River anchoring -- tips from the pros

[spacemanpete]

Wondering if I can get some input for setting up an anchoring system for a boat restoration. This is a 26 ft steel hull cabin/river cruiser, probably weighs . . . oh, I don't know, a lot. I will be putting this on the Mississippi, so I'll be dealing with some current. <br /><br />There's a cut out in the bow for the anchor, but that's about it, no other clues as to what was on there before. Any tips as to 1)what type 2)how heavy and 3)any other things to not overlook. Thanks!

 

[chicken louie]

Re: River anchoring -- tips from the pros

we use anchors in the skeena river it is quite a fast river,the anchors are shaped like a rake on two sides with two rake forks on each side,there is a long shaft with a weight welded on the top ,the shaft has a thinner bar along it from top to almost the bottom for a ring to slide up and down your rope attaches to the ring if you slide the ring to the bottom your anchor should lift out of the rocks,when you drop anchor the ring should go to top the weight holds the top of your anchor on the river bed.<br />the forks of your anchor should be wide enough that it will only land the right way.<br />when we anchor we cut the motor then drop the anchor,when we pull the anchor we slowly move ahead when we are over top the anchor we pull it up.whew that was a lot of typing.<br />these anchors work so well if you screw up and get the rope in your motor it will spin you around and the current will sink you in seconds.<br />hope this helps if you need a picture i could probably get my wife to post one as i am computer not so smart lol.<br />the forks are made of flat steel grinded to a point,the shaft and ring slide are round solid pipe and the weightis a round puck shaped piece welded on top.

 

[chicken louie]

Re: River anchoring -- tips from the pros

we attace a float and a quick connect to the end of our rope so when we hook a big salmon we can disconnect and go after the fish then return and our spot is saved.<br />this is best as we fish on hog line and the spots available are first come first serve.

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: River anchoring -- tips from the pros

Sounds to me like you're looking for a mooring.<br /><br />You may have to check with the local authority on that. I know of many areas where you're not allowed to anchor for a prolonged period of time.

 

[Capn Mike]

Re: River anchoring -- tips from the pros

Sounds like the boys up in Canada use the same system we use on the Columbia River. Use enough anchor, have a anchor-lift ball (or a winch) and you'll do fine.<br />Actually, it's almost easier to anchor on a river than it is in tide-water. The current only flows one way (downstream, in my experience ) and the only variation would be the water flow.<br /><br />On the other hand, in tidewater, the flow is one way for 12 hours, then another direction the other 12. We use 2 anchors @ 45 degrees then.

 

[spacemanpete]

Re: River anchoring -- tips from the pros

Originally posted by Luna Sea:<br /> Sounds to me like you're looking for a mooring.<br /><br />You may have to check with the local authority on that. I know of many areas where you're not allowed to anchor for a prolonged period of time.

Luna Sea, who are you directing this to -- I'm not sure if this is meant for me . . .

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: River anchoring -- tips from the pros

spacemanpete, <br /><br />That was meant for you. Around here you need a "mooring permit" to place a motor vessel in any of the rivers or harbors. This post especially caught my eye when you mentioned "restoration". I don't know the rules in your neck of the woods though. But authority seems to know how to raise revenue most anywhere I'd imagine...?? I'm sure there's some kind of rules that need to be followed on the Mississippi.......... Just giving you a heads up as what you may or may not have to deal with.