US Made Anchor Rope

Windlass compatibility

Always check your windlass manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure the chosen anchor rode (whether 3-strand or 8-strand) is compatible with the design of your windlass.

The design of the chain wheel on some older windlasses might not provide enough grip on an 8-strand braid rope.

Line Rode on a chain gypsy:

Vertical Windlass offers Advantages for Line Handling over the Horizontal Windlass:

• Greater Wrap Angle: On a vertical windlass, the rope typically makes a near 180-degree wrap around the chain gypsy. This larger contact area provides significantly better grip and reduces slippage when hauling or deploying a rope/chain rode.  
• Improved Control: The increased grip translates to more controlled handling of the line, making it less likely to jump or snag.  
• Often Includes a Capstan: Many vertical windlasses are available with a capstan on top of the gypsy. This additional drum is specifically designed for handling mooring lines and can also be used to assist with the anchor rode, providing even better control and the ability to use the line independently of the chain.
• Better Alignment: The vertical orientation often allows for a straighter lead of the rope from the bow roller to the gypsy, minimizing friction and potential for chafe.

Horizontal Windlass Considerations for Line Handling:

• Limited Wrap Angle: Horizontal windlasses typically have a much smaller wrap angle (around 90 degrees) on the gypsy for the rope. This reduced contact area can lead to less secure grip and a higher chance of slippage, especially under load.  
• More Reliance on Spring-Loaded Fingers: Horizontal windlasses often rely more heavily on spring-loaded fingers or snubbers to help the gypsy grip the rope. While these can be effective, they are mechanical parts that can wear or malfunction.
• Alignment Critical: Precise alignment between the bow roller and the horizontal gypsy is crucial for smooth rope handling. Off-center leads can cause significant friction and wear.
• Separate Drum Often Required: To effectively handle rope with a horizontal windlass, a separate warping drum is often necessary. This adds to the windlass’s footprint on deck and requires the rope to be manually led to the drum. Getting the rope to then feed neatly into the chain pipe can also be an issue.

In summary:

While both vertical and horizontal windlasses can handle rope spliced to chain, vertical windlasses generally offer superior performance and more secure handling of the line due to the greater wrap angle on the gypsy and the availability of a capstan.  

However, it’s crucial to:

• Check the manufacturer’s specifications: Always verify that the specific windlass model you are considering is designed to handle the type and size of rope you intend to use.
• Ensure proper splicing: A well-executed splice that transitions smoothly is essential for both types of windlasses, if you need to splice your chain to line rode you we can do that for you.

Ultimately, if you plan to use a significant amount of rope in your anchor rode, a vertical windlass designed for rope/chain combination will likely provide a better and more reliable experience. Sources and related content