a good 10 ft of stainless steel chain and then half inch anchor line could I get away with 3/8 anchor line or should I stay with the half inch thanks. It just seems very hard to tie around the cleats on the bow . I have a 6 or 10 lb anchor for the rear with 50 ft 3/8 line just to hold the boat when it's windy but I'm concerned that the 1/2-in anchor line up front will slip off the cleat cuz there's not a lot of room to get it wrapped properly
3/8" is plenty for that size boat.

But... 3/4 wrap around the horns, 2 turns over the horn and then 1 lock-off turn around a horn (3 turns total). That's all that's needed.
 
I just went through this. Mine had 5/8” line and 5/16” chain. My windlass excepts 5/8” or 9/16” line, so I decided to go with 9/16” and braided the 3 strand nylon line to the chain. I added a Mantus S2 swivel. I had never braided the line before but like @Soulshine stated YouTube is your friend. IMO it came out perfectly.
1598C0B8-18D4-4C01-9636-4504EE666B1F.jpeg
The windlass will for sure dictate the size needed. :)
 
I just went through this. Mine had 5/8” line and 5/16” chain. My windlass excepts 5/8” or 9/16” line, so I decided to go with 9/16” and braided the 3 strand nylon line to the chain. I added a Mantus S2 swivel. I had never braided the line before but like @Soulshine stated YouTube is your friend. IMO it came out perfectly.The windlass will for sure dictate the size needed. :)
A little jumbled, maybe a skipped tuck or two :) But it's close enough to not affect the strength. Getting them "pretty" takes some practice.
 

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