Help - always drifting

[80skeys]

I've got a old 16' Lone Star aluminum boat with 28hp outboard. It's a heavy boat, considering its size and make. I'm using a run-of-the-mill 12lb anchor that I got at Walmart.

Problem is, it almost never holds the boat in one place. If there's any kind of wind or current, I keep drifting, even if I try to "dig" the anchor into the bottom. Meanwhile, other boats around me are staying put. It's embarrassing, and it makes fishing difficult.

What's going on? Are they using bigger and better anchors, or is there some sort of technology new boats have to keep them anchored in one spot?

 

[marine4003]

Re: Help - always drifting

Different anchors for different bottoms...what type do you have?..do you have chain from the end of the anchor to the rope? The best all purpose anchor is a Danforth Anchor,it will hold best in firm sand, gravel or mud ,. Danforth type anchors are not recommended for rocky or grassy bottoms were they cannot penetrate, and clay bottoms were they may not hold well.
For your boat buy 3 feet heavy chain (galvanized) attach to the eye on the end of the anchor..then attach the rope to the end of the chain..this will allow the anchor to "settle" so the flukes can dig in.

 

[Les Robb]

Re: Help - always drifting

Agree with marine 4003 about the chain (make sure it is heavy galvanized dull finish instead of the new cheaper style) I have a standard vinyl coated mushroom for real soft bottom and little wind or current. But the danforth with the chain pound for pound is for sure the best bet in tough conditions if you want to hold your position.

Luck staying put ya'll

 

[Blue Crabber]

Re: Help - always drifting

Good advice so far. I keep a couple anchors on board for a few reasons.

1. Different bottoms and water conditions
2. Back up
3. Bow and Stern anchor (Sandbar, raft up, etc)

Also, how long of a rope and chain are you using? You should be using about 7 times the depth of the water plus the distance above the water you are securing to.

Example: Cleat on boat is 2 feet above water and boat is in 5 feet of water for a total distance of 7 feet. 7 x 7 = 49 feet. You should be letting out about 50' of anchor rode. (Rope plus chain combination) You maybe be able to get away with 5 times the depth in some cases. Also in really bad cases (high wind, strong current, bad storm, etc) you should use 10 times instead of 7. This length of rode plus the weight of the chain helps to set the anchor into the bottom for a secure hold.

Hope that this helps!

 

[80skeys]

Re: Help - always drifting

Excellent answers. Sounds like I'll need to get a chain and upgrade my rope and anchor.

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: Help - always drifting

i think you should search anchor websites for good info. the above info is good too.
My Lonestar is 18ft DEEP semi V with hard top that catches a lot of wind at anchor and swings side to side severly. Buy a new anchor and use the old one to keep her from swinging in the wind.
drop them at 45degree angles from each other works for me.
BTW- I've got a 115hp on back

 

[80skeys]

Re: Help - always drifting

Update:

I bought a chain, added more rope and I followed the advice of letting out more rope when deploying the anchor ... Taking these steps has greatly improved my anchoring ability. I tested in mild winds and current and it performed well.

I'll look into purchasing a different anchor in the future, if needed, but I'm pleased with the improvements so far.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[Boss Hawg]

Re: Help - always drifting

Update:

I bought a chain, added more rope and I followed the advice of letting out more rope when deploying the anchor ... Taking these steps has greatly improved my anchoring ability. I tested in mild winds and current and it performed well.

I'll look into purchasing a different anchor in the future, if needed, but I'm pleased with the improvements so far.

Thanks for the advice.

You might also concider asking those around you that are "staying put" what type they are useing

 

[OnTheWaterNow]

Re: Help - always drifting

everybody around here where im at (OHIO) uses two anchors at once stern and bow

 

[80skeys]

Re: Help - always drifting

everybody around here where im at (OHIO) uses two anchors at once stern and bow

good idea, I'll keep that in mind.

 

[Blue Crabber]

Re: Help - always drifting

Just becareful when using a bow and stern anchor. Search around here and you will see what I mean.

Not saying it can't be done, because it is all the time. It just takes a little more attention while at anchor.

Also, make sure that you are using the right type of anchor. Mushroom, Danfoth, etc.

Glad to hear that the anchoring went a lot better with the new method. A proper anchor, rode and knowledge on how to use it is a big piece of safety equipment for your boat.

Good Luck!