SIB anchor/anchor setup

[Freediver]

I have been reading various threads on rib.net regarding what type of anchor is best for what boat (length) and for what bottom ( sand, mud, rock, etc) and I am still confused. This may be due to my lack experience, but it sounds like I would need to carry multiple anchors, something that may be difficult due to the limited size of my SIB. I have narrowed it down to a 12-16lbs Bruce/ Delta claw with 15-18ft of chain and some 200'ft of rope. Something which I do need help with is the setup on the boat. I have seen some of the glue-on type hypalon fairleads and various rope attached through d-rings etc. So first off, is my choice of anchor overkill? And can anyone point me to another thread that deals with this or offer some advice? Oh I forgot, I would be using this off the Southern California coast, in kelp beds, and in the area.
Thank you

[thestig1973]

How big is your sib?

I would expect a much lighter anchor to hold a sib in normal weather conditions

[Freediver]

The SIB is 17.5 foot FC530, it weighs about 398lbs and the engine is 235lbs. Include an 18gal bow fuel bladder. You are right though most inflatables seem to be going for something smaller.
Thanks

[jeffstevens763@g]

i use a lewmar claw, boats to 6 m 2 kg, boats to 7 m 5 kg, boats to 10 m 10 kg, so i would say your ok with that.
the claw sets in a variety of sea beds. danforth another good one but not good to stow.

cheers

[Poly]

Do you anchor and go diving with no one on the boat?

[Freediver]

Thanks for the info.
FD

[jeffstevens763@g]

California coast kelp isn't that the 40 foot long stuff that will be interesting pulling up by hand through that lot.

on my boat mercury 365 i have two eyes one each side and one on the bow i have spliced rope tight to all three so that the pull is equal on all of them a bow shackle then to the bow line with a quick release carabina on the end, i then pull a loop through the anchor line same as a lorry drivers hitch and attach the carabina to the loop, then when ready to leave just pull the anchor line up to release the bow line and continue pulling the anchor up.

[jyasaki]

Originally Posted by Freediver

Oh I forgot, I would be using this off the Southern California coast, in kelp beds, and in the area.
Thank you

Not that big an issue. Try to anchor outside the beds proper, motor forwards at idle to get the slack out of line before lifting the hook off the bottom. If it does get tangled in kelp on the way up, tie off the rode and give the motor some power to break the stipes.

Biggest problem I worry about is getting stuck in rocks. Doesn't happen often, but it does happen. A forward mounted rode with a breakout device would be wise (I'm on compressed air, so just bounce dive to clear it. If you're free diving, you may not have that option.)

jky

[Freediver]

Yes, the kelp forest can extend 40 ft and then some. Like JYK suggested, probably best to stay on the edge so as to avoid damaging the kelp and from what I hear it can cause overheating the engine if it gets sucked in!! Also gets caught in the prop. This is good info. Thanks to all, I now have some options and will experiment when I get the chance.
Thanks

[jyasaki]

I don't worry about damaging the kelp; it gets torn out every winter anyway.

And for you guys asking, we have 2 types of "giant" kelp here: Nereocystis, or bull kelp (generally 20 to 80 feet or so); and Macrocystis or Giant Bladder Kelp, which can grow to the surface from 120 feet (though it's generally found shallower. Macrocystis is known to grow in length by over a foot a day under ideal conditions, and is generally what you have when you see "kelp mats" off the Calif. coast.

macrocystis images:
http://www.chabotcollege.edu/faculty...s/IMG_1989.jpg
http://www.chabotcollege.edu/faculty...s/P1153063.jpg
http://www.chabotcollege.edu/faculty...s/P9140043.jpg
http://www.chabotcollege.edu/faculty...s/P3150012.jpg

Nereocystis images (somewhat lacking in variety):
http://www.chabotcollege.edu/faculty...s/P7140048.jpg
http://www.chabotcollege.edu/faculty...s/P8250036.jpg
http://www.chabotcollege.edu/faculty...s/P5030037.jpg

jky