Suitable Anchor

[judsley]

Hi,
Can anyone advise me on what anchor to get for my 4.5m rib. The terrain is a mixture of sand and rocks where I'll be using it.
What weight would be suitable to use in light seas?
Thanks
Jon

[Nick Hearne]

I would go for a bruce anchor 2kg, just rig it with a trip line in the rocks

2KG Jet Claw Bruce Style Anchor Galvanised - Boat Marine Yacht Two Kilo KGS | eBay

[Poly]

Nick's advice seems reasonable to me. I've got Bruce and Danforth anchors (I think the later is 2.5kg - but I use if for overnight), or a boat a bit smaller than yours.

The Bruce held me well on the surf at Coll last year (sandy bottom).

Official guidance might be for something a bit heavier, but you have to balance: ease of handling, ease of storage and the reality of the conditions you plan to go out in. Most recommendations assume a yacht which might be anchored in a F8+.

You will find grapnel styles are not well thought of here, but actually even they would probably be fine. Remember whichever anchor you use to add sufficient chain (recommended min is the length of the boat).

[Nick Hearne]

Originally Posted by Poly

Nick's advice seems reasonable to me. I've got Bruce and Danforth anchors (I think the later is 2.5kg - but I use if for overnight), or a boat a bit smaller than yours.

The Bruce held me well on the surf at Coll last year (sandy bottom).

I use a 2kg in my 6m too if I'm going to the beach and the wind isn't up (I also have a 5kg for when it is!)

I did have a little 1kg till I lost it and in a sandy bottom could hold mutable boats they are amazing in sand or mud for there size

[Max...]

Is the 1kg really viable Nick? I ordered one for my SIB but when I saw the size of it I thought that can't possibly work and sent it back....

[Nick Hearne]

Originally Posted by Max...

Is the 1kg really viable Nick? I ordered one for my SIB but when I saw the size of it I thought that can't possibly work and sent it back....

I had one and it held the Sib, Sr4 and more with a 5m chain!

[paintman]

Originally Posted by Nick Hearne

I had one and it held the Sib, Sr4 and more with a 5m chain!

There we have it. Don't forget the weight of the chain holds the shank of the anchor down making it easier to set.
This is worth a read:
Anchors and how they work.

[judsley]

Thanks everyone for all your advice.

I feel somewhat educated now!!

[steco1958]

Its all about the chain !!

[treerat]

Originally Posted by steco1958

Its all about the chain !!

I always think it's a question of what am I holding, where, how long for and why?

Most of the time I only anchor for a spot of lunch, fishing etc with us still on board. For this I have a 3kg grapnel with 5m of chain. To date we've not gone anywhere with this this when deplyed.

Would I be happy leaving the boat overnight on this when ashore? Nope so if this is likely to happen I change the grapnel for a CQR as this holds pretty well and gives me a little more confidence the the grapnel.