Anchor rode upgrades...

tod osier said:
I'll confess that I've used cheap camo double braid from the big box store for decades for my anchor lines. I usually have 3 for hunting, 2 at 75' on spools and a third shorty at 25' that I use snug things up when needed. I also have a high quality three strand 3/8 nylon rode (150') for emergencies in the boat at all times.

Nylon double braid probably the best choice because it is remains more flexible when frozen. My painter and stern line are high quality 1/2" three strand nylon and they do get real stiff when frozen (but so does any double braid I've been around). I'd like double braid, but color and a bargain would trump that.

Looking to replace the cheap stuff with something better, I'd like a quality 3/8" nylon double braid in something nondescript like olive or brown. There is a LOT of stuff out there online, but I'm having trouble finding something with known quality and non black or white. Does anyone have a go-to quality bargain brand with color options? To do it with 3/8" three stand new england three strand it would be $150 and double braid would be $200 and black is the only option. There are a lot of less expensive options, but some seem real cheap. Suggestions???? An inexpensive quality black double braid would be a fine default if someone can suggest one.
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Ordered a 300 foot spool of 3/8" double braid nylon in OLIVE today. I'll let you know how it is in 4 or 5 years when it is thoroughly tested.
 
Quick update... Ordered OLIVE, but got an email from the gal that I had talked to about colors and she said the olive was more of a straight up green in this batch. She sent pics of their earth tone colors unsolicited and I went with their "gold", which when it came on the spool from the manufacturer was called "coyote brown". Anyway, spliced some thimbles in this morning and I'm ready to test them out when the water melts in the spring.

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tod osier said:
Quick update... Ordered OLIVE, but got an email from the gal that I had talked to about colors and she said the olive was more of a straight up green in this batch. She sent pics of their earth tone colors unsolicited and I went with their "gold", which when it came on the spool from the manufacturer was called "coyote brown". Anyway, spliced some thimbles in this morning and I'm ready to test them out when the water melts in the spring.

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That's a good color. Pretty good job splicing. (y) You might consider whipping as a finishing touch to minimize fraying directly below the thimble.
 
SJ Fairbank said:
That's a good color. Pretty good job splicing. (y) You might consider whipping as a finishing touch to minimize fraying directly below the thimble.
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Thanks, I wanted to give it a little bit of work to let the outer and core equilibrate before committing to whip it. I do like whipping, so I'll probably do it at some point. I need to make a painter and stern lines, so probably then. Seems like pretty nice double braid.
 
tod osier said:
Don't have a loop at the end of my painter, and it is just short enough not to get stuck in the prop :). Loop would be nice to have, never thought of that.

I should just buy some black new england rope diamond braid, but 200 bucks seems like a lot.
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If you buy three strand in white you can dye it pretty easily. Also splicing three strand is simple easy. Go to animated knots and watch his videos. You can either burn the tag end on other side or put in a crown/back splice to tidy up the ends.
 
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