Anchors?

[vkmaynard]

Our just purchased boat came with a huge Danforth 22S anchor. Isnt this a bit of overkill? There is no place to store this monster without putting it on deck with an anchor roller.

Victor

[mike]

Wow, that is indeed pretty big (and heavy!). We use a Fortress FX-11, which is just a little bit too long to fit in the anchor locker (so we use the anchor locker just for the rode, and keep the anchor on a bracket mounted to the bow pulpit). However, from what I understand, the Guardian (the less expensive line of anchors made by Fortress) of similar size WILL fit in the anchor locker.

The Fortress (and presumably the Guardian) only weigh about 7lbs, as they are aluminum not galvanized steel.

--Mike

[dclark]

I have exactly the same set up as Mike. With the FX-11 hanging on the pulpit I have room in the locker for a 300' rode. The super light weight makes it really easy especially when single. Works great in sand or mud and has never drug on me even in strong winds and rough conditions unlike the dealer supplied which I had no trust in at all.

[mark,97x]

fx-11 topside,plow(cqr type )in bilge if needed,

[Catigale]

Pit Bullwaga on the Pulpit as Moe reported above for Catigale

Rodes in the locker (where they belong, per Frank)

I break down my Fortress F11 and store it in a (4 inch?) PVC pipe down below as a stern anchor and backup. It assembles with a 3/8 socket in about 1 minute.

On edit - on the Hudson I also use a small 10 pound ? mushroom river anchor to hold the boat in place for a lunch hook. This is no good in more than light air, though. I store this in the transom well on a 50 foot dock line with 10 feet of chain that wraps around it.

[Moe]

Just to point out what you can spend on an anchor (prices are Defender unless otherwise indicated). The $30 anchor has worked for more than one member here.

20 lb CQR - $440.00
15 lb CQR - $353.00
17 lb Bulwagga - $250.00 (Noteco.com)
14 lb Delta - $137.00
16.5 lb Bruce - $134.99
15.4 lb Kingston - $133.99
7 lb FX-11 - $119.99
16.5 lb Claw - $62.99
6 lb G-11 - $59.99
14 lb Danforth - $45.79
13 lb SuperHooker - $29.57 (ShipStore.com)

--
Moe

[Frank C]

The anchor roller isn't a simple mod, but it's your best friend when hoisting 15 feet of chain. I have that PitBul on the roller and a G-11 in the locker, along w/both rodes. Prefer using both of them (off the bow) in tidal waters. I'll be experimenting with a side-bridle to try to reduce anchor sailing.

[Greg]

I bought the 14# Delta, 12ft chain and 150 ft 3/8 rode and usually set the imitation Danforth that came with the boat at 180 deg in case of wind shift. I feel better having 2 anchors set- especially in the lee of a rocky shore. I have an anchor roller to install for the Delta but so far store have stored it below.
Greg

[craiglaforce]

Yes, I would agree that a 22# danforth is overkill.

For sand and mud, I've found that a 13# superhooker is excellent. Never missed a set or had it slip yet since 1998. My rode is 1/2 inch 3 strand nylon plus about 6 feet of enamelled chain at the anchor.

8# is too light. My first anchor purchase was an 18# superhooker, but it was just extra work to pull up. A lot of the holding power depends on letting out enough scope and also on the strength of the mud you are digging into.

If the wind is stong enough to pull a 13# superhooker out of a decent mud bottom, I would not want to be on the boat because you would be tossed around inside like a bead in a baby's rattle.

For a difficult bottom (or a second anchor style in general if having 2 anchors), I like the Delta plow design.

[Erik Hardtle]

Always wanting to just be a little different... I have always used a Navy type anchor on all my sailboats... I have a 15 and 20 pound on board... I have found that they work everywhere and they fit in the anchor locker easily. Heck the weight alone helps in the strong current areas I anchor in.




Here is the Link: http://www.bartswatersports.com/catalog.asp?P=276

... and the workout of lifting it is good exercise for the wife

Erik
"Knot Shore"

[Catigale]

My Admiral is too quick for that one Erik

"Ill helm while YOU pull up the hook....."

[Andy26M]

I have a 13# danforth in the locker on the bow, and a 22? lb. Delta down below for heavier conditions or longer periods.

It's also nice to have 2 anchors if you want to return to the same spot repeatedly - you can leave the anchor in place with a buoy and still have one on the boat for safety (never sail without an anchor).

- AndyS

[Mi Lote]

Hi all' I just read the postings about the anchors. I just purchased a bruce type anchor from North Star for $38 plus $15 for shiping. I found them by "googleing" Bruce Anchors. I'd post the site but I do not know how.
I will see if I can post some pictures on the Mods. pages. Their email: greatpacificboats@hotmail.com.

Carlos.

[mike uk]

What's the best way of attaching the nylon line to the chain. I've seen mention of thimbles being fitted to the line but also I've seen people saying they tie a bowline.

Any comments would be appreciated

[NautiMoments]

One thing I did on our X to make it easier to pull the anchor up was to mount a roller in the mast attachment point at the pullpit. With the rode and chain through that we found it easier to pull the anchor up since you were pulling more horizontally rather than leaning over and pulling up, better for my bad back. When mounting the roller I used a longer bolt which also allowed me to attach the Bruce nockoff to it as well. Of course we have to remove the roller to attach the mast when we stepped it. This was simple, cheap and effective for us. We have a 11# Bruce style anchor with 25' of 5/16" chain and 150' of 3/8" rode. Up in the Pacific Northwest it can suddenly get windy shifting direction quickly and you don't want to have to worry about dragging. The bottom conditions range from mud, sand, rock, seaweed, etc. We also carry the danforth which came with the boat as a stern/extra anchor.