Windlass Rope Replacement Recommendations

[Capt.Will]

Vessel: 1997 Sea Ray 330 Sundancer

Windlass: Lofrans Progress One

Reason for replacement: Original rope and chain set up. I had the rope re-spliced to the chain three years ago and the gentleman who spliced it for me told me that this would probably be the last time I would be able to have this done because of the age of the rope. The splice is now fraying a bit so I would like to purchase a new rope.

My Research has found: My current set up is more than likely a 5/8" (15mm). I have read that 9/16" (14mm) would work much better with the Progress One that I have. Any truth to this?

Lofrans/Cabo I found an Italian company called Cabo that has a rope with a link already spliced, but no where I have found to purchase this in the US. Is this recommended by anyone here?

Any advice for purchasing a new rope and where would be great. Any are my sizes correct to your knowledge?

 

[Stee6043]

Defender marine has all sorts of options for ground tackle. When I bought mine they are also the most competitively priced (shipped).

Have you considered going all chain? Depending on how many feet you're running the incremental cost isn't that huge. All chain is a really nice upgrade...and you never have to worry about that splice again.

 

[Lazy Daze]

If you're happy with the way that 5/8" was working, then keep doing so. But look at the gypsy and/or the owner's manual (or contact Lofrans) to see what it's spec'd for in terms of chain/rope.

If the chain is in good shape, then you only need to buy new rope (of whatever length you want) and splice it in. It's not a hard splice to do - but you could use the same guy again for that.

If you want to replace the chain as well - it's not too hard to find kits already made up - most manufacturers offer that. But you really only need to buy the length chain you want and the length rope you want (separately) and splice it together.

 

[my3sons]

You could always flip the rope around and resplice the chain to the end that’s been in the locker.
Yes there is truth to the 9/16 working better. It’s the splice. The 9/16” makes a splice that is excepted through the windlass easier. I had that setup on my 360, I now have all chain on my 400, would never go back to rope/chain but if you are happy with it, all is good.
if you want to replace the whole rode, Imtra will sell you the 9/16” rope and chain all set to go. The chain should be 5/16”g4
that you can double check by looking on your chain wheel.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Yes there is truth to the 9/16 working better. It’s the splice. The 9/16” makes a splice that is excepted through the windlass easier.

Probably depends on the person doing the splice? I would think a good tapered splice should do it.

That said, I don't have that windlass so I certainly can't say for sure.

 

[my3sons]

That’s what I thought seeing as the 5/8” came on the boat, but it was Imtra, the windlass manufacturer, that told me to go 9/16”.
they were right.

 

[BillK2632]

If you anchor often I would consider going all chain. My Cobalt came with all chain and after having it, I just would not go back to a rope/chain combo. Had it on my SeaRay Sundancer and getting the splice through the windlass was always a trick - broke the finger more than once, just a PIA.

 

[Capt.Will]

I would like to stick with the rope/chain setup. I personally think that all chain does two things. Adds excessive weight to the vessel and also more stress on the pulpit/bow when anchored. I believe the rope takes some of the stress from the bow as it stretches under high wind and current.

Regardless, that's what I would like to do. I will check out Defender as suggested.

 

[dmorris800]

I would like to stick with the rope/chain setup. I personally think that all chain does two things. Adds excessive weight to the vessel and also more stress on the pulpit/bow when anchored. I believe the rope takes some of the stress from the bow as it stretches under high wind and current.

Regardless, that's what I would like to do. I will check out Defender as suggested.

Not sure if it is cheaper but Quick is the brand the boats now come with. Here is a website to the anchor / chain product

Anchor Rode Rope and Chain - Quick USA

An anchor-rode is the connection system between the anchor and the boat and its sturdiness during mooring is undoubtedly essential.

www.quickusastore.com

Dave

 

[Jus Cruisin]

I bought this for my boat last year.
https://www.westmarine.com/west-mar...packages-for-windlasses-P005_150_001_004.html

 

[Lazy Daze]

I would like to stick with the rope/chain setup. I personally think that all chain does two things. Adds excessive weight to the vessel and also more stress on the pulpit/bow when anchored. I believe the rope takes some of the stress from the bow as it stretches under high wind and current.

Regardless, that's what I would like to do. I will check out Defender as suggested.

Side notes...

-- The weight it adds (although not a lot), in many cases, actually helps a boat's performance in terms on getting on plane and stability through the chop.

-- Anchor rode should ALWAYS (with the exception of a calm day with no boats going by you) be attached to a cleat. The windlass should never be used to hold the rode at anchor. In the case of chain, a simple anchor bridle is all that is needed.

Just mentioning that for future reference.

 

[Stee6043]

Side notes...

-- The weight it adds (although not a lot), in many cases, actually helps a boat's performance in terms on getting on plane and stability through the chop.

-- Anchor rode should ALWAYS (with the exception of a calm day with no boats going by you) be attached to a cleat. The windlass should never be used to hold the rode at anchor. In the case of chain, a simple anchor bridle is all that is needed.

Just mentioning that for future reference.

+1. You can either buy a super pricey pre-made bridle or make your own.

I only use mine when I'm staying for a while and/or have another boat or 3 tied off to me and my anchor. If it's just me staying for the afternoon, I do the "not advisable" and let the windlass hold me...

 

[Lazy Daze]

+1. You can either buy a super pricey pre-made bridle or make your own.

I only use mine when I'm staying for a while and/or have another boat or 3 tied off to me and my anchor. If it's just me staying for the afternoon, I do the "not advisable" and let the windlass hold me...

Agree - when it's realitvely light conditions in a somewhat protected area, I never bother with a bridle.

I went even CHEAPER than you did! $5 at my local hardware store for a clevis chain hook.