Anchor Recommendation

[stephen Penny]

Finally got to take a careful look at the anchoring system that came with the boat I recently purchased. It has a horizontal manual windlass, 16 pound danforth anchor, 1/4 boat length of 1/4" chain and 150 feet of 1/2" rode. This system seems light. What are your recommendations to upgrade anchor, chain and rode for SF and west coast cursing?

1. anchor type - danforth, claw, etc.?
2. anchor weight - go on the heavy side say 26 lb?
3. chain size - increase to 5/16" chain?
4. chain length - increase to 1/2 boat length or even longer?
4. rode - increase to say 200 ft?

 

[JoeWhite]

All changes you suggested are good. Danforth is good for the Bay.The only one is that the lenght of the chain should be as long as the boat. You may also want to carry a second anchor.

 

[Steve Dion]

Stephen:

The weight of the anchor is really based on the anchor style. If you have a fortress anchor it will have much more holding power than a CQR or Bruce that may weigh 2 times as much.

If you boat has a anchor roller you can store the anchor on the bow. If you don't you need to consider if you have room to store it in the locker.

Like Joe said you probably want to have another anchor (different style). A Danforth style anchor is probably the worst anchor if you are anchoring in a grass/weed bottom.

I also agree that you want at least 30' of chain (more is better).

 

[stephen Penny]

As always, thank-you for the valuable input. I got a price for a lower weight fortress anchor. I have lots of room in the anchor locker to store the new anchor and the old fluke (Danforth) anchor. I also have an anchor roller to mount the anchor, if necessary. Next I plan to purchase the anchor and a boat length of chain as you all recommended.

 

[stephen Penny]

I priced the Fortress fluke and their 7 lb anchor specified for 28-31’ boats costs $139 and the 16 lb for 33-38’ boats costs $207 from Turtle Marine. Cost appears to be relatively high and low weight. Can a 7 lb Fortress hold a 31 Hunter sailboat in SF and coastal anchorages? I have anchored a lot in the Cheaspeake back in the mid-80’s with what I remember to be heavier Danforth anchors and we swung all night with not problem. A 16 lb Danforth fluke costs $75 and weights 16 lbs and a 27 lb Bruce claw costs $75. Can a 7 lb Fortress hold a 32‘ Hunter? I like low weight but I also like low but reliable cost. Input your welcome before I make a selection.

 

[Steve Dion]

Stephen:

I would NOT purchase a Fortress if you already have a Danforth. This is the same style anchor. If you try to anchor in a place like Clipper Cove, those anchors will not hold in that grassy bottom.

You may want to consider the Manson, Delta or similar anchor as a backup.

 

[stephen Penny]

Thanks again for the response and recommendation. Then I plan to purchase a Bruce/claw as a primary and keep the Danfoth as back-up. Its cost is very resaonable and is recommended by several locals from the the Richmond Yacht Club and a coastal racer from the Richmond bay marina.

 

[Ron McCoy]

Personally, I wouldn't put much comfort in any Danforth anchor. But then again, everyone has their favorite anchors! Mine is the 35# Manson Supreme with a 35# Bruce backup. 100ft of 5/16" chain backed with 150ft of nylon rode.