anchor types??????? HELP!!!!

[jsteen0213]

okay...I am not brand new to boating, but I am still a rookie I guess you could say. I traded in my bayliner 175 last summer for a Larson Lxi 208. It is a 21 foot bowrider, open bow. I have a big tower and usually a pretty big payload. I am not sure of an exact weight though. I'd be lying if I guessed. Anyway, I use a coated 'mushroom' anchor that the dealer sold me when I first bought my bayliner a couple years ago. Needless to say, it doesn't work at all. I typically just anchor down in a lake. Not much beach around here in good ol' west Texas. But, some party coves that would make a grown man cry! So, my question I guess is...what the hell are all these anchors and which one will work? Or am I doing somethhing wrong when I 'anchor down'?

 

[firehog6305]

Re: anchor types??????? HELP!!!!

it really depends on what kind of bottom you are trying to anchor to, I use 10ft of chain on my anchor and have no problems anchoring in the currents of the bay, if you are using it around a lot of rocks, and there is no current, then the mushroom might work and not get caught alot, but they dont work well in sand or mud

 

[manofprawnz]

Re: anchor types??????? HELP!!!!

There are so many different anchor type for different bottoms. To me the mushroom anchor is like a folding graple anchor, good enough for a lunch hook or perhaps in river fishing. As stated by Firehog, do not forget some chain.

Anchor types are a highly debated topic, suggest you give the book "Chapmans Piloting" a look in the chapter on anchors and anchoring. May give some insight into what will work best for you. Each design has pros and cons, different weights for each type. For me, I use a danforth clone as my main and have a folding graple for the weeds or a secondary, both with 14ft of chain. Oh yeah, tie a marker to the rode about 10ft from the chain, that way you know when the chain is coming up.

 

[Boatist]

Re: anchor types??????? HELP!!!!

I have about 8 anchors and some as heavy as 16 pounds but the one that works best weighs 4 pounds works best with only 2 foot of chain.

Since I got this 4 pound Fortress FX-7 I have not used any of the other anchors. It is rated for boats to 27 feet. Also rated best by the Navy and Coast Guard and power boat mag.

It is not a cheap anchor and it is light weight so must wait for it to reach bottom then pay out proper scope and it will dig in faster than any anchor I have ever used. It is light enough the Wife can pull it in with no problem.

It will not rust and Flutes and the shank are sharpened to help it dig in fast and deep.
High price but worth it for US, No more anchor draging before it sets.

http://www.iboats.com/Fortress_4lb_...2483500--**********.257565665--view_id.247072

 

[JCF350]

Re: anchor types??????? HELP!!!!

Or am I doing somethhing wrong when I 'anchor down'?

Using a mushroom on anything bigger than a rowboat.

Check out the bottom were you boat and get one for that type. THEN get another one such as a danforth or a "claw/plow" style if your normal bottom needs a danforth. But make sure you have at least 2 anchors.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: anchor types??????? HELP!!!!

Purchase a 12 pound fluke-type anchor for all non-rock bottoms. Use some 3/8" nylon line to anchor, with a scope of 5 or more to one (i.e. Water depth = 10' use 50' of line to achieve scope). You may want to add some chain if the anchor tends to drag. Some times they drag, sometimes not.

 

[stevens]

Re: anchor types??????? HELP!!!!

I had a post here with links to a bunch of different anchor tests, but it was zapped by a moderator because the links were active. That forum policy sure takes away much of the fun and usefulness of this forum...

Anyways, if you google "anchor test", you'll find a load of tests, all of which yield different results depending on the particular sea bottom and the test procedure.

I use an anchor winch and use either all chain or a leaded line. I have used a CQR-like anchor, currently have a Bruce copy, and am intrigued by the HydroBubble anchor. The latter has tested extremely well in some of the recent independent tests I've seen. I just found a good sale on it, too, and wish I could post a link to it...

 

[jsteen0213]

Re: anchor types??????? HELP!!!!

So most everyone that has replied has mentioned the use of a chain. I don't use one. What is its purpose? Maybe that is part of the problem? So, to any anchor attach a few feet of chain and then the anchor line to the chain? Or does both the chain and anchor line attach to the anchor? Also, I typically only anchor in Lake settings. Mostly mud bottoms and sometimes rock. Typical depth is usually 20-30 feet. Thanks for all the advice guys!

 

[blouderback]

Re: anchor types??????? HELP!!!!

The chain keeps the head of the anchor pointed down so it digs into the bottom.

 

[firehog6305]

Re: anchor types??????? HELP!!!!

connect the chain to the anchor, then the other end of the chain tie the rope, in the lake use only about 3-4ft of galv chain, that should do it, I use my boat in the bay and california delta, so I use about 15ft of heavy chain because of the current. alot of the fishermen out here use just straight chain and no rope, but you better have a windlass to pull up that much chain, otherwise it makes for a long day

 

[stevens]

Re: anchor types??????? HELP!!!!

Here's a good read that explains anchor scope & rode and the purpose of chain: "www.dulhunty.com/dmp3.htm".

In general, you need something to grip into the sea bottom, and the right angle of attack to actually dig in, not just slide on top. A bit of chain may help some, but a mushroom doesn't have much digging & gripping ability in any case.

Now, if you go to "www.hydrobubble.com", I think the SportKit is a good buy at $156. That includes a neat anchor, chain, rope, a carrying bag and free shipping. I haven't seen or tried this in person, but I saw that it came out great in a broad magazine test over here. I'm thinking of getting one myself but am afraid trans-Atlantic shipping will cost me an arm and a leg.

 

[Neverhome]

Re: anchor types??????? HELP!!!!

I have had several Danforth style anchors but found that the Bruce style (or knock off) worked best for me. I feel it tends to hold better on sandy bottoms and rocky areas and is excellent in mud, and due to the style doesn't break out as easily as some of the Danforths when the boat pivots with the wind. I will say I see a lot more Danforth styles in use so a lot may have to do with the length of the scope you lay out and the addition of chain. I use a 5 to one ratio for my 23' Trophy with 10' of chain in calm water and 7 in a moving current. Mushroom anchors are typically for smaller boats and I would never set one when I planned on anchoring and sleeping aboard.

Neverhome

 

[orion25]

Re: anchor types??????? HELP!!!!

Your Larson weighs about 3300lbs dry. Add fuel, people, beer, etc and you are up to 3750 to 4000 depending on how big your friends are or how much beer you drink.

 

[Solittle]

Re: anchor types??????? HELP!!!!

All the above advice is solid. In addition take a look at what others are using in the areas where you go boating. If you use ramps where others go in & out - - ask. Most would be glad to share info. about what works.