I have a 21foot sun tracker fishing barge, I am having a hard time anchoring when there is much wind. I spend time on lake Huron and at times it can get rather windy... Any help or tricks, I have tried several types of anchors.
Being from the South, I'm not too knowledgeable about anchoring in high wind and waves but one thing I have learned is not to try to keep the boat real close to the anchor. You need enough rope to allow for the anchor to dig into the bottom rather than just sitting on top....i read somewhere(famous last words) that the anchor rope should be let out to an approximate 45 degrees.
First, ask around to find what type anchors work best in that water.
Then make sure you have enough anchor rode with a four foot chain on the anchor end. The rule of thumb according to Chapman is 7' of rode for every foot of water depth.
You should actually let out considerably more than that. I usually go with a minimum of 3x the depth of the water that I'm in, usually more if it's fairly windy. So in 12 feet of water, I shoot for 40+ feet of anchor rode out. You would be putting out less than 1.5x depth to achieve a 45? angle and that's not going to cut it.
Also, do you have chain between your anchor and rode?
First, ask around to find what type anchors work best in that water.
Then make sure you have enough anchor rode with a four foot chain on the anchor end. The rule of thumb according to Chapman is 7' of rode for every foot of water depth.
I purchased a box anchor and its incredible! Downside is about $150 bucks for an anchor....it holds incredibly well. Google it if your not familiar as their are videos on how it works different from other anchors.
I use a Danforth anchor on my 24' Aquapatio. Lots of wind and waves sometimes where we boat and it never has any problems holding on. I use 8' of 3/8" chain off the anchor and then 3/8" rope after that. One off the front and one off the rear. Works very well.
I bought a box anchor too. I added 5' of chain (even though the manufacturer says its not needed) due to chafing on rocks so I don't wear through the rope. So far I've been very pleased anchoring in all kinds of bottoms. It doesn't take near as much rode as other types of anchors. I agree, the only downside is they're EXPENSIVE! (I got the SS one).
