Anchor chain marking

[RichardFeffer]

I just installed a Simpson-Lawrence anchor windlass. I purchased an all chain rode. How should I mark the chain so that I know how much rode is out? I thought perhaps colored ribbon might work. Painting links won't last very long. Any suggestions please!
Richard Feffer
s/v Adamarie
CD30MKII



RichFef@Prodigy.net

[John R.]

I just installed a Simpson-Lawrence anchor windlass. I purchased an all chain rode. How should I mark the chain so that I know how much rode is out? I thought perhaps colored ribbon might work. Painting links won't last very long. Any suggestions please!
Richard Feffer
s/v Adamarie
CD30MKII

I and a friend thought about this awhile ago and we came up with the following idea which he and I have since implemented on his rodes and I have not yet had the time to do on my rodes but it is on my to do list. We took 3/32" thick by 3/4" wide strips of copper and wrapped it around one long section of a link and soldered it with silver solder. You could use 1/16" copper but it will be stiffer to work with but will probably last longer. We then stamped the distance into the brass with a set of those alphabet/numerical manual die sets. It is still working fine on his boat and he uses a horizontal manual windlass. It isn't too bad to do if you only do it say every 15 - 20 feet or so. You really don't have to stamp the numbers, you can always just wait until the copper oxodizes and then count the greenish bands. You will need a 100 watt soldering iron at the absolute bare minimum and that may not be enough. It depends on how much heat will transfer into the link. Be sure to use acid flux not rosin flux. A small mapp gas torch can make the heating process easier or use a high wattage soldering iron.

I've tried so many other things I've lost count. I had fairly good success using industrial epoxy paint in bright orange. That has to be redone about once a year, it really depends on usage.