anchor info
- Thread starter sfreiden
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Anchor Size Chart
Here is a chart that has been published on several sites. This page lists the original source.
http://www.cncphotoalbum.com/technical/anchorguide.htm
Here is a chart that has been published on several sites. This page lists the original source.
http://www.cncphotoalbum.com/technical/anchorguide.htm
Please don't go by that chart. It is old, was never accurate, and many of those sizing suggestions are not safe for anything more than a lunch hook in under 5 knots.
The Danforth sizing is the closest but a 12 pond anchor on a 31 footer is a risky bet. Danforth generally sizes their anchors for 20 knots. Some other manufacturers, mostly new generation, size for 50 knots. 20 knots happens frequently so your best to go up one or two full sizes beyond the Danforth recommendations.. If it were me, and I was dead set on a Danforth style anchor, it would be a Fortress FX-23..
How will you be using the anchor, what is the holding, do you have frequent wind or tidal shifts. The Danforth might be an ok anchor, depending upon your use, but there may be better choices too.
The Danforth sizing is the closest but a 12 pond anchor on a 31 footer is a risky bet. Danforth generally sizes their anchors for 20 knots. Some other manufacturers, mostly new generation, size for 50 knots. 20 knots happens frequently so your best to go up one or two full sizes beyond the Danforth recommendations.. If it were me, and I was dead set on a Danforth style anchor, it would be a Fortress FX-23..How will you be using the anchor, what is the holding, do you have frequent wind or tidal shifts. The Danforth might be an ok anchor, depending upon your use, but there may be better choices too.
These newer Hunters have a tendency to sail at anchor not providing a straight pull. The boat originally came with a 20 lbs Danforth which the boat would consistently pull out on any breeze over 15 knots. It was also slow to reset. Needless to say we quickly replaced it with a 35 lb plow and have had no problems ever since. Retreiving the anchor plus its 30' of chain can put some strain in your back but I sleep soundly.
Do not limit yourselves to one anchor. If you want to anchor out as opposed to marina hopping, you will need at least 2, better 3 anchors and rodes. A danforth type or a fortress or a guardian from the tables for a 50 foot boat will allow you to sleep at night. You will also need a CQR or other Plow type also for a 50 footer. Lots of Chain, large diameter Nylon.
I hate to disagree with the moderator, but my experience with anchor size tables is that the are based on 30 Knots. I have been at anchor (in Lake Worth at North Palm Beach) in a 60 + knot thunderstorm. Listened to a local SOB calling the Coast Guard to get some poor small anchor boater the hell off his seawall before the boat damaged his property.
Bigger is better.
I hate to disagree with the moderator, but my experience with anchor size tables is that the are based on 30 Knots. I have been at anchor (in Lake Worth at North Palm Beach) in a 60 + knot thunderstorm. Listened to a local SOB calling the Coast Guard to get some poor small anchor boater the hell off his seawall before the boat damaged his property.
Bigger is better.
I vote CQR, minimum 1lb. per ft. boat length, so 35lb. in your case. That's what I use on my 35.5. I just got back from a charter in Grenada and the Grenadines and virtually every boat down there used CQRs. Here's a reprint off of Cruising
World...Google "CQR anchor" for other info.
["CQR
After much research. Lots of phone calls
. And much input. Some friends just flew back from New Zealand they said 85% of the Crusiers they met used CQR's as there primary anchor and they were happy. Bruce was 2nd and they were also happy especialy the 60 something pounders . Deltas 3rd mixed bag mostly Happy.
I am Happy to say that I am going to stick with my CQR. Its an Original from Scottland. Not some Knock off.Here's why: Just because an Anchor sets fast or flips over and sets again dosn't mean its a great or even a good anchor. The Most important thing about an anchor is robust construction. CQR's are forged( Not welded). I want that sucker to hold together no matter what. Original CQR's are not made in China. We have a plant in China ..........I will leave it at that.A prudent mariner chooses his anchorage carefully. If I can't set my Anchor something else is up.. Badholding Ground. I will find another spot.If there is a possibality of a wind or tide change I will set another anchor or anchors accordingly. I will never Trust any anchor to do my job. I have never had any trouble setting my CQR. So why change! Im going to go out on the Bowsprit and apologize to my CQR.Capt. Peter "]
World...Google "CQR anchor" for other info.
["CQR
After much research. Lots of phone calls
. And much input. Some friends just flew back from New Zealand they said 85% of the Crusiers they met used CQR's as there primary anchor and they were happy. Bruce was 2nd and they were also happy especialy the 60 something pounders . Deltas 3rd mixed bag mostly Happy.I am Happy to say that I am going to stick with my CQR. Its an Original from Scottland. Not some Knock off.Here's why: Just because an Anchor sets fast or flips over and sets again dosn't mean its a great or even a good anchor. The Most important thing about an anchor is robust construction. CQR's are forged( Not welded). I want that sucker to hold together no matter what. Original CQR's are not made in China
. We have a plant in China ..........I will leave it at that.A prudent mariner chooses his anchorage carefully. If I can't set my Anchor something else is up.. Badholding Ground. I will find another spot.If there is a possibality of a wind or tide change I will set another anchor or anchors accordingly. I will never Trust any anchor to do my job. I have never had any trouble setting my CQR. So why change! Im going to go out on the Bowsprit and apologize to my CQR.Capt. Peter "]
Not disagreeing with me at all, as I don't make this stuff up.
I referenced Danforth's 20 knot sizing, linked below, and Rocna's 50 knot sizing, also linked below. Big discrepancies.
Some do size for 30 knots but unless you know, and many don't publish this data, Lewmar included, who makes the Delta, CQR & Claw, then it is wise to call the maker and ask what the suggestions for sizing are based on?
We routinely see winds above 30 knots so the last thing I would want is an anchor bought off a manufacturers chart that was really sized for 20 or 30 knots as opposed to 50 knots..
Danforth Sizing: Boats Up To 20 Knots (LINK)
Fortress Sizing: [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Boat size recommendations are for boats of average windage and proportions in 30 knots of wind, average bottom conditions, and moderate protection from open seas. Remember that the loads in 42 knots of wind are twice as much as in 30 knots.[/FONT]
Rocna Sizing: "We base our calculations on 50 knots wind, associated surge, and soft moderate holding bottoms into which it is assumed the anchor has set. Adequate scope is assumed. This is far in excess of most manufacturers."
Good advise above. Consider your own circumstances; bottom composition, winds, current and how well you want to sleep at night. Hunter's do "hunt" (yaw) at anchor, so any anchor you use will need to keep set regardless of the angle of pull. I personally like the Rocna ($$$ ouch) and the Manson Supreme (a little less ouch).
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