Alternative to attach rode to chain

[pbyrne]

I've got a rode and chain setup, and the thimble of the rode gets jammed in the bow roller on retrieval and as you probably know, it's bloody tricky to free it.

Other than bashing the thimble into something that fits more easily through the bow roller or weaving the rode into the chain, is there another mechanical connection out there that I could use? 

I'm not keen on rode directly on chain due to chaffing, so I'm leaning to giving the thimble a bit of a 'reshaping', but would rather have something that is closer to the diameter of the rode/chain in general, as even if I 'reshape' it it's still fairly large.

Thoughts?

[Jim Hardesty]

If you have a 3-strand rope to splice to the chain do a rope to chain splice.  That's what I do and redo it every few seasons or when it looks like it's time.  At that time I end for end the rope.  Eazy to check for chafe, that is if the anchor is pulled up.  Google "rope to chain splice" and look at a few that resemble a long splice, that's what it looks like.  The only nice tool to have is a hollow fid.  Especially if the rope is not new. 
This is one of the simpler splices to do and if you don't like it cut it off and do again.  I would suggest go to K-mart get some 1/2 inch 3 strand nylon and some electrical tape to practice with. 
FWIW I trust the rope to chain splice over a thimble splice.  The thimble can be damaged or bent and quickly chafe the rope. 
Hope this helps,
Jim

[Jim Hardesty]

This is what it looks like after a busy season.  Probably anchored 40 times mostly 2 days at a time.  Thru some storms.  Note little to no chafing between the rope and the chain.  Good for another season.
Jim

[Dave Spencer]

I strongly support Jim's recommendation.  Splicing three strand rode is quite easy and Jim's recommendation to buy some cheap three strand for practice is great advice.  You'll become confident in no-time.  My rode looks exactly like the picture Jim showed n his post.  I "end for ended" my rode about 2 years ago and redid the splice at the chain.  I inspect for chafe almost every time the anchor comes up and have had zero issues in more than 12 years with the same rode.  We anchor out a lot; almost every night in in the summer sailing season and I never lose sleep worrying about my rode to chain splice. 

[Ron Hill]

pby : When I got my braid on braid rode from Defender I had them splice in a nylon thimble on both ends of that 200 ft rode.  I've never had a problem coming thur the bale on the bow roller and the other end splice will allow me to end for end the rode after a few years!! 

I prefer the braid on braid to the 3 strand because it does NOT get stiff and has greater strength!!  Much easier to throw in a laundry mat washer to clean up!!

A few thoughts

[dfloeter]

Or try the 8-plait rope that splices easily and lays down in the locker. 

[waughoo]

I have 8 plait for my rode.  Had it spliced onto the chain when I replace my ground tackle.  I do like how tame the 8 plait is vs three strand.

[Jim Fitch]

You got me thinking about how I would maintain my new 8 plait rope to chain splice and New England Ropes has a PDF on how to do this.

https://www.neropes.com/fileadmin/user_upload/REV_Premium_8_Plait_Tapered_to_Chain__2020_Splicing__NER_ARK_Print.pdf

[Jim Hardesty]

You got me thinking about how I would maintain my new 8 plait rope to chain splice and New England Ropes has a PDF on how to do this.

I'm not sure about using 8 plait rope.  I've never used it or tried to splice it, am concerned about splicing it after some use.  ie.  Turning the rope end for end.  I've read where it's not recommended to eye splice or any other splice in used double braid.  Soft, slippery and new line is recommended.  Of course, I have and wasn't really pleased with the results.  Yes, the splice looked ok but didn't quite make up like new rope does.  As it wasn't a critical use, I tightly sized the splice and used it.
Also there is my uncertainty how well my Gypsie would work with the 8 plait.  As I don't need to change my rode in the near future, I don't need to make that choice.  This is just my uninformed opinion.
Jim

[Ron Hill]

Guys : My braided anchor lines are not the normal braid on braid - they are a special "Sampson" brand braided Anchor line!!
 
A thought

[waughoo]

8 plait should be fine in a windlass.

[Jim Hardesty]

8 plait should be fine in a windlass.

On a drum, yes, on a Gypsie, not so sure.  I'd check the windless specks.  If I remember correctly, my maxwell manual doesn't list 8 plait as acceptable.  But that's a 2001, may be updated.
Jim

[lazybone]

Lewmar prefers 8 plait for their windlasses.

[dfloeter]

My Maxwell windlass gypsy handles the 8-plait with no slippage and the splice was easy.

[Ron Hill]

My Lewmar gypsy handles my braided rode with no problem!!

A thought