They way I have understood the term for the past 40 years is based on the below definitions. Does anybody have knowledge of this term's use as described?
Rode is a length of chain and rope that is put out from the ship to the anchor. A long rode is required when it is windy, stormy or the current is strong. To pull a rope on a ship is to ho from the term “Heave Ho”. The group will advance on the rope on the command Heave and sailors expressed in unison "Ho" as they pulled. If it is stormy and windy or the current is strong the long rode to ho is hard work that takes a long time.

Michael Bochenski

I think you have the idiom a bit twisted, Michael. See this.

Here's one etymology: http://dictionary.reference.com/etymology/heave+ho
Yours is redolent of a "Cliff Clavin" definition:http://thelongestlistofthelongeststuffatthelongestdomainnameatlonglast.com/cliffclavin.html

Welcome to our site, Michael!