Simpletons question about Anchors.....

mattfx · 01 July 2011, 12:17

Hi,

Ive noticed that folks on this forum are quite forgiving, so I hope you'll take this idiots question in the right spirit!!

I have a Zodiac 4M Rib, with a Mariner 15hp 4-Stroke on the back. Ive had a tidy Outhill Console fitted, that adds a bit of weight - this is a "harbour boat" for us to get the kids used to boating (our local spots are Christchurch Harbour, Lymington and Beaulieu Rivers etc).

Currently I have no Anchor. What weight/size would be appropriate for this boat, and what lenght of chain and line should I go for?

Just want to appear less stupid when I pop down to the chandlery later on...

Thanks
Matt

Channel Ribs · 01 July 2011, 12:24

Welcome

Have you done an RYA Powerboat one or two course? If not have a think about it, as lots of questions like this are dealt with; plus lots of questions you may not know to ask.

Back to anchors, it is the chain that does the work so have as much as you can sensibly store. Danforth or Plough anchors are both very versatile, have a google for examples, something in the 2 or 3kg size should work great (so long as you have lots of chain).

Once you have worked out the best anchor to fit your stowage, and added as much chain as is sensible, then add as much rope as you can. There is a technique for looping the rope in on itself to make it shorter, so that for every day anchoring it is not in the way but if you ever need the full length you can unping it quickly.

mattfx · 01 July 2011, 12:29

Thanks for the advice. And yes, I am doing the RYA Powerboat 2 in a couple of weeks time. Ive got a fair amount of sailing experience, and have motor-sailed quite a bit also, but motor-boats are new to me!

Channel Ribs · 01 July 2011, 12:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattfx

Thanks for the advice. And yes, I am doing the RYA Powerboat 2 in a couple of weeks time.

Superb

Who with?

mattfx · 01 July 2011, 12:51

Its with Aquasafe Power Boat School in Lymington

Searider · 02 July 2011, 22:39

For a 4m boat i'd suggest 2-4kg.

Any of the "normal" high holding types would be fine - danforth / bruce / CQR / Delta etc.

Bruce is my favourite as it has no moving parts.

Choose one that stows easily on your boat.

In the 6.5 i've got a Bruce as it stows with its shank along the bottom of the boat.

In the 4m Avon i've got a couple of 2kg Grapnels with about 10m of chain in an old flare box. Not ideal but there's not much stowage in a Searider and n the times i've used it it works fine.

C-NUMB · 03 July 2011, 09:19

Good advice here. It all depends on intended use also, do You need it for a coffee brake or need more security than that?

As an example tried to use as light gear as possible on my SR5.4. Having a 5 kg grapnel, 4 m chain an 30m sinking line(+ aditional coil of rope case needed). I knew it would not be enough and it was not. Need to go back to minimum 50 m line, maybe longer chain and a Bruce type maybe 7,5 kg anchor. Almost exclusively more/berthing on islands without any buoys or other support devices so that's why need heavier equipment. Don't know where to fit the anchor, that will be a pain... maybe need to build a bow locker.

Channel Ribs advice is very good, "as much chain as is sensible, then add as much rope as you can". More is better when discussing anchor gear. Grapnels are very handy for stowing, but as anchors i have only had bad experiences, but on small boats guess its always a compromise anyway.

mattfx · 16 August 2011, 20:23

Just checked back - so thanks all for the advice, much appriciated!

robbo1 · 18 August 2011, 11:53

Hi Matt
I did my PB2 and VHF radio courses with Adam at Aquasafe. Good bunch of lads you won't be disappointed. When you have done the course get yourself booked on one of their mileage builder days. You will learn alot from them. I did Lymington to Weymouth and back.

longjohn · 19 August 2011, 21:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Searider

In the 4m Avon i've got a couple of 2kg Grapnels with about 10m of chain in an old flare box. Not ideal but there's not much stowage in a Searider and n the times i've used it it works fine.

Grapnels are about as much use as chocolate teapots in most anchoring situations! a 2kg Bruce is nearly as storable and way better.

Ruari 29 · 19 August 2011, 21:22

Bruce are good

Ruari 29 · 19 August 2011, 21:22

I once lost power to my out board dropped a grapnel with a chain, did it hold no! Bruce hasnt let me down yet. As the others say pb2 cover types, the rya powerboat handbook covers the different types. And which is better for sand etc