Lewmar 6' 1/4 G4 Chain & 150' 1/2 8 Plait Line
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Lewmar 6' 1/4 G4 Chain & 150' 1/2 8 Plait Line Product Description
Discover the Superior Performance of Lewmar's 8-Plait Anchor Rode
Engineered for boaters who demand reliability in anchoring, this anchor rode combines a robust 6 feet of 1/4-inch G4 high-test chain with 150 feet of 1/2-inch 8-plait nylon line. It's designed to work seamlessly with Lewmar windlasses, offering smooth deployment and retrieval even in demanding conditions. Unlike traditional setups, this combination minimizes locker clutter, reduces wear on your windlass, and provides a secure hold that inspires confidence on the water.
Whether you're anchoring in a crowded bay or riding out a sudden squall, the 8-plait line's unique construction delivers handling like chain while retaining the shock-absorbing qualities of premium nylon. Boaters rave about how it transforms anchoring from a chore into a breeze, freeing up space in tight anchor lockers and preventing frustrating tangles.
Key Features That Set This Rode Apart
- Premium G4 Chain Leader: The 6-foot, 1/4-inch galvanized G4 chain provides exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, resisting rust and abrasion while digging into the seabed for maximum holding power.
- 8-Plait Nylon Excellence: Woven from eight individual strands, this 1/2-inch line starts soft for easy handling but firms up under tension, matching the tensile strength of 3-strand rope without the drawbacks.
- Windlass-Optimized Design: Perfectly calibrated for gypsy pockets, ensuring reliable grip and minimal slippage during operation.
- Compact Storage: Flakes naturally in the locker like chain, ideal for boats with limited space—no more bulky coils or bird's nests.
Why 8-Plait Outshines Traditional 3-Strand Rope
Switching to 8-plait means saying goodbye to common frustrations. Here's how it excels:
| Feature | 8-Plait | 3-Strand |
|---|---|---|
| Coiling & Storage | Flakes flat, no nests | Often coils poorly |
| Twisting & Knotting | None—stays straight | Prone to hockles |
| Stretch Under Load | Controlled, protects windlass | Excessive, causes bury-in |
| Saltwater Stiffness | 80% less likely | Becomes rigid over time |
| Absorbency & Weight | 1/3 more for better settling | Lighter, piles up |
This rode pays out smoothly, mimicking chain behavior for effortless stowing. Its higher absorbency adds weight when wet, helping it cascade neatly into the locker depths.
Pro Tips for Optimal Performance and Longevity
To unlock the full potential:
- Pre-Wet the Line: Soak the 8-plait in water before first use. This lubricates it, preventing initial slippage or sticking in the gypsy—dry rope can be finicky, but wet, it grips like a champ.
- Chain Sizing Match: Pair with anchors suited to 1/4-inch chain for balanced scope and holding.
- Regular Inspection: Check for chafe where line meets chain; use a thimble or fairlead for protection.
- Scope Strategy: Aim for 5:1 to 7:1 rode-to-depth ratio in moderate conditions for secure sets.
- Winter Storage: Rinse with fresh water and dry thoroughly to extend life, though 8-plait resists stiffening far better than alternatives.
Real-world testing shows this setup endures years of heavy use, from coastal cruising to offshore passages, with minimal degradation.
Simple Maintenance for Years of Reliable Service
Keep your rode in top shape with these steps:
- Rinse after every outing to remove salt and grit.
- Inspect chain links and splice annually—replace if elongation exceeds 5%.
- Avoid petroleum-based cleaners; mild soap works best for nylon.
- Store flaked in a ventilated bin to prevent mildew.
With proper care, expect this rode to outlast competitors, saving you time and hassle on future anchorages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes 8-plait rope better for windlass use than 3-strand?
8-Plait tightens under load for a secure gypsy grip, resists burying deep when overloaded, and pays out smoothly like chain, reducing wear on the windlass stripper.
How do I prepare the 8-plait line for first use?
Soak it thoroughly in fresh or salt water to pre-lubricate. This prevents slippage or sticking in the gypsy pocket, and performance improves with use.
Is this rode compatible with most Lewmar windlasses?
Yes, the 1/4-inch chain and 1/2-inch 8-plait are sized for standard Lewmar gypsies, ensuring reliable operation across compatible models.
Does the 8-plait line store better in small anchor lockers?
Absolutely—it flakes flat and falls upon itself, using less space than coiling 3-strand and avoiding bird's nests for efficient storage.
How resistant is this rode to saltwater degradation?
The 8-plait is 80% less prone to stiffening in saltwater compared to 3-strand, maintaining flexibility season after season.
What's the ideal scope for this chain and line combination?
Use 5:1 to 7:1 rode length to water depth for most bottoms, adjusting for conditions—the G4 chain enhances initial bite.
Can I splice this line to my existing chain?
Yes, a properly sewn eye splice with a thimble creates a strong, chafe-resistant connection to 1/4-inch chain.
Lewmar LEWHM06HT150P Anchor Rode 6' 1/4"" G4 Chain with 150' 1/2"" 8 Plait Line
Model: HM06HT150P- 8-Plaited nylon rope eliminates some of the service problems associated with the 3-strand ropes. 8-Plait uses 8-individual braided strands woven together that allow the rope to be relaxed. But, when under load, it tightens up to a firm lay. The higher the load the harder the lay becomes.
- 8-Plait carries the same tensile strength as 3-Strand.
- 8-Plait does not coil or create a ""birds nest"" in the locker like 3-Strand will. 8-Plait flakes and falls upon itself.
- 8-Plait will not twist and knot up.
- 8-Plait will not loop over onto itself.
- 8-Plait has less stretch so it will not bury itself deep into the gypsy's grip when overloaded, which means less damage to the stripper when the windlass is abused or overloaded.
- 8-Plait pays off of the windlass into the locker much like chain, allowing for better use of smaller locker designs.
- 8-Plait is 80% less prone to becoming stiff when used in salt water than 3-Strand.
- 8-Plait nylon rope is 1/3 more absorbent than 3-Strand rope. More absorbent means more weight; more weight means better fall into the anchor locker.
- 8-Plait should be soaked in water (salt or fresh - it does not matter) to pre-lubricate the rope so it can be used in the windlass initially. When rope is used dry and new, we have seen either slippage or sticking in the rope pocket of the gypsy. Once the rope is wet and used, it out performs the 3-Strand. The longer it is used the better it gets.
Save $199 when you buy the Lewmar 6' 1/4 G4 Chain & 150' 1/2 8 Plait Line for only $309 from NVN Marine! Same day shipping before 3pm.
Lewmar 6' 1/4 G4 Chain & 150' 1/2 8 Plait Line Technical Specifications
| Type: | |
|---|---|
| Vendor: |
Lewmar |
| Weight: |
22.0 lb |
Lewmar 6' 1/4 G4 Chain & 150' 1/2 8 Plait Line User Reviews
Lewmar 6' 1/4 G4 Chain & 150' 1/2 8 Plait Line Shipping & Return
| Shipping Weight: |
22.0 lb |
|---|---|
| Box Sizes: |
1.00 (h) x 1.00 (w) x 1.00 (l) |
| Cubic Feet: |
1.0 |
| Returnable: |
Yes |
| USPS First Class: |
Yes |
| P65: |
Yes |
For detailed shipping policy please check our Shipping Policy and you can find our Return and Refund Policy here.