What type of anchor

[rockiller]

Hi guys, I just picked up a 1989 12 foot achilles on a galvanized trailer with a 25 horse Merc. It's my first boat and I'm sure I'll have tons of questions but I've been doing a lot of readin so hopefully they will be educated questions.

The boat will be used for ab diving and fishing along the coast but I also plan on using it in lakes. I'm assuming the type of anchor I use in a lake isn't too crucial but what should I be concerned with when buying an anchor for the ocean?

 

[John the Barber]

Re: What type of anchor

Danforth without a doubt. They come in many sizes. DO NOT FORGET to get a shot (not the actual measure of 90 feet), 3 to 5 feet of chain, on it between the anchor and the line. You'll want some 3/8" anchor line as well, 200 ft. You should use as a rule of thumb for scope as 5-7 times the depth of the water as to how many feet of rode (line) to let out.

The elements of anchoring gear include the anchor, the line (also called a rode), the method of attaching the two together, the method of attaching the it to the vessel and a method of learning the depth of the water.

A cable or rode is the rope, chain, or combination thereof used to connect the anchor to the vessel. Nothing else works it has been tried, don't try something else or when you surface you may not find your boat. Especially windy conditions or a fast current.

Have fun

 

[nobrainsd]

Re: What type of anchor

Well, I don't agree about the Danforth as an all around choice. First off the fluke style, while holding and setting well in mud and sand is not ideal for grassy, rocky or clay bottoms. Second, a fluke anchor itself can be a pain to carry due to the "rods" that extend out on each side. The flukes also tend to flop around while underway if not properly secured. I use a 9lb plow. There is a reason you see cruisers worldwide using plows. They are the best all around choice. A small plow with a fixed tang doesn't rattle around and isn't as wide as a comparable fluke style anchor. I anchor at surf spots in grassy hard rock ledge spots with large passing waves and the plow is a reliable design that outholds the fluke anchors of other boats I have seen dragged. It also doesn't snag as much in the thick kelp beds I pull up through. I run the plow with 200' of anchor line and 8 feet of chain and it all fits easily into a five gallon bucket (with holes in the bottom so it drains). Tie a short piece of line from the bucket to the shackle opening and you have a secure and easily carried set up. The 200' of line is your measure of last resort should you find yourself without power and being pushed by offshore winds. Don't forget to use SS seizing wire to secure your shackles! Some might consider a plow overkill, but if you dive for abs you aren't just putting around the bay. Good luck!

 

[John the Barber]

Re: What type of anchor

Well, I'll agree with you on many points. Though where I'm at, there's no mud it's mostly hard sand. I keep my anchor in an old float bag so it doesn't jump around and isn't a danger to anything or anyone.

Either way. The plow or danforth will get the job completed.

 

[nobrainsd]

Re: What type of anchor

Hope I didn't offend you John. I am not criticizing your personal selection. But Rockiller will be anchoring in different conditions and the Danforth is not the best choice for him. WestMarine, those pricey buggers, have a really nice anchoring guide in their catalogue. A great reference for those who aren't experienced whether they buy from WM or not. A similar guide is available online along with other anchoring guidelines. http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...or/10001/-1/10001/SelectingtheRightAnchor.htm
Note that the online guide pans non hinged plows for use in clay, rocks and grassy conditions. Sure doesn't match my experience! Oh well. What can I say? If I'm diving I usually swim down and check my set (haven't found it false set yet) and I'm not out on the 32 foot Westsail (where we carry a large hinged plow).

 

[John the Barber]

Re: What type of anchor

Absolutely no offense taken. I was just relaying what I knew. I see more plow anchors dragging due to current (and lack of boating knowledge).

 

[Susquehanna Squid]

Re: What type of anchor

Twine and a cinder block will work but I have to agree with John the Barber on the Danforth. I have used both the Plow and Danforth and for my applications (mostly river and lakes) the Danforth has never let me down.

 

[nobrainsd]

Re: What type of anchor

Lots of abs and reefs in PA? I will admit that either a fluke or a plow is a huuge improvement over the little mushroom anchor I watched a surfer toss overboard at the point the other day. He didn't notice how far his boat had dragged until some of us pointed out that his boat would soon be part of the inside reef section. No scope let out on the anchor line either. At least it was entertaining to watch him scramble for his ride!

 

[John the Barber]

Re: What type of anchor

On the waters I work and play here in South Florida. It amazes me, well maybe not anymore, how ignorant soooo many of the boaters are down here.

They have their new Formula, SeaRay or whatever 50 foot boat they could barely afford and without fail, the anchor rode is straight up and down. Dragging along the bottom as the current rips in our inlet through the anchorage area.

Why, why can't the boating lobbyists in Florida just take a vacation and allow our legislators to enact a mandatory Boating License for everyone?