Which anchor do I use?

[made in china]

Hey ya'll, I have a question. I bought a boat that came with two different kinds of anchors. As I've never used a anchor before, I could use some help...

I have a 17.5' boat that I'll use mostly in smaller freshwater lakes. What are these two anchors best suited for and which one should I keep on my boat? I don't want to carry two anchors if I only need one.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Which anchor do I use?

I have 2 like yours.
The small one will hold you in small coves or bays, where there is little wave or wind action.

I carry both.
Use the larger on the front of the boat, digs in, lays flat, generally holds well.
I use the smaller mushroom at the stern, to keep the boat from swinging around. Keeps me where I want to fish, and helps the front anchor a little.

 

[rosser1]

Re: Which anchor do I use?

i also have two very much like yours, larger in back, which i have an anchor reel for, and the smaller for front. holds my 17ft fiberglass boat just fine.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Which anchor do I use?

funny, i've got two anchors like yours too....
for my 19' boat, i find neither the mushroom or the navy anchor works very well for me..
i went to a fortress for my main anchor now and it seems to work ok. like roscoe. i carry two on board too. i carry the mushroom anchor for my second to keep the swing down or just a spare just in case..

 

[Campylobacter]

Re: Which anchor do I use?

Like everybody else, I also keep two, pretty much like yours.

A couple of things:

Anchor #2 is the one you will use when you really need to stay put, and will keep you safe if your motor conks. Its the more important if you insist on only keeping one. You should seriously consider putting a length of chain between the anchor and line, it will keep the anchor at the proper angle to to give the strongest grab and protect the line.

Anchor #1 (mushroom) is convienient to have as it is easier to "set" if you don't plan on staying in any one place very long. It will not hold your boat in windy conditions or in any significant current.

Lastly, you should anchor from the front of the boat. Anchoring from the stern can lead to trouble, any waves from a squall or even a large wake can easily swamp a boat anchored from the stern.

 

[Campylobacter]

Re: Which anchor do I use?

Good info about anchoring in this link (and multiple others on iboats), look for the post with "anchoring 101" in it.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=367561

 

[made in china]

Re: Which anchor do I use?

Thanks guys, I am now 1000% more knowledgeable about anchors.

Since I plan on fishing from my boat occasionally, I will bring both.

I'm going to put a bit of chain on the roloff and new rope for both.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Which anchor do I use?

If you use decent sized rope, it's easier on your hands as well as safer.

As someone said, don't use the big on on the stern.

 

[cfrazier]

Re: Which anchor do I use?

A old seaman told me that you should have a foot of chain for every foot of boat to keep anchor from dragging. It worked for me.

Sundowner

 

[made in china]

Re: Which anchor do I use?

A old seaman told me that you should have a foot of chain for every foot of boat to keep anchor from dragging. It worked for me.

Sundowner

Good to know!

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Which anchor do I use?

Strangely enough I have 2 similar anchors just like most of the posters here.
Take them both and try them both. Only you will really find out which one is best for what you are using it for and where.
Good Luck