Anchor

[MASTER Brian]

I am wanting/needing to buy a new anchor.

My boat is a 17' Ranger Fish/Ski. The lakes I frequent are more mud bottom, but there are spots that get rocky.

I don't use an anchor much but the ones I do have don't do too much. They are both the mushroom type. One has holes, one doesn't. They are both about 6" in diameter, not sure of their weights.

I looked at walmart last night to see what they had and they had 2 that were fluke anchors, but they didn't give boat size recommendations. Then they also had one that was a mushroom type anchor, except instead of a solid head it was divided into 3 sections, maybe they called it a river anchor. I'm not sure it listed the weight, but it was about 10" in diameter.

In any case, what is going to be my best bet? Also, what weight range should I look for if I go with a Mushroom or River Anchor? I am planning on stopping at Gander Mountain tonight to see what they have.

One more thing, is there a reason I would want to add a length of chain to the anchor for my needs does tieing a rope directly to the anchor ok?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Anchor

the flute type will work for you, the chain helps the anchor get a good bite, and saves rope chafing on rocks.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Anchor

Brian, a 7-9 pound fluke anchor is plenty for your boat. You should use 3/8 line. Chain is optional, as those anchors bite good. Watch the anchor line for chafe, but since you are not likely to anchor for days at a time, I would not expect it to happen quickly.

 

[MASTER Brian]

Re: Anchor

Thanks for the reply's I ended up picking up a 15lb River Anchor, just because a friend said it holds his 20' Mastercraft, but I think I'll end up picking up a 7-9 lb fluke anchor as well. That way I'll have my pick depending upon where I am and I like having two so I can keep the front and back of boat steady.

Thanks for the replies, now if I can just find the anchor weight on the anchors at the local stores.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Anchor

buy a john boat so you will have use for the mushrooms. they also work well for anchoring floating air rafts.

 

[MASTER Brian]

Re: Anchor

I actually do have a Coleman Crawdad, so I do have a use for them. Now if I can just find a good farm pond to put it on!

 

[Boatist]

Re: Anchor

Best anchor for your boat would be a 4 pound Aluminum Fortress FX-7 but it is not a cheap anchor. Will hold boats to 27 feet. Another anchor would be a 8 pound steel danforth flute anchor. I have one of each for my 21 foot aluminum Runabout but never use the steel anchor anymore.

Chain will let you use less anchor line in light winds, currents, and Seas and still hold bottom. Helps to set quicker with less line out and stops line from chafing near the anchor when anchored near rocks. IF the wind, current or sea's are strong you still need a 7 to 1 scope to hold hard to the bottom.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Anchor

I second the recomendation for the Fortress. I have one too. It is a great anchor but expensive.

 

[MASTER Brian]

Re: Anchor

I second the recomendation for the Fortress. I have one too. It is a great anchor but expensive.

Sounds like when I go to get a fluke anchor, I should get the Fortress one.

Thanks!!

I only have one question, what is the principle behind the chain. Meaning how does it help in winds and when setting the anchor? Is it the extra weight of the chain or something else?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Anchor

Weight of the chain and makes the initial angle of pull more parallel to the bottom.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Anchor

Weight of the chain and makes the initial angle of pull more parallel to the bottom.

Just as a warning...the Fortress FX-7 will be between $80 and $90

 

[MASTER Brian]

Re: Anchor

Weight of the chain and makes the initial angle of pull more parallel to the bottom.

Just as a warning...the Fortress FX-7 will be between $80 and $90

I suppose that makes sense. So I will want a somewhat larger chain.

As for the cost, yeah, I saw that when I googled it earlier.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Anchor

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Fort...8996869QQihZ009QQcategoryZ26446QQcmdZViewItem

Includes some chain...$18 shipping.

 

[MASTER Brian]

Re: Anchor

THANKS!! I'll keep my eye on it for a few days!

 

[jedimaster]

Re: Anchor

If your in some thick mud or sandy bottom the flukes can dig in really hard. I have a fluke with a slip ring style shaft. its good because if and when it digs in too hard to pull out you can just pull it backwards and it slides out likity split.