Why Use an Anchor Bridle/Snubber System?

• Bridle takes the strain of the chain rode, thus offloading the gypsy on the windlass and reduces the stress on the windlass deck joint.
• Allow the load to be taken by the cleats that are designed for high loads
• Reduces the wear on the boat, with all the load on the cleats via the bridle, there is no noise, no chain jerking and snagging on the foredeck.
• If the bridle is long enough/and or has enough stretch it can absorb the shock loads from waves and wind gusts
• With the long bridle the chain is lowered below the waterline and offers better effective scope and additional shock absorption
• It has been suggested by some that when using all chain rode the catenary effect from the sagging chain from its weight will provide sufficient shock absorption. While this might be true for large ships, on average size cruising vessel the catenary effect from the chain does not provide any significant shock absorption, one only has to look at the chain shape under water in a 25 knot breeze to see that the catenary effect is no longer a factor because the chain is oriented in a straight line.

So more simply said the bridle ensures that you anchor has the highest chance of staying put and your boat staying intact.