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Old 12-10-2009, 09:25 AM
Ian McColgin Ian McColgin is offline
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Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Hyannis, MA
Posts: 368
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I most hesitantly disagree with Brion but perhaps I don't understand how Brion has in mind using the snubber. I have used two sorts of snubbers to the end of the bow sprit. One is a seperate line to a chain hook on an all chain rode. The other is simply a way to hold the other rope (after chain leader) rode.

Both utilize the same line with either the chain hook or a leathered large bow shackle put on the eye splice at the end. The line just leads through a shackle dangling out under the end of the bowsprit. Lots of ways to attach that. The line is long enough that when not in use it's secured with both ends to a lifeline abaft the stem. Once the anchor is down and about the right scope, we hook the snubber on and pull it ouf to the end of the sprit if using the rope rode. If chain, we have to ease the chain out at the same time.

With the chain rode, a little slack between the hook and the boat puts all the strain on the snubber, taking the shock out. With the rope rode, the snubber serves only to hold the rode out at the end of the bowsprit and the strain is on the rode at the bitts. I also use that snubber to hold the mooring pendent out.

The snubber is detached before breaking out the anchor both to ensure that the sometimes strong and perhaps unfair strain does not come on the snubber and to allow for smooth retrieval of the gear.

G'luck
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