Anchor

[Kalian]

Ok, got the boat running, got the lights at night thing figgerd out, now I need to work on an anchor. I have an 18 ft bowrider and will be fishing on inland lakes. What kinda anchor do I get, how heavy, and how do you use it? Just drop it down or is there a particular way to set it.<br />TIA

 

[QC]

Re: Anchor

Kalian,<br /><br />I recommend a Danforth style, 1/2 to 1x your boat length in chain, and at least 100 ft. of 3/8 inch rope (combination called "rode"). These kits are actually fairly good, but I think the chain is too short. If you go with the #8 you should be fine though. You could always extend the chain or piece this combo together. Use galvanized hardware and chain.<br /><br />Hooker anchor kits on iboats <br /><br />The proper way to set is to gently drop the anchor overboard and let it fall, there is no need to throw it. Then slowly reverse to keep the anchor, chain and rope from "fouling" (tangled up) as it settles to the bottom. Many say that a "scope" (length of total rode vs. depth of water) of 5/1 or more is best. You may need 7/1 or more for really tough weather conditions, there are times I have to live with 3/1 or even less. When you have out the proper scope for the situation, secure the line as close to the center of the bow as possible and continue to reverse to "set" the anchor. There are many opinions like anything else, but I swear by chain as you may not be able to use 5/1 etc. in some spots on a small lake or cove. Chain helps the boat pull the anchor along the bottom as opposed to more up without it. Longer scope helps limit the need for chain.<br /><br />After setting, I line up a reference point on the shoreline with a fixed spot on the boat to insure that I am not "dragging" the anchor. After I am comfortable that it is firmly set I still recheck my visual reference often. I am especially vigilant if I have used less than optimum scope or the wind/current is of concern.<br /><br />When retrieving, maneuver the boat to as close to directly above the anchor as possible and pull with a quick strong tug directly up, this helps dislodge the "flukes". In some cases you may have to use power in the opposite direction of the original set to free it.<br /><br />There are lots of anchor threads here. Do a search and you will probably even find me contradicting above . . . Good luck!!

 

[Kalian]

Re: Anchor

Thanks QC, thats a very informative post. Just what I was looking for!

 

[salty87]

Re: Anchor

my last anchor was a real beauty, all rubber coated. had a real nice rubber coated chain a buddy gave me. the chain weighed 15 lbs, that sucker set so good i had to cut her loose maybe the 4th time i set it. i still have a place in my heart for that anchor.<br /><br />i went to a local dive shop to replace it. they had a bunch to chose from...all were somewhat used but only $1/lb. work just as good.

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Anchor

I'm a fan of Bruce style claw anchors. They seem to hold better for their weight than Danforth style in the bottoms I anchor in. An 8 lb Bruce would be more than adequate for your boat and would be easier to store than a Danforth.

 

[Kalian]

Re: Anchor

In considering claw anchors vs. danforth, which would be better suited for reservoirs? Or does it really matter? <br /> I can see how the claw is better suited for storage. Since neither I nor my family ski, I'd probably get the bruce claw, and store it in the ski locker.<br /> Is the purpose of more scope to stop the oposite side from where the anchor is tied off from swinging so much? I wanted to anchor by the dam at lake oroville. That might turn out to be quite a bit of rope! (not sure how deep it is there.)

 

[Boatist]

Re: Anchor

You are going to need a BIGGER BOAT to carry the anchor line.<br /><br />When the Oroville is full you would need for 3 to 1 scope 2,100 feet of anchor line. For 7 to 1 scope you would need would need 4,900 feet of anchor line. The Dam height is the highest in the USA at 770 feet. However the depth is only 690 feet.<br /><br />I have 3 anchors for my 20 foot boat and all work good. I carry 2 each with over 300 feet of line. However since I bought the fortress FX7 danforth I have not used any of my other anchors. The anchor is only 4 pounds but sets faster and holds better than either of my other 2 8 pound danforth. The anchor is aluminum but the flutes are sharp and set properly it digs in fast and deep. US Coast Guard and several boating mags have rated it as best holding power. It is rated to hold a 27 foot boat. However it is not a cheap anchor.<br /><br />I have not anchored in Oroville but lots of times in Folsom and the bay and delta. At Folsom where a lot of the bottom is hard the Fortress digs in fast. Other anchors would not set and drag on the bottom and some time drag up and set under a rock or tree making them very hard to recover. Down in the delta where may have 4.5 MPH current and wind load when trying to pull the anchor the wife can still pull it easy. Only thing is when it breaks off the bottom it is so light you can get off balance. Before anyone ask Wife only pulls the anchor when it is very foggy and can not see something on the horizon to guide on. She just has trouble coming up on the anchor and mataining course when must use the compass or hand signals. <br /><br /> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oroville_dam <br /><br /> http://www.cityoforoville.org/damrelicensing.html

 

[Kalian]

Re: Anchor

Guess I could buy a jon boat to carry all the rope in huh? Seriously, I guess the anchor won't do me much good at the dam, but I'll still get one for the coves and such. I'll just have to go on a still evening, or do a lot of repositioning with oars or the motor.<br />Thanks for the info.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Anchor

Lake Oroville has very few areas where the water depth does not drop off very fast. I not done a lot of anchoring up there but have fished most of the lake. Even in late summer when the water levels are low hard to find a spot where you can wade out into the lake. Most area I have fished if you take 2 steps from shore you better be a good swimmer. Late summer there should be some spots to anchor and play in the water. Over by the Marina is one area.<br /><br />I help pre fish the lake and find some spots that hold Bass with a friend who was fishing the whole tournment tour. I really do not even like to fish the lake because of the crazy slot limits.

 

[rjhpilot91]

Re: Anchor

I think in the boating world the correct word is LINE.

 

[magster65]

Re: Anchor

There's pros and cons to every anchor. I have a CQR, I like it but also like the Bruce and Danforth. If you anchor in weeds or rock the Danforth may not be as suitable as the others. Sand however the Danforth is the best choice I think. They're all pretty good so you won't be going horribly wrong with which ever you choose.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Anchor

Originally posted by Rob82:<br /> I think in the boating world the correct word is LINE.

Once rope is placed on a boat it becomes "line" unless it's connected to the anchor. Then it (and any attached chain) is called "rode".

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Anchor

Originally posted by Rob82:<br /> I think in the boating world the correct word is LINE.

Actually, since it's for an anchor, RODE is more appropriate...