Lewmar 15' 5/16 G4 Chain & 300' 5/8 8 Plait Line

Discover the Superior Performance of 8-Plait Nylon with G4 Chain

Upgrade your anchoring setup with this thoughtfully engineered combination of 15 feet of robust 5/16-inch G4 chain and 300 feet of premium 5/8-inch 8-plait nylon line. Designed for seamless integration with Lewmar windlasses, this rode delivers unmatched reliability on the water, whether you're dropping anchor in a crowded bay or riding out rough seas overnight. Boaters who switch to 8-plait often rave about how it transforms locker management and windlass operation—no more frustrating tangles or stubborn coils.

What sets this apart? The 8-plait construction weaves eight individual strands into a rope that's incredibly forgiving yet tough under tension. It starts soft and relaxed for easy handling, then firms up progressively as load increases, providing precise control without the hockling or kinking common in traditional lines. Paired with high-grade G4 chain, it ensures the chain portion bites deep into the seabed while the nylon offers just enough give to absorb shocks from waves.

Key Advantages That Make Anchoring Effortless

• No More Locker Nightmares: Unlike 3-strand ropes that pile up in bird's nests, 8-plait flakes beautifully and layers flat, maximizing space in even compact anchor lockers.
• Twist-Free Handling: It resists spinning and looping, paying out smoothly from the windlass like chain itself—ideal for quick deployments and retrieves.
• Reduced Wear on Gear: Lower stretch means it won't dig into the gypsy pocket during overloads, sparing your windlass stripper from premature damage.
• Saltwater Toughness: Stays supple 80% longer than 3-strand in harsh marine environments, with higher absorbency for better settling in the locker once wet.
• Maintains Full Strength: Matches the breaking strength of equivalent 3-strand while feeling lighter and more manageable on deck.
• G4 Chain Excellence: The short leader of calibrated 5/16-inch Grade 4 chain provides superior abrasion resistance and holding power right at the anchor shank.

Real-world sailors appreciate how this rode combo handles everything from day sails to extended cruises. The nylon's progressive tightening under load gives you confidence in variable conditions, and the chain-nylon transition is factory-spliced for a secure, hassle-free fit.

Pro Tips for Getting the Most from Your Rode

Prep is key to peak performance. Soak the 8-plait in water—fresh or salt—before first use to lubricate the strands. This prevents initial slippage or grip issues in the windlass gypsy, allowing it to bed in perfectly over time. Dry new rope can sometimes hesitate, but once wet, it outperforms alternatives effortlessly.

For maintenance, rinse after every outing to flush out grit and salt. Inspect the chain for wear annually, and give the nylon a gentle wash if stiffness creeps in. Store it flaked loosely to preserve that signature suppleness. Many skippers extend its life by marking intervals with colored whipping for easy depth checks.

Matching this to your boat? The 5/8-inch diameter suits vessels 35-45 feet, balancing strength and locker fit. It flows through standard gypsies without binding, making self-launching anchors a breeze even single-handed.

Why Boaters Choose This Over Standard 3-Strand Setups

Three-strand nylon served its time, but 8-plait leaps ahead in usability. It doesn't coil into stubborn piles, twist during payout, or stiffen as quickly in saltwater. The added weight from absorbency helps it stack neatly belowdecks, and that minimal stretch protects your investment in the windlass. Combine it with G4 chain's proven tensile strength—often 50% stronger than BBB—and you've got a rode that holds firm without drama.

Picture this: You're anchoring in 20 knots with choppy swells. Traditional rope might saw at the gypsy or heap up mid-retrieve; this setup glides through, flakes predictably, and resets cleanly. It's the quiet confidence that keeps weekends stress-free.