Proper way to anchor

[brunowren]

As a newbie I think I am anchoring wrong. I have a 10-15 lbs anchor (has the blades on each side, like in the mega mall called a navy anchor)<br /><br />I have this tied to a 25' poly rope from walmart (3.00 $$) I have read somewhere about having the anchor attached to a chain that is at least the length of the boat.<br /><br />What is best , I am only in standing lakes no rivers and boat is a 18' tri hull.<br /><br />And what is the best way to get it unstuck from the bottom ? I had a problem a few weeks ago as it actually wedged in some rocks and thought I would have to cut the rope but I did get it out.

 

[QC]

Re: Proper way to anchor

Here's my .02:<br /><br />If you can't let out 5 - 10 times the water depth in rode (total length of rope, chain etc.) then you need some chain. I like at least 1/2 to full length of the boat in chain. The more chain the less rode for a given situation.<br /><br />I have experience with a navy anchor like yours and found it pretty good for a variety of bottom conditions. I have since switched to Danforth type, with the main benefit being reduced weight for the same holding power.<br /><br />When retrieving, remember to pull "up" from the opposite direction of the way it was set. If you even try to pull it up from the same direction as it was set, you risk getting it even more stuck . . .

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Proper way to anchor

You definitely need some chain. There's a number of different calculations as to how much. I've seen:<br /><br />a. 1/2 foot for every foot of boat lenth<br />b. 6 feet of chain for every 25 foot of water depth<br />c. Chain length doesn't matter, but should weigh at least 1.15 times the weight of the anchor.<br /><br />Which is right? Who the heck knows. I do know that I have an 18 foot runabout with a very light anchor (8 lbs), and I put 8 feet of 1/4 inch chain on it and it holds quite nicely on windy days on inland lakes with mucky bottoms at 30 feet of depth. So 8 feet worked well for me.<br /><br />A lot of "anchor kits" from Overtons, Cabelas, etc, come with 6 feet of chain...seems to be a standard length offered.<br /><br />I'd also recommend you get some better rope. Get actual anchor rope with a metal hoop at the end. It doesn't cost that much for a 100 foot spool, will never rot or mildew, can be stored wet, and there's no knot to fail. Otherwise your anchor (and chain) may just stay at the bottom of the lake next time it gets hung up.<br /><br />Hope this helps a bit.

 

[KRS]

Re: Proper way to anchor

Don't ask me, I lose an anchor each trip

 

[brunowren]

Re: Proper way to anchor

Thanks for the Info! Sounds like I need some chain

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Proper way to anchor

Do yourself a big favor and go buy the book "getting started in Power Boating" by Bob Armstrong. It's in its second or third edition. A great book that will help you in many aspects.

 

[trog100]

Re: Proper way to anchor

to bite the anchor has to lie flat and be dragged along the sea-bed in this condition.. it then digs in and bites.. lots of rope length four or five times the water depth at least.. plus a heavy length of chain help it do this..<br /><br />anchor plus chain should lay flat on the sea bed then the rope should slowly kinda rise up to the boat.. its the weight of the chain more than the length that matters.. my danforth type aluminum anchor weighs next to nothing but it does have about 8 feet of heavy 1 inch chain attached to it..<br /><br />to release an anchor.. the rope is slowly pulled in.. this in effect shortens it.. the chain lifts off the sea bed and the angle of the anchor relative to the sea-bed changes until it eventually pulls free..<br /><br />if its hooked on a rock or tree root u have problems.. he he..<br /><br />anchors that drags too far along the sea-bed (not enough rope length or heavy enough chain) before biting are more likely to find that rock or tree root.. be warned.. <br /><br />trog100

 

[levittownnick]

Re: Proper way to anchor

A "Trip Line" may help free a stuck anchor. <br /><br />To make a Trip Line, attach a large enough metal ring to "EASILY" slip over the shaft of the anchor to a HEAVY chain and a length of line.<br /><br />To free the stuck anchor, pull the anchor line through the ring, making the ring slide down the anchor line and over the shaft of the anchor. Then release tension from the anchor line and pull on the trip line in the direction opposite from which the anchor was set. If all goes well this will back the anchor out from under the rock/tree/cable that it was stuck under.<br /><br />Some anchors are equipped with a trip line for just this reason.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Proper way to anchor

who uses anchors? we use old mercs

 

[KIGuy52]

Re: Proper way to anchor

I have several old Mercs I use as anchors. Funny thing is, after I pull 'em up, they still run.

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: Proper way to anchor

I don't pull my old Mercs up.<br /><br />I just operate the remote control on the boat, and the old Merc starts up under water and frees itself.<br /><br />Useful for trolling, too.