Why is a swivel used in the anchor line setup?

• A. To prevent rust
• B. To reduce weight
• C. To allow the anchor line to spin freely
• D. To increase chain strength

Answer: (C)

Rotational movement of the anchor rode can twist the line as the boat swings with wind and current. Without a device to decouple rotation, the rope or chain would start to twist, creating kinks and tangles that make paying out or retrieving the rode harder and wear the line and hardware faster. A swivel placed between the chain and the line lets the rope or chain rotate independently, so the anchor can turn and set while the line stays untwisted. This keeps the rode laid out smoothly, reduces wear, and makes recovery easier. The other options aren’t addressing rotation—the swivel isn’t mainly for rust prevention, weight reduction, or increasing chain strength.