Irrespective of what you use to mark your chain (paint / cable ties / markers) there are a few points we thing you should consider when doing so. We provide not just "some chain markers", but a chain marking set which takes into account all of the below points we think are important.
- Put an "Anchor" marker just above the anchor
- Keep it as simple as possible
- Don't mark single chain links to demote distance
- Similar colour intervals for longer chains
Anchor marker just above the anchor
This is a really simple point and one which we are constantly surprised people don't think about. Put your first marker the same distance up the chain as your bow roller is from the water. When you see that first mark you know the anchor is about to break water and before bringing it back on board you can
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- clean of any seaweed or mud
- ensure it's not swinging around which may damage the bow
- orientate your anchor if it has a tendency to come up the wrong way up
- slow down retrieval to prevent damage to boat or anchor
How Anchoright helps > Our chain marking sets come with a guide plate which has the ability for the boat owner to mark the first position on the plate with an "A" to denote the anchor.
Keep it as simple as possible
Although we have worked with customers with quite complex colour sequences, marking the chain in a usable manner need not be complicated and should be kept as simple as possible. A common colour sequence used is Red, Yellow, Blue, White, Green, easily remembered with Rub Your Balls With Grease. This sequence can then be repeated is necessary.
How Anchoright helps > We advocate a simpler solution of a specific unique colour at each point which will easily identifiable and our chain marking sets are put together accordingly.
Don't mark single chain links as a measure of distance
Some customers mark one link and then two links and then three etc. The issue with this system is if the marker is lost or fades then the system has fallen over. IF you're looking to do this then at least double-mark the links so your "one" position will be two links marked and your "two" position will be two links marked > two blank links > two links marked.
How Anchoright helps > with our sets using a unique colour at each position overcomes this as there are 5 markers of each colour so IF one does come out the position on the chain is still easily identifiable.
For longer chain consider "intervals" in the same colour
If you've got a long chain, consider using a unique colour at the main intervals, for examples 10m, and then marking the 5m intervals all with the same colour to keep the sequence simple. So for example
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- Anchor - Red
- 5m - orange
- 10m - Yellow
- 15m - orange
- 20m - Blue
- 25m - orange
How Anchoright helps > We can put together custom sets for all sizes of chain so this can be achieved.