Anchor "chain" question

[Bob Thompson]

Does anybody know why some people use a short piece of chain between their anchor and the rope holding it? I never have but have sesured it with a thimbel in the wrap around the anchor for abrasion resistance. Does it have something to do with how it lays on the bottom? Thanks much, Bob

[Dave]

If it's a spike type anchor, the chain weights and lays on the bottom forcing the points of the anchor into the lake bottom faster. I don't know if any benefits come from using chains on mushroom type anchors.

[leechlake]

It makes you look like you know what you're doing to your buddies! Just kidding, it keeps the angle pulling on the anchor down keeping waves from pulling the points on the anchor out of the bottom. I use about 5-6 feet on all anchors and it does help from my experience. I don't know what size chain I use but it's pretty heavy stuff.

[BIG DS]

Any anchor other than the mushroom anchors the chain adds addional weight and it makes sure that the anchor is on its side as that is were it needs to be to be most effective. I would question the sanity of using it with a spike anchor in rocks as they tend to get wedged between the rocks. Otherwise, its all good.

[BillP]

Another way to accomplish the same thing perhaps even more efectivly is to carry an extra lightweight anchor. It dosen't have to be anything but a weight. then you don't have the extra weight of a chain or heavy anchor. When you have trouble with your anchor not holding, you add the second light anchor several feet above the other one. As always anytime an anchor slips, let out plenty of line.