I wonder if anyone has had any experience using an anchor floot setup in regularly retrieving an anchor, i.e. large ring around the rode with large round fender, motor forward at 45 degrees to the anchor, fender and ring slide down rode and float anchor. I am thinking about setting it up as an early alternative to a windlass. Don't want to spend windlass bucks now. I would be using it on a 35 O'Day with 35 lb. CQR and 20 ft of chain. Any input appreciated Good Winds Dave s/v DAMWEGAS
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Andy Howard
Did you use enough dynamite there, Butch?
I can't answer your question, but I do have a thought. The set-up you describe gives you a holding power in the 3400lb range, Chapmans recommends 1800lbs for a storm anchor on a 35 footer. Now don't get me wrong, when I drop anchor, peace of mind is very important to me, and overkill is the name of the game. But, in the Carolina mud and sand, a 15-20lb Hi Tensile Danforth and 10ft of 5/16th high test chain is going to handle just about everything except a hurricane. And it's alot easier to retrieve in the morning.
I can't answer your question, but I do have a thought. The set-up you describe gives you a holding power in the 3400lb range, Chapmans recommends 1800lbs for a storm anchor on a 35 footer. Now don't get me wrong, when I drop anchor, peace of mind is very important to me, and overkill is the name of the game. But, in the Carolina mud and sand, a 15-20lb Hi Tensile Danforth and 10ft of 5/16th high test chain is going to handle just about everything except a hurricane. And it's alot easier to retrieve in the morning.
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Tom
I don't think a 35lb CQR is overkill for a 35 foot
boat !....Not in the least. Maybe for a protected anchorage, but if the wind really started blowing and a squall made its way through then that 35lb CQR and 20 feet of anchor is just barely adequate. See the west marine website below. it specs the 35lb CQR for a 35footer I have a 36 foot boat and I use a 45lb SPADE....I sleep very well at night...then again, I also have a windlass....
boat !....Not in the least. Maybe for a protected anchorage, but if the wind really started blowing and a squall made its way through then that 35lb CQR and 20 feet of anchor is just barely adequate. See the west marine website below. it specs the 35lb CQR for a 35footer I have a 36 foot boat and I use a 45lb SPADE....I sleep very well at night...then again, I also have a windlass....
Andy, you are correct but....
Andy: You are correct that a 20# Danforth High Tensile is enough anchor for his boat, but not if he is using a CQR. A anchor weight is not an indication of its holding power. The type of anchor must be matched to the design. Once you have the proper combination you then need to decide what type of bottom you are dealing with. I can tell you from MY experience that any danforth is almost worthless in a grass or weed bottom. And once again weight is of NO factor here.
Andy: You are correct that a 20# Danforth High Tensile is enough anchor for his boat, but not if he is using a CQR. A anchor weight is not an indication of its holding power. The type of anchor must be matched to the design. Once you have the proper combination you then need to decide what type of bottom you are dealing with. I can tell you from MY experience that any danforth is almost worthless in a grass or weed bottom. And once again weight is of NO factor here.
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Andy Howard
Steve, Tom, you are correct but...
I fully agree that the 35lb plow with 20 ft of chain is "just right" for Dave's boat, I wouldn't want a Plow on that boat any smaller. But, I also believe that a 20lb Danforth with 10 ft of chain is also "just right", given the prevailing bottom conditions of soft mud and sand, we have virtually no grass or weeds in depths beyond 4 or 5 feet. Dave was origionaly asking about the Anchor Master Retrival system as an alternative to a windless. While I'm not familiar with the system, I don't think it would solve his real problem and thats hauling 55lbs of anchor and chain back into the boat every time he drops the hook. But switching to the lighter weight danforth and high test chain is going to lighten his load to about 30lbs total. With more than enough holding power for all but the most extreme conditions, given the type of bottom.
