Recently I installed a swivel on my anchor rode and conducted testing, as I don’t want to compromise safety and my anchor rode integrity.
After much thought and testing here’s what I came up with.
Attaching the swivel to the anchor is a definite No No!
If your vessel were to swing sideways and pull the rode at say a 90 degree angle to the anchor, it would put undue lateral load on the swivel which compromises the strength – it could even bend or break the swivel.
Therefore it is always recommended to attach a bow shackle to the anchor then attach the swivel to the bow shackle. If the rode pulls at a lateral angle to the anchor this allows the swivel to slide around the bow shackle – no extra loading.
However, I feel this is still too much of a compromise to the integrity of the rode, as the swivel may “kink” with the shackle and anchor and put undue load on the swivel. Installing 5 links of chain (equal in strength to your anchor chain) between the swivel and anchor eliminates any possible additional loading on the swivel, leaving the integrity of the anchor, and rode 100% intact, and leaving the swivel to “swivel”. (See attached photo)
Always use loctite on fastenings when assembling the swivel and always use seizing wire on the shackle pin. If the shackle cannot be seized in this way, again use Loctite on the shackle.
In heavy weather while anchored, your anchor is your lifeline on a larger vessel, and on a smaller fishing or day vessel you still want to protect your investment from being broken and lost. Anchors and equipment can be expensive!! So setting up your rode correctly at the beginning is good seamanship and you can rest easy!
Happy boating and keep an eye out on our website or newsletters for more very useful tips.
