Bob Austin of Pensacola, FL, asks:

Why only 150 feet of chain in 33 feet of water? This is scope (3.75 to one) only half of the scope (7:1usually recommended.)

Ray Danet responds:

Normally with all chain anchor rode in nice conditions - without much tide range - a 3:1 is sufficient. In stronger winds and larger tidal range, 5:1 is recommended. In your reference to 7:1, this would be used with a little chain and the bulk of nylon rode. The reason for less scope with all chain is due to the weight of the chain and what is called the cantenary effect.

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