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For more on Anchoring:
  • Anchoring Gear
    more on anchors, anchor tests, rode, and associated equipment
  • Anchoring Technique
    more on anchoring technique, setting multiple anchors, and, of course, anchoring etiquette

A Simple Way to Check Scope

To help determine the correct amount of rode to let out to attain the optimal scope, you can use a rode counter. You can also mark your rode using colored whipping line at regular intervals, cable ties, plastic ribbons, chain markers or even paint on a chain rode.

Alternatively you can employ a little trick. All you need to know is approximately how high off the water your bow is (B). Multiply this by at least 5 for a 5:1 scope, and you should see that much rode, when it is fully stretched out and taut, between your bow and where it enters the water (A).


When viewed from on deck it is very easy to estimate the scope!

The basis for this is some simple school geometry (Intercept Theorem): The ratio between two sides of a triangle stays the same regardless of the size of the triangle as long as the angles do not change.

Intercept Theorem: The relationship (ratio) of A to B is the same as C to D as long as the angles in the triangle do not change.

Viewing the vertical depth and the outstretched rode (stretched taut) as two sides of a triangle, all you need to know is how high off the surface of the water your bow is. Say it is 5 feet. Multiply this by 5 if you want 5:1 scope, and you should see the resultant length of 25 feet of rode stretched out between your bow and where it enters the water. This means that you will actually have 25 feet visible above water and enough scope underwater regardless of the actual depth.

The ratio of the amount of rode you see above the water (A) to the bow height (B) is equal to the ratio of the length of rode you have let out (R) to the total height of your bow above the bottom (H) and either of these are equal to the Scope.

So, if A/B = 25’/5’ = 5/1, then you indeed have a 5:1 scope!

So, finally you have a practical application for the math you were required to learn in school. Of course, this works best for a rope rode. An all chain rode with lots of weight tends sag unless conditions stretch it taut.

Alex and Daria Blackwell are the authors of “Happy Hooking - The Art of Anchoring.” It covers every aspect of anchors and anchoring in a fun and easy to read format with lots of photos and illustrations. It is available from good chandleries, Amazon  and on our publishing website.


For more information on this subject or on anchoring in general, please see our book:

Happy Hooking - the Art of Anchoring



     
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