This Enought Anchor???

[thedukeryan]

Well last weekend I lost my anchor and am trying to get by with whatever I can find locally which isnt much. I ended up getting a 15# Navy anchor and 5' of 3/8" chain all tied to a 100' of 3/8" rope. My boat is a 23' Rinker 232 cuddy. I mostly anchor in 20-30' water with a mud bottom. I only anchor for say 1-3 hours either to go for a short swim or get private in the cabin. I just don't wanna have to get out of the water constantly to move the boat or have to worry about hitting rocks when hiding in the cabin. Anyone tried a similar set up and have any opinions?

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: This Enought Anchor???

I have a 15lb navy anchor 100' 3/8 rope on my 20' chap, anchor holds in 48' mud bottom 10-15mph winds, actually plants very well, I like it. Of course we're talkin lake not ocean and never more than 1/2 hr from port, I have no use for chain rode.

 

[thedukeryan]

Re: This Enought Anchor???

Sweet... This will be for lake use only as well and none of the lakes around here are really big enough to leave you stranded. I figured I would add the chain to help it dig in as well as to protect the rope from who knows what... Its a pretty heavy/deep boat so I figured the chain would help make up for anything the anchor is lacking.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: This Enought Anchor???

That anchor should hold. If you notice it slips, get a 12# fluke anchor. That will hold better, in the bottom you have identified. The chain is fine for your purposes, but you may need some additonal line to increase the scope of the anchor. 100 foot of line is about 3::1, in 30 ' of water. a 5::1 or greater scope is better, especially if there is some wind.

 

[thedukeryan]

Re: This Enought Anchor???

I really wanted 200' of rope but Walmart is about the only option around here. I found some at hardware stores that you could buy by the foot but it was around $1/ft depending on the size and material. I'm not poor just stingy so the $25 roll at walmart was looking pretty good. I really appreciate the reassurance. I have had nothing but anchor problems this summer and wanted to make sure this would work. So far I have lost two and broke one :-(

 

[NHGuy]

Re: This Enought Anchor???

If that setup drags in deep water or windy conditions get another 100' and get yourself quick (but sturdy) connectors to attach the 2 sections. The increased scope will allow the chain to hold the anchor flukes down. If you don't have proper thimbles and eyelets in your rope get a seamans knot book and make them. I copied my loops and eyes from the internet. You can do the work with a fid which you get at the boating store or online. After you have made a couple of loops you will feel pretty good, and you'll be sure of a loop you can trust.
I have a lot lighter boat than you on which I have a medium Danforth anchor with 8' of chain, 150' of rode, and a separate 8' of chain that I can deploy in a storm between the existing chain and the rode. I don't plan to ever need to put the whole mess out but I've been in bad storms and it's ugly.
A good anchor is safe and smart.