What kind of Anchor?
There is no definitive answer. First it would help to know if you are normally anchoring in mud, sand or rocks. And what kind of blows do you expect to be in. Practical Sailor did a recent study. For an all around anchor, I lean towards the Delta. You can get the 35 lb-er for your boat and have an awful lot of holding power and good setting ability in almost anything for your money. The CQR is also good but about twice the expense of the Delta. And the Bruce/Claw sets the best (except for mud) but if you are in 40 knots, it probably won't hold. 50 foot of 1/4" chain hi-test and some extra strength 1/2" line should do you well. You can use your jib winch to bring it up. I've done it although installing a Maxwell Windlass sure made life easy. I used the windlass by taking a 50 ft. line with a stainless hook on the end and winching it back to the winch, locking it, and then taking up some more. Piece of cake if you are a 150lb. weakling or have a weak back. I know of someone that put an inexpensive used windlass he located on his mast to do the above. There are many solutions. ChuckWolfe@innocent.com
