anchor advice needed

[Strick]

Looking for some anchor advice for my 1994 Larson 280 Cabrio (approx 7,500-8,000lbs.) I have two danforth type anchors which have worked wonderfully in sand for me, but have recently moved the boat to the St Lawrence 1000 islands near Alex Bay. The bottom is mostly mud & grass with some big rock there. The danforth anchors drag something awful in the grass and mud. <br /><br />I am looking to buy a Plow type anchor (Delta) but hate spending $150-$200 for another anchor. Any advice? Is there anything better than Plow for this bottom type? <br /><br />Also, what size to go with? My boat is on the cusp of their two sizes beween 14 and 22 lbs. I guess if I'm going to have to spend the money, I better "go big or go home".... but hate lifting the foolish 22 lb thing too...

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: anchor advice needed

I'm surprised though that your danforths are dragging. What size are they? Just my opinion, but danforths grab better than the plows when they're set correctly. You putting out enough line? How much chain are you using? 7-10 times the depth of the water with about 10' of chain should do it.

 

[jim dozier]

Re: anchor advice needed

Be aware that there are a lot of variations in the "Danforth" style anchor. Some of these variations inhibit their holding power in some bottom types. It may be that you could get a better "Danforth" style. Look for one with longer, sharper blades and a solid bar, not the sliding ring type. I recently got rid of a small sliding ring type and replaced it with a smaller standard solid bar type and even though it is a smaller weight it holds twice as well and digs right in. <br /><br />Also, look into adding more chain. Extra chain helps the anchor get set before you start pulling on it at a too small scope. It is also easier to pull up an extra 10 lbs of chain than it is to pull up an extra 10 lbs of anchor.

 

[Tacklewasher]

Re: anchor advice needed

I replaced my Danforth with a welded anchor designed for the Fraser River (Vancouver BC area). I found the Danforth didn't hold in the current of the Harrison and would not have a hope in the Fraser.<br /><br />Was $120 Cdn.<br /><br />I'll try to find a picture.

 

[stevens]

Re: anchor advice needed

The best I've found is the Shark anchor sold by the Anchorlift company over here. Don't know if they have distribution near you in the US & Canada, but here is their website: Anchorlift <br /><br />

 

[rwidman]

Re: anchor advice needed

This is what I use:<br /><br />

<br /><br />I believe it was about $100.00 plus shipping. Mine is the 14 lb version.

 

[islandboat]

Re: anchor advice needed

What size chain and how much chain do you have for each anchor?

 

[bdirect]

Re: anchor advice needed

I like thos Anchorlifts, saw them at a trade show couple of years ago they were all wearing shirts that read and i quote.<br /><br />Anchorlift<br />For when you absoultly have to get it up!

 

[trog100]

Re: anchor advice needed

i tested my danforth by laying it out on a soft wet sand beach.. as long as it lays flat it bites instantly and holds very well.. lift the chain slighty and it neither bites nor holds..<br /><br />quite how much rope length and how heavy a chain u need to keep the anchor and chain laying flat along the bottom depends on conditions.. but i think its the secret.. <br /><br />trog

 

[jim dozier]

Re: anchor advice needed

That is why the scope (length of rode) should be long enough to get a 7:1 or greater length to depth ratio. Lots of people, myself included will put down a short scope in calm seas and no wind if you are only there for a moment. But if you are going to be a while and there are others around you or there are hazards (rocky shoreline, seawalls, etc.) You want a proper scope with an appropriate sized anchor fit for the bottom conditions. Chain helps set an anchor and helps with chaffing but in a big blow even chain will come off the bottom and act like an anchor rope, so the scope is still important.<br /><br />Another comment. Don't throw anchors, lower them. Many if not all anchors can get cattywhompas with the rode and shackle if you throw them. Danforths in particular need to have the tines facing you with an unfettered rode attached to the shank in order to set properly.

 

[AJ168]

Re: anchor advice needed

Might a large mushroom anchor work in this situation? I don't know if they make them big enough to hold a 28 foot boat but I've had excellent results with them on muddy lakes. They sink right down into the mud and hold very well.

 

[stevens]

Re: anchor advice needed

If by "mushroom" you mean the disc-shaped ones, I would advise you to shun them!! While they may look nice and be easy to install, there have been many accidents over here where the disc-type anchors simply do not get a good enough grip. Very soft mud bottoms might be different though.