Anchor buddy questions

[canuckjgc]

A few anchor buddy questions as I've never used one:

- I have a 16' Lund with 40hp - what weight of anchor should I use? Does the anchor buddy work better with a heavier than normal anchor?

- How can you tell if you've set the anchor? With all that stretch it seems like it would be tough to tell if it is set correctly?

- Do you connect the anchor buddy directly to the anchor and to the boat? I see some pics where a normal anchor line is also used. How about a short length of chain at the anchor then the anchor buddy to the chain?

- Can you row against the pull of the anchor buddy? I've read it is pretty strong but I don't want to motor right up to shore if I can help it.

- I have no stern cleat at the moment - any spot better than another for use specifically with the anchor buddy? Will install it near the corner of the transom otherwise. I want to anchor the stern, bow line to shore.

Thanks!

 

[DBreskin]

Re: Anchor buddy questions

A few anchor buddy questions as I've never used one:

- I have a 16' Lund with 40hp - what weight of anchor should I use? Does the anchor buddy work better with a heavier than normal anchor?
A> anchor weight is partly dependent on anchor type. An 8 pound Danforth style should be OK for a 16 foot aluminum boat.

- How can you tell if you've set the anchor? With all that stretch it seems like it would be tough to tell if it is set correctly?
A> Your anchor line should be slightly shorter than the stretched length of the Anchor Buddy to ensure load is taken by the anchor line. Follow the instructions on the Anchor Buddy web site.

- Do you connect the anchor buddy directly to the anchor and to the boat? I see some pics where a normal anchor line is also used. How about a short length of chain at the anchor then the anchor buddy to the chain?
A> Again, follow the Anchor Buddy instructions. Attach one end of the Anchor Buddy to your anchor and the other end to a loop in the anchor line.

- Can you row against the pull of the anchor buddy? I've read it is pretty strong but I don't want to motor right up to shore if I can help it.
A> you will not (should not) be able to row to shore against the pull of the Anchor Buddy. If you can, there's not sufficient tension on the anchor buddy to keep your boat from shore against the force of waves or wind.

- I have no stern cleat at the moment - any spot better than another for use specifically with the anchor buddy? Will install it near the corner of the transom otherwise. I want to anchor the stern, bow line to shore.
A> Any secure attachment point is OK.

Thanks!

Good Luck!

 

[blifsey]

Re: Anchor buddy questions

Anchor weight - I just used an anchor I had already been using successful with boat. I already had 4' or 6' foot of chain so I reused it also.

I've never tried rowing to shore with it. After dropping anchor, I'll idle towad shore just a little more, shut down engine, and raise drive. Momentum carries me a little closer. Then, I'll ether throw bow line to someone on shore or climb over bow just as anchor buddy stops forward motion with bow line in hand.

I've used a short line in similar fashion to a ski bridle attached to my stern eye straps. This keeps the boat in a straighter line to bow line also.

I don't recall the anchor ever not setting with anchor buddy.