Re: Anchor Size
Buzzbomber, first off, double up (at least) on your chain length. The true recommendation is to have enough chain to equal the length of the boat. Depending on wind, tidal conditions, and the bottom of whatever you're anchoring in, you may be able to get away with less. I would recommend 10-12' at minimum. The chain is what keeps the anchors shaft lying on the bottom. 5' of chain can be easily lifted with boat movement. Aside from that, 7:1 ratio only holds 81% of it's rated capacity. 10:1 ratio holds 100%, but that can be difficult, depending on the water depth. Also, when you anchor, you should be setting it under power (reverse). Allowing the boat to set it's own anchor under drift will not bury the anchor and more than likely you will not be truly anchored.
Deciding on a certain size of anchor can be a bit of a guessing game. Since conditions are always changing, there is no "right" size for the job at hand. One misconception people make when shopping for an anchor is the heavier the better. This is just not true. Physical size of the anchor, rather than weight, is actually a better indicator of the anchors holding ability. (Some anchors that only weigh 5lbs. can hold in excess of 1,000 pounds!) When it comes to choosing an anchor, bigger (size) is almost always better. Bigger anchors have more strength to resist breaking, occupy more of a surface area to resist pullout and will have larger flukes which penetrate deeper. Go with the biggest anchor you can get by with for the size of your watercraft; the last thing you need when rough weather arrives is an inadequate anchor that doesn't do the job.
