Post by partizancudjoe on Sept 23, 2021 19:00:10 GMT -5
For anchor rodes, I've always used chain with rope set ups. We ordered our 26 XO with the 10' galvanized chain/100' nylon rope option to save weight and also because of firmly believing that you ought to have the flexibility which nylon rope brings. Two issues.
First: corrosion/rust.
All of our boating is in salt water. Our 26 XO gets a thorough washdown after every trip. That includes a plenty of CRC 656, WD 40 or whatever else might be needed. After 6 months, we saw way too much rust where ever there was galvanized anchor chain making contact with another metal. I always have used stainless on prior anchor rode set ups. I never had any corrosion issues, as you'd expect when paying the extra $ for decent stainless. The durability has been there whether using 304 or 316 (not even the best stuff). But the corrosion on our 26 XO's rode was enough to convince us to swap out the galvanized chain now and go with stainless.
Second: increase chain length needed.
It is no surprise that the 26 XO has a lot of superstructure for a boat its length. It can get tossed around plenty at anchor. The issue is that these boats need more than 10' of chain out front if you get any kind of wind. In upgrading, we stuck with 100' of nylon rope but opted to go with 25' of stainless steel chain.
I hope our experience helps other 26 XO owners.
.
First: corrosion/rust.
All of our boating is in salt water. Our 26 XO gets a thorough washdown after every trip. That includes a plenty of CRC 656, WD 40 or whatever else might be needed. After 6 months, we saw way too much rust where ever there was galvanized anchor chain making contact with another metal. I always have used stainless on prior anchor rode set ups. I never had any corrosion issues, as you'd expect when paying the extra $ for decent stainless. The durability has been there whether using 304 or 316 (not even the best stuff). But the corrosion on our 26 XO's rode was enough to convince us to swap out the galvanized chain now and go with stainless.
Second: increase chain length needed.
It is no surprise that the 26 XO has a lot of superstructure for a boat its length. It can get tossed around plenty at anchor. The issue is that these boats need more than 10' of chain out front if you get any kind of wind. In upgrading, we stuck with 100' of nylon rope but opted to go with 25' of stainless steel chain.
I hope our experience helps other 26 XO owners.
.
