Anchors and Boat Weight ??

[9632587410]

So without sounding to dumb , what is the best way to determine the type/weight of anchor I need ? I fish in the River with a modest current , my boat loaded , weighs in about 1200 lbs . The river I fish in has many snags and dont want to lose an anchor ( like someone I know . Thanks <br /><br />Jeff

 

[crab bait]

Re: Anchors and Boat Weight ??

invent a better anchor an people will beat a path to your door... um , or was that a mouse trap...throw an anchor into a bunch of snags a expect to get it back,,,, get real...make your own ,, buy on sale ,,, steal them off other boats.. bring along scuba gear ..but what can ya do... if it anchors your boat an gets snagged,,, o'well

 

[Spidybot]

Re: Anchors and Boat Weight ??

There are ways to tell the proper anchor size and the amount of chain (important) between anchor and rope. At wind speeds up to 20 mph the rope should be at least 5 times the depth. If you use a folding anchor it usually has a fixing point at the tip. Tie a line to it and you'll be able to pull the anchor off the ground in the opposite direction of the anchor hold. A 16 lbs folding anchor should hold a 22 ft. boat. Remember 6-8 ft. chain to ensure the anchor gets a good angle of attach to the bottom. The chain also improves comfort as it adds flexibility to the rope (due to it's hanging weight) and minimizes the stress on the anchor.

 

[62_Kiwi]

Re: Anchors and Boat Weight ??

Hi Numbers<br /><br />I recall my grandfather using a big old gearwheel out of some agricultural machine (about 15" diameter, cast iron). His boat was about the same weight as yours and the gearwheel was a great anchor, even in heavy currents.<br /><br />I guess my point is that you don't have to spend a lot of money on an anchor if you don't want to.<br /><br />Good topic for rednecks...(eh Crab?)

 

[9632587410]

Re: Anchors and Boat Weight ??

UU & 62_Kiwi , thanks for the good answers . Ill look for something in the 15 lb. range with about 8 feet of chain . I actually have visions of getting a used ATV winch and making it power the anchor cable.<br />Ill weld up something and mount it on the bow with a switch at the cockpit ( do I call it the cockpit ?? ) Ya know , where the steering wheel is Thanks !!<br /><br />Capt. Jeffy

 

[Capn Mike]

Re: Anchors and Boat Weight ??

I fish on the Columbia River, and it's not uncommon to have currents up to 8 mph. For a couple of years I used a heavy (30')Danforth type, with about 6' of chain. Worked well on my 24' Striper, as long as I set it, until this spring when it got jammed in something at 35' of water. Good-bye $90.<br />Replaced it with a 35' locally made with a pipe shaft, and 2 grappling hooks on facing each way on the bottom. The chain hooks on the bottom of the anchor, with a twisty holding the chain to the top of the shaft; the idea is that if the hooks get stuck, the twisty will break and I'll be pulling it up with the hooks inverted. I'll bet you have something similar up there.<br />I'm thinking that anchoring in big rivers with lots of stuff on the bottom means you're going to lose one every so often.

 

[9632587410]

Re: Anchors and Boat Weight ??

Well I bought a Sea choice Utility today for 10 bucks ( #5) so if I lose it, no big deal . Ill try it out tomorrow for Sturgeon fishing . Later guys <br /><br />Jeff