I fully agree that the 35lb plow with 20 ft of chain is "just right" for Dave's boat, I wouldn't want a Plow on that boat any smaller. But, I also believe that a 20lb Danforth with 10 ft of chain is also "just right", given the prevailing bottom conditions of soft mud and sand, we have virtually no grass or weeds in depths beyond 4 or 5 feet. Dave was origionaly asking about the Anchor Master Retrival system as an alternative to a windless. While I'm not familiar with the system, I don't think it would solve his real problem and thats hauling 55lbs of anchor and chain back into the boat every time he drops the hook. But switching to the lighter weight danforth and high test chain is going to lighten his load to about 30lbs total. With more than enough holding power for all but the most extreme conditions, given the type of bottom.
Andy, I'm not arguing your point.
Andy: I am not arguing your point. It takes a much smaller danforth of any type to hold in sand/mud than those heavy old plow anchors. When you try to retrieve a 30-50# anchor your back will know about it if you do NOT have a windlass. The ONLY downside to the danforth styles in the mud/sand bottom are their ability to reset as the boat swings. I personally have not had much problem with this but others claim they will not reset easily.
Andy: I am not arguing your point. It takes a much smaller danforth of any type to hold in sand/mud than those heavy old plow anchors. When you try to retrieve a 30-50# anchor your back will know about it if you do NOT have a windlass. The ONLY downside to the danforth styles in the mud/sand bottom are their ability to reset as the boat swings. I personally have not had much problem with this but others claim they will not reset easily.
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Allen
Gentlemen, let's not forget about Dave!!
Dave needs advice on how to raise his anchor. I don't have any ideas, but I wouldn't mind hearing yours. Anyone? Anyone? Bueller???
Dave needs advice on how to raise his anchor. I don't have any ideas, but I wouldn't mind hearing yours. Anyone? Anyone? Bueller???
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Jay Eaton
Retrieval
Dave, We have an H380 with a 36# MAX for the main anchor. We sail, and anchor, in the Chesapeake - mostly mud. I swear by my MAX. Even though I have a windlass, I seldom use it to retrieve the anchor. We just pull up or motor up on the anchor, so that the rode is directly below the bow. Then I secure the rode to the bow cleat and we motor forward. This will break out the MAX from the mud and I just pull it aboard. The mud on the anchor and chain are the biggest problem. Try this technique.
Dave, We have an H380 with a 36# MAX for the main anchor. We sail, and anchor, in the Chesapeake - mostly mud. I swear by my MAX. Even though I have a windlass, I seldom use it to retrieve the anchor. We just pull up or motor up on the anchor, so that the rode is directly below the bow. Then I secure the rode to the bow cleat and we motor forward. This will break out the MAX from the mud and I just pull it aboard. The mud on the anchor and chain are the biggest problem. Try this technique.
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Dave Mauney
Alan and Jay - Thanks
The responses have been interesting to say the least. I got to this weight via the West Marine catalogue, by the way. I have a F16 Fortress for a backup but with 20 feet 3/8 of chain also which I am beginning think is a bit of overkill again. Jay, the retrieval technique you described is what we have been using. In addtion I put a trip line on the CQR because we could not retireve one plow anchor in rock some time ago. Based on the small amount response on the anchor float I think I have my answer. Thanks However, While I have y'alls attention what have you found more important to a plow anchor. A 20' smaller chain or shorter heavier chain. Alan's point about reducing the chain load I like and will help my ailing back. I am overkilling it sounds like at 20 feet of 3/8 chain now. What would y'all recommend for length and chain size for the 35 lb CQR primary and F16 secondary anchor.
The responses have been interesting to say the least. I got to this weight via the West Marine catalogue, by the way. I have a F16 Fortress for a backup but with 20 feet 3/8 of chain also which I am beginning think is a bit of overkill again. Jay, the retrieval technique you described is what we have been using. In addtion I put a trip line on the CQR because we could not retireve one plow anchor in rock some time ago. Based on the small amount response on the anchor float I think I have my answer. Thanks However, While I have y'alls attention what have you found more important to a plow anchor. A 20' smaller chain or shorter heavier chain. Alan's point about reducing the chain load I like and will help my ailing back. I am overkilling it sounds like at 20 feet of 3/8 chain now. What would y'all recommend for length and chain size for the 35 lb CQR primary and F16 secondary anchor.
