Good windlass anchor rode

S

Stolat

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So I looked over the rode for my GOOD windlass and it needs to be replaced. Price for 200' of color coded 1/2" rode over $200. Price for 200' of 1/2" non color coded nylon rode (same stuff as what Good sells) less than 1/2 the price. The advantage to the color coded rode is that you would know how much rode is out while you are still at the helm.

So I guess the big question is, is there a way to put color markings on the rode that will not interfere with the operation of the windlass? If I was able to put color on the rode it would not have to be the entire length. The color marking on my current anchor rode are about a 12" length at various intervals along the rode.

--Steve
 
I've never tried it but I think you could DYE the line with ordinary RIT dye. According to RIT, it will dye nylon.

I'd mark the line off into appropriate segments with a sharpie or such, and prepare the dye in the kitchen sink or a series of metal buckets. Put each segment of anchor line in the appropriate bucket to dye.

Haven't tried it but it SHOULD work.

http://www.ritdye.com/dyeing-techniques/tips-success
 
Easiest way is spray paint. I like to use the color of the American flag, in that order: red, white, blue. You select the interval according to your anchoring habits. Works very well for me.

Bob
 
quote:
Originally posted by gamecoc430

Easiest way is spray paint. I like to use the color of the American flag, in that order: red, white, blue. You select the interval according to your anchoring habits. Works very well for me.

Bob

Click to expand...
+1
 
The plastic tags sold at marine retailers for the purpose work pretty well. If money is not an object, there are counters available for some windlasses that read out in feet (or meters) how much rode is out based on the number of revolutions of the gypsy.
 
Ron, I saw the plastic tags and my concern would be that they would get hung up in the windlass or just be torn off when they pass through the unit.

Thank you all for your ideas, I'll weigh out the option and figure which direction I will pursue.

-Steve
 
I wrapped red electrical tape every 30'. Easy to see from helm and does not seem to effect windlass.
 
I like the paint
Lay out dry line on the dock, put newspaper underneath and spray away
Done in less then an hour and will last a couple years easily
 
Why not just use permanent markers or paint pens. Less mess than spraying. You could also use colored heat shrink tubing.
 
We anchored 100 nights last year and have learned to keep it simple. Simpler the better
Bright orange paint on the rode (actually chain)
1 hash mark at 50'
2 hash marks at 100'
3 hash marks at 150'

Use orange or yellow rustoleum, not the crap, and it will last about 15-20 dunks
 
I like the pre-dyed rode I bought from Good when I had my new windlass installed. I guess painting the line would work.
Bill
 
quote:
Originally posted by Stolat

Ron, I saw the plastic tags and my concern would be that they would get hung up in the windlass or just be torn off when they pass through the unit.
Click to expand...


They are made and sold for the purpose and go through the windlass just fine. I've used them for several years without problems.
 
make sure the "Price for 200' of color coded 1/2" rode over $200. Price for 200' of 1/2" non color coded nylon rode (same stuff as what Good sells) less than 1/2 the price." is the same stuff, a neighbor used a less expensive rode and the windlass would slip after he used it a couple times - turned out it had less twists per inch and was softer then the Good rode - he swapped it out and the problem went away. I bought the rode from Good when I replaced mine 600'. If you normally only use a portion of your rode, reverse it (not sure what the colors do backwards) that end it usually near new...
 
quote:
Originally posted by rblochli

............. If you normally only use a portion of your rode, reverse it (not sure what the colors do backwards) that end it usually near new...

Click to expand...


I tried to do that once and nobody would do the rope to chain splice on used rope. I ended up with new rope and my original chain.

Yes, I suppose I could have tried making the splice myself but it's pretty critical and I don't think this is a good one for an inexperienced splicer to start with.
 
quote:
Originally posted by rawidman

The plastic tags sold at marine retailers for the purpose work pretty well. If money is not an object, there are counters available for some windlasses that read out in feet (or meters) how much rode is out based on the number of revolutions of the gypsy.

Click to expand...
Just curious, will these tags work w/8 Plait Line?

On a side note, we have a Maxwell 800.. I believe it calls for 5/8" 8 Plait.. but most places are showing 3-Strand Twisted.. (we have 3-Strand Twisted now.. & seems to work OK..

Should I stay w/3-Strand or make a move over to the 8 Plait.. I'd like to add chain, but not sure I can splice the 8 Plait... but most certain I can splice 3-Strand...

I know it can be purchased pre-spliced.. but I was thinking down the road when it needs to be redone...

Can anyone comment on what they might have in their Maxwell 800 and how it works for you?
 
btw, part of my other delima is I already have 200' of New 5/8" 3-Strand Twist.. just need to add/splice chain..
I'd like to use it.. unless I really need to move to 8 Plait..
 
If you have a windlass, you have to use the rope and chain that the windlass is designed for. Often, this information is stamped on the gypsy. Or, you could contact the manufacturer and ask them. If it's a current model, you might be able to find this information in a marine retailer's catalog or on-line.

I use three strand nylon line and have never had a problem with it. I think the folks who complain about kinking loaded the rope wrong in the first place. I've watched people do it.

I don't think the tags work on any sort of braided line but I've never tried it.
 
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