nylon or braided polyester for anchor line
 

brian and capns i am refitting a 42 brewer cutter rigged sailboat, and have a manson anchor connected to 400 ft of 3/8 inch chain. my second anchor is a 55 fortress with 100ft 3/8 chain and 300 either nylon or braid. this is my question. what is your recommendation for the anchor line on the fortress i am considering 5/8 inch twisted nylon, 5/8 inch multi braid polyester or 5/8 square braid polyester. interested in your recommendations and comments. thanks tom jones blue trust annapolis md

None of the above
 

Hi,
What about braided nylon? It absorbs energy better than 3-strand (more like a shock absorber, less like a rubber band), and stows much more readily, even in small lockers.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss

I've been using Yale's Brait on my primary anchor rode and stern anchor rode and really enjoy its handling characteristics, and especially stowability. When new, it does seem to snag threads easily, but that trait seems to be improving as it weathers. This type of line is best stowed by piling in a locker or stuffing in a bag.