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Andy Howard
How much Chain?
Think your right about the retrieval system, sounds a little gimmicky, but I sure would like to hear from someone who's used it. I mentioned 10 ft of chain in my earlier posts but I use 18ft for two reasons, I like to work in fathoms and lets just call that a nostagic nod to sailing past. I also like to negotiate the rope to chain transition over my bow roller before I break out the anchor. I make it a habit to dive on my anchor and it's not unusual for it to dig in from 2 to 6 feet into the bottom (we do got mud). Since I already sound like a broken record, {I really am just trying to save your ailing back)you really ought to experiment with your f-16. I know it seems like a child's toy compared to your CQR, but in sand and soft mud, it's actually got more holding power.
Think your right about the retrieval system, sounds a little gimmicky, but I sure would like to hear from someone who's used it. I mentioned 10 ft of chain in my earlier posts but I use 18ft for two reasons, I like to work in fathoms and lets just call that a nostagic nod to sailing past. I also like to negotiate the rope to chain transition over my bow roller before I break out the anchor. I make it a habit to dive on my anchor and it's not unusual for it to dig in from 2 to 6 feet into the bottom (we do got mud). Since I already sound like a broken record, {I really am just trying to save your ailing back)you really ought to experiment with your f-16. I know it seems like a child's toy compared to your CQR, but in sand and soft mud, it's actually got more holding power.
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Buck Harrison
My 2 cents
Dave... come-on, you've got a 35' O'Day ... nice boat...spring for the bucks, and get a windless... try e-bay, etc... maybe a 'powerwinch' type windless (I know, they are mostly used on power boats, but have seen a few on mid-30's sail boats and they seem to work well)... anyway... you can then use your CQR with an all chain 5/16 rode, which will 1... help you sleep well 2... save your back 3... impress you friends and sig. other 4... encourage you to put a deck washdown pump on the boat and REALLY impress the other NC mud muckers.
Dave... come-on, you've got a 35' O'Day ... nice boat...spring for the bucks, and get a windless... try e-bay, etc... maybe a 'powerwinch' type windless (I know, they are mostly used on power boats, but have seen a few on mid-30's sail boats and they seem to work well)... anyway... you can then use your CQR with an all chain 5/16 rode, which will 1... help you sleep well 2... save your back 3... impress you friends and sig. other 4... encourage you to put a deck washdown pump on the boat and REALLY impress the other NC mud muckers.
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Dave Mauney
Buck, Good Shot
The deck washdown system is also comming soon. We have just put a lot of money in the boat getting her back on functional and safety par. I am investigating all alternatives. Your suggestion is where I am going to end up. I am just looking at intermediates this summer and next. Thanks Dave
The deck washdown system is also comming soon. We have just put a lot of money in the boat getting her back on functional and safety par. I am investigating all alternatives. Your suggestion is where I am going to end up. I am just looking at intermediates this summer and next. Thanks Dave
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Hugh
what you have sounds right to me
We have a 36 footer. Primary anchor is a 35 lb CQR. The backup anchor is a Fortress F-16. Both have 20 feet of chain. So, I'll say this: so far I have never pulled out or dragged (much) with the CQR. On occasion (mud or high/changing winds) we put out the Fortress, and despite its light weight, it digs in and HOLDS. It's been harder to pull up than the CQR in mud. So, I think you've got a pretty good set up. And to answer your original question, I have never seen or heard of anyone using the buoy/ring retriever system. How good could it be? Your trip line is probably the best idea.
We have a 36 footer. Primary anchor is a 35 lb CQR. The backup anchor is a Fortress F-16. Both have 20 feet of chain. So, I'll say this: so far I have never pulled out or dragged (much) with the CQR. On occasion (mud or high/changing winds) we put out the Fortress, and despite its light weight, it digs in and HOLDS. It's been harder to pull up than the CQR in mud. So, I think you've got a pretty good set up. And to answer your original question, I have never seen or heard of anyone using the buoy/ring retriever system. How good could it be? Your trip line is probably the best idea.
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