Anchor Question

[pateco]

My next project for the Stargazer, is to figure out how to use this anchor. This is the anchor that came with the her, but I am unfamiliar with its use. It looks like it will dig itself deep in sand, and since she does not have a windlass, I am worried about being able to recover it once set. Anyone with experience with this type of anchor, I could use some comments and suggestions. I have only anchored her for a couple of hours so far, and used her secondary danforth style anchor.

 

[Ken13559]

Oh my, looks like a dredger. You'll popular with marinas that have shallow entrance

 

[centerline]

its a mud anchor. it works on the same principal as any other anchor made for soft bottoms, although not popular because of its lack of ability to dig in firmer soils due to its shape.... it works well in extremely soft bottoms.... and dont worry about being able to break it out because it wont be a problem.

and as for any anchor that digs really deep in either soft or firm bottom soils, take up all the slack in the rode/chain until you are right over the anchor, then snub it down.

with Zero scope and even the slightest wave action, the movement of the boat will break it out for you in about 30 seconds..... the only real work involved is hauling it to the surface.

 

[pateco]

its a mud anchor. it works on the same principal as any other anchor made for soft bottoms, although not popular because of its lack of ability to dig in firmer soils due to its shape.... it works well in extremely soft bottoms....

Would you consider coral sand and shell a soft bottom?

She was originally on the Chesapeake bay, and I can see how a mud anchor would be appropriate for there. Now that she is in S Florida, our bottom is sand made of ground up coral and sea shells.

 

[seadaddler]

Backup

I think i would look for a second backup anchor like a spade or Delta,depends if
planning to do over nighters and if just doing day sailing it may be OK.
Give it a try and go out sailing and do lunch stop and use it.
I am just thinking if really need to anchor when having problem and if it does not set fast and good holding where you sail than maybe get a delta for your size boat but look around for used.
Nick

 

[pateco]

I think i would look for a second backup anchor like a spade or Delta,depends if
planning to do over nighters and if just doing day sailing it may be OK.
Give it a try and go out sailing and do lunch stop and use it.
I am just thinking if really need to anchor when having problem and if it does not set fast and good holding where you sail than maybe get a delta for your size boat but look around for used.
Nick

Both the secondary bow anchor, and the stern anchor are the danforth style I am more familiar with. I know they work in these waters. How different is what I have now from a Spade/Delta?

 

[Ken Cross]

You may want to just give it a try on hard reverse.
Ken

 

[woodster]

You may want to just give it a try on hard reverse.
Ken

this brings up a question in my mind .....how much strain can one put on the bow roller .....or should one always use a bridle and hook to the bow cleats.....

 

[JK_Boston_Catalina310]

Both the secondary bow anchor, and the stern anchor are the danforth style I am more familiar with. I know they work in these waters. How different is what I have now from a Spade/Delta?

That actually looks like a Super Max anchor.

Some rate them for all bottoms, others say mud only.

If it was my boat I would switch for a spade style new gen (Manson Supreme, Rocna, Mantus, Spade, etc.).

 

[centerline]

this brings up a question in my mind .....how much strain can one put on the bow roller .....or should one always use a bridle and hook to the bow cleats.....

that would depend on the quality of the bow roller and the quality of its mounting. properly sized and done right, you would be able to safely lift the boat and shake it around with it. but.... some would say the roller is only to be used for deploying and retrieving, and that a bridal and chain hook or prusik hitch bridal (for rope rode) be used to take the load to a large center mounted cleat or sampson post, and always used with chafing gear...

the prevailing or expected conditions would dictate the need for taking one of the possible chances of failure out of the system, but almost ALL day sailers and weekenders will be fine using the bow roller. and in most cases, all small to medium sized pleasure boats everywhere, would be fine with just the bow roller alone...

PATECO, you may want to consider an anchor style that has a pointed entry (many different models available), as they will work over a broader range of bottoms.
the anchor yo uhave is great for its intended use but unless you know what the bottom conditions are, its not as a dependable of anchor as I would want holding my boat.

if you already have danforth anchors for the soft bottoms (which are much lighter and better), I would very strongly consider an anchor that is more versatile as your heavy bower anchor..

 

[pateco]

That actually looks like a Super Max anchor.

Some rate them for all bottoms, others say mud only.

If it was my boat I would switch for a spade style new gen (Manson Supreme, Rocna, Mantus, Spade, etc.).

Thanks for the link. I think you are correct. It is a Super Max pivoting arm anchor.

After reading their website, I think I am going to give it a try in our local sand over coral bottoms, and see how well it holds. The videos on their website, and multiple testimonials for cruisers all around, have impressed me to at least give it a good try.