As I mentioned in the question this week another cruiser suggested I ask the question “How Long Should Your Anchor Line Snubber Should Be?  I had to admit when he asked the question that I really didn’t have an answer.  Fact was I didn’t remember ever reading anything on the subject that mentioned recommended lengths.  Curious I went looking on the internet and found several articles on the subject.

For the most part what I found more or less recommended the same lengths and sizes based on working loads or line and chain from the various manufacters of line.  So here are the results of my research.

We have all used snubbers to reduce the shock load of chain on our cleats and windlasses.  However, snubbers when of the proper length and size have a more important function of reducing the load on our chain and anchor.

An article in Practical Sailor by Drew Fry found that the use of a 30’- ½” 3 strand snubber reduced the load on the chain and anchor by 62% in 60 knots of wind.  A 6’- ½” 3 strand snubber only reduced the load in the same wind by 22%.  That is a pretty big difference.

Working load reduction is important when we look at the loads imposed on the chain and anchor in 60 knots of wind on a 40’ boat.  In 60 knots the ABYC (American Boat and Yacht Council) calculates wind load on a 40′ boat at 4898 lbs, the working load of 3/8” BBB chain is 2650 lbs.  As you can see a 60-knot wind will apply a load greater than the working load limit of 3/8” BBB chain.  Now, if we use a 30’-5/8” 3 strand snubber to connect our boat to the chain we reduce the load on the chain to 1862 lbs well within the safe working load limit of our 3/8” BBB chain.

When selecting the diameter for your snubber you need to consider several factors to prevent premature failure of your snubber. Some years ago the University of Rhode Island conducted research on failed mooring pennants and found they didn’t fail from chafe on the outside of the line but from heat and melting of fibers on the inside.  As your snubber stretches and the fibers rub together they generate heat.  Nylon has a fairly low melting point that can be reached fairly quickly by constant stretching of nylon in a mooring or anchor situation.

Ideally a snubber should be sized so as to have an average 10% stretch at 7% of loading and no more than 15% stretch at 15% of loading.  At this loading a snubber should last about 2 years of continuous use before needing replacement.  A snubber will endure much more stretch (at 20-30% of loading stretch remains in the 15% range but in doing so may suffer interior fiber damage and should be replaced.  In the past I have seen charts that show a 3-strand nylon line will stretch about 1/3 (33%) its length at 50% loading without parting, however any load and stretch of that magnitude would require immediate replacement of that line.  That said, I was unable to find a maximum percentage of loading where a line should be mandatorily replaced, probably because manufacturers are reluctant to recommend any number here for fear of legal issues in the case of a failure.

We also need to replace our snubbers when there is visual chafe damage on the exterior of the snubber.  The use of chafe gear at potential chafe points can reduce this wear but can also prevent heat dissipation from the interior fibers which can lead to premature snubber failure.
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Keep all this in mind, what then, is the recommended size for snubbers.

30’-35’ boat ½” 3 strand nylon- tensile strength according to ABYC and New England Ropes 7500 lbs, 10% stretch at 525 lbs loading/15% stretch at 1125 lbs

35’-45’ boat 5/8” 3 strand nylon-tensile strength 11,650 lbs, 10% stretch at 815lbs/15% stretch at 1747lbs.

45’-60’ boat ¾” 3 strand nylon-tensile strength 17,150lbs, 10% stretch at 1200 lbs/15% stretch at 2572lbs

The above sizes figure a 30’ working length of snubber from the point of fastening on the boat.  For cleat hitches and to have a safe working length left on deck after cleating I would recommend snubbers be no less than 35’-40’.  For those who are going to secure their snubber to the chain with a rolling hitch I would recommend the longer length to accommodate the length of line taken up by knots.

Snubbers are sacrificial, they are designed as a link to absorb punishment of shock loads (waves hitting the boat) and static loads (wind loads).  They protect your windlass and cleats as well as the anchor road itself from excessive loads.  Their enemies are water (reduces strength of line), ultraviolet sun rays, dirt in the fibers, chafe and internal friction.  Replace them sooner rather than later, it is cheap insurance.

Post Note; I have not seen or found any research on what type of hook or attachment point might be better than another so the choice remains personal and what is available at this time.