securing anchor rode

[Trey5684]

After pulling out all the anchor rode to clean compartment of dried up sand and mud I realized the previous owner had never attached the free end of the rode to anything. Did a quick look and didn't see anything to attach it to. The boat is a 2004 Maxum 3100SE with a windlass.
What is the free end supposed to be attached to so the windlass doesnt just run the whole rode into the water?
Thanks for any help!

[mmwjr]

My 2400 has L bracket with a hole that I used a shackle through and ran the bitter end of the rode though to tie off.

[Phillbo]

There should be an eyelet in the locker to connect the Bitter End to using a shackle. I'm surprised one does not exist. You may need to add one.

Also you could paint the last 20' a bright color so you can see when you are getting close to the Bitter End and stop.

[shrew]

Originally Posted by mmwjr

My 2400 has L bracket with a hole that I used a shackle through and ran the bitter end of the rode though to tie off.

That is what mine had. My current boat has a padeye in the anchor locker. The bitter end should be secured.

For those that run all chain, splice several feet of line to the bitter end of the chain. Enough to be able to be tied to the padeye and be fed out the windlass. This will allow you to cut the anchor chain free in (after tying a fender or polyball onto the biter end of the chain to retrieve the rode later).