Selecting an Anchor

[boristhebold]

The correct length of chain and rope is very important, factor in carrying more rope than you think you would need.

Plus remember an anchor, chain and rope is also a crucial safety device, if you break down somewhere and you dont have enougth anchor chain and rope to hold you in place your going to drift, and you might drift somewhere nasty. Better to carry too much and not need it then too little and need it.

A good example of where you can see what happens when people dont carry enougth or dont have the right chain to rope ratio would be at the bournemouth air show, where the zone is to watch from the water it is rather amusing watching many boats try and anchor and give up as it can be choppy and they just cant get a decent hold as they only have 1 metre of chain or no chain and just rope.

[John Kennett]

On the other hand it is possible to over think things. Much as I like to have the proper kit for a job, the OP's actual requirements could reasonably be met with a housebrick on a piece of string!

[AJ.]

Originally Posted by boristhebold

A good example of where you can see what happens when people dont carry enougth or dont have the right chain to rope ratio would be at the bournemouth air show, where the zone is to watch from the water it is rather amusing watching many boats try and anchor and give up as it can be choppy and they just cant get a decent hold as they only have 1 metre of chain or no chain and just rope.

Brings back memories of last year and a gin palace who was more bothered about their hang on the side BBQ than his neighbouring boats (me being one of them) it almost hit a few of us despite people shouting at him! He must of re-laid his anchor a dozen times sure his sausages burnt too..... he he

[chris.moody]

I recently purchased 8m of 6mm chain spliced to 30m of warp. I cannot remember the exact cost but it was not expensive (around £30 is the figure I seem to remember).

Using this I can anchor in up to 2m of water and be on all chain, or if I deploy the lot it will hold me off a lee shore in 7m to 10m of water.

£30 well spent in my opinion.

--
Tigga - Avon SR4 Rescue with 40hp Yamaha 2 stroke

[chris.moody]

Originally Posted by chris.moody

I recently purchased 8m of 6mm chain spliced to 30m of warp. I cannot remember the exact cost but it was not expensive (around £30 is the figure I seem to remember).

Using this I can anchor in up to 2m of water and be on all chain, or if I deploy the lot it will hold me off a lee shore in 7m to 10m of water.

£30 well spent in my opinion.

--
Tigga - Avon SR4 Rescue with 40hp Yamaha 2 stroke

Just checked, it cost £37 delivered.

--
Tigga - Avon SR4 Rescue with 40hp Yamaha 2 stroke

[steco1958]

If you do not have a specific locker then either a crate, or one of those flexible feed buckets you can get from B&Q

[bosun]

I'd go with a bruce
not the best to stow but boy do they hold
a boat length (minimum ) of chain and five times (again minimum) of warp of the maximum depth on the chart of the area where you are going
And don't forget to add the height of the tide onto the charted depth
(And then I'd double it.
But that's just me.)
Just remember keep it all correctly stowed, untangled, tied to the boat and ready to go so that if your engine stops you can stay where you are while you try and fix it !
And if you have to call for help you will still be where you said you were when they get there!.

[HughN]

Originally Posted by bosun

...tied to the boat...

By mentioning that you are making me twitch at a memory of seeing a bitter end snaking off into the depths.

[bosun]

I once sold a little fishing boat and the last bit haggling was that he would have it if I threw in an anchor etc.
So I put an anchor ,a chain and a length of warp in the boat ,plus a couple of shackles expecting that the new owner would have a sort out of his new boat before going out for the first time (like we all would)
Next time I saw him ( we worked together) turns out he went straight home got his tackle and launched it, straight out to sea, stopped engine and threw the anchor over the side never to be seen again.
At least he still had the warp and chain though !

[Timw44]

He probably thought it was one of those new fangled ropeless anchors...

[Chris Caton]

Originally Posted by Alex Head

I am trying to figure out what type and weight of anchor to purchase for my Zodiac 420 Yachtline.

Folding grapnel and mushroom styles look appropriate and do not have sharp edges that could damage tubes. What weight should I consider? Looking for mostly lunch anchor use, not storm use.

Thank you for ANY advice!

Originally Posted by John Kennett

On the other hand it is possible to over think things. Much as I like to have the proper kit for a job, the OP's actual requirements could reasonably be met with a housebrick on a piece of string!

I agree with JK, sometimes it pays to keep things simple, I don't go out in bad weather, not up to it at the moment, but do want a good anchor for The Menai, so I use a Bruce along with a Liros leaded rope anchor line, not the cheapest option but does save pulling chain in across the tubes and has worked well for us the last few seasons, worth a look

[bosun]

Anchoring App !