Thimble vs Shackle Splice

[Matthew Sebring]

I'm putting together an all line (buccaneer 8-plait) anchor rode for a guy's Good Automatic windlass. Does anyone have an opinion on a putting in a thimbled eye versus doing a nice tight shackle splice? My leaning is towards a shackle splice but I want to hear your thoughs on the matter.

[matt the rigger]

You should always have at the least 10-12' of chain for chafe reasons if nothing else. Then make sure you seize the shackle (or swivel would be better) to the chain. Then you should do a rope to chain splice with out a thimble.
Matt

[Matthew Sebring]

I figured this would probably be the first response. This is on an all line anchor windlass (Series 500 CFDM) located well forward with no provision for the chain. This is a recreational fishing boat which will anchor rarely and when it does will only be on the hook for short times with all hands on deck and aware. Most likely they'll only put out 2:1 scope and wonder why they drag. I 100% agree with you in terms of general practice but in this particular instance it's not very practical. So all that being said, we're back to the initial question of a thimbled eye vs a shackle splice. Any thoughts?

[matt the rigger]

I would use a thimble on the swivel\shackle. If it's not going through the windless,and it obviously is not. I believe any time you can eliminate rope to steel chafe with thimble is a good practice.
Matt