What type and size anchor would you recommend for a 37 foot sailboat in Georgian Bay? Just got our new (to us) boat last week. Thanks
Anchor type and size - Georgian Bay
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Here's a link for you.
Remember - most of your anchoring will be on rock (you're in the Canadian Shield)
Remember - most of your anchoring will be on rock (you're in the Canadian Shield)
if you are anchoring in such ground you will certainly want a trip
line attached to the anchor so that if it should snag under a large piece you can pull it backwards and free it. If there is no loose material on the bottom then you will have the same conditions as in the super market parking lot, all solid surface and no way for the anchor to set. In those conditions a grapnel will be as good as any.
line attached to the anchor so that if it should snag under a large piece you can pull it backwards and free it. If there is no loose material on the bottom then you will have the same conditions as in the super market parking lot, all solid surface and no way for the anchor to set. In those conditions a grapnel will be as good as any.
Bruce worked for us
We spent over 300 nights anchored out in the North Channel (just north of Georgian Bay) aboard our Ericson 38, using a 33 lb Bruce with 20 ft of 3/8" chain and 300' of 5/8" nylon three strand, without dragging even once. Bruces tend to do quite poorly in anchor tests, with very low holding power, but even so they are quite popular on the Great Lakes. If I had had to replace the Bruce I would have gone with a 35 lb Delta. A friend with a Tartan 37 tried using a 22 lb Delta, claiming the literature suggested it was up to the job, but he dragged several times that season and swtiched to a Spade.
We spent over 300 nights anchored out in the North Channel (just north of Georgian Bay) aboard our Ericson 38, using a 33 lb Bruce with 20 ft of 3/8" chain and 300' of 5/8" nylon three strand, without dragging even once. Bruces tend to do quite poorly in anchor tests, with very low holding power, but even so they are quite popular on the Great Lakes. If I had had to replace the Bruce I would have gone with a 35 lb Delta. A friend with a Tartan 37 tried using a 22 lb Delta, claiming the literature suggested it was up to the job, but he dragged several times that season and swtiched to a Spade.
I agree with Main Sail's recommendation of a Rocna
I have a FX 37 Fortress, a 45# CQR, a 44# Bruce, a 35# CQR & a 35# cast Danforth and believe the Rocna is superior to all. I have a 37' Irwin which started at 20,000#+ and is probably around 25,000# now so I would opt for a larger size but the 33# may be OK for you. Joe S
I have a FX 37 Fortress, a 45# CQR, a 44# Bruce, a 35# CQR & a 35# cast Danforth and believe the Rocna is superior to all. I have a 37' Irwin which started at 20,000#+ and is probably around 25,000# now so I would opt for a larger size but the 33# may be OK for you. Joe S
I'll second the Rocna
Linda, when we bought our boat last year I speant a couple of months researching anchors on the internet and elsewhere. A large majority of people in Georgian Bay use the Bruce or CQR, successfully. Most have never heard of the Rocna judging by the blank stares I get when I tell them what I have. Depending on where you are anchoring, you could be on sand, mud or heavy weeds. Beckwith, Giants Tomb, Christian Island, Kilcoursie Bay all have clear sandy bottom and a dream to set your anchor. If you head into the inner islands like Beasuiliel, Moon etc. you will find mud and heavy weeds. Canadian Shield or not we tend to avoid the rocks. The Rocna is heavily favoured on many of the forums by anyone who has tried it and decided to pruchase one. Last year we anchored out over 30 nights in varying conditions. Of course over at Beckwith I could see the anchor and had set within 5 ft. backing down. We went through several nights with wind shifts and held with no problems including 270 deg. over two nights with 20 knot winds inbetween. We set in heavy weeds on the inside of Mermaid Island and held for sveral days. Came up with a 5ft. dia. weed ball, my son had fun pulling that one off the anchor. I'll be at the boat this weekend, probably come up Thurs. night, spend Fri. at the marina and 50/50 out somewhere Sat./ Sun. / Mon. We're at BayMoorings. Feel free to stop by and check ours out if you wish. PM me for my cell no. if you want to drop by and I'll gladly discuss it further. Scott
Linda, when we bought our boat last year I speant a couple of months researching anchors on the internet and elsewhere. A large majority of people in Georgian Bay use the Bruce or CQR, successfully. Most have never heard of the Rocna judging by the blank stares I get when I tell them what I have. Depending on where you are anchoring, you could be on sand, mud or heavy weeds. Beckwith, Giants Tomb, Christian Island, Kilcoursie Bay all have clear sandy bottom and a dream to set your anchor. If you head into the inner islands like Beasuiliel, Moon etc. you will find mud and heavy weeds. Canadian Shield or not we tend to avoid the rocks. The Rocna is heavily favoured on many of the forums by anyone who has tried it and decided to pruchase one. Last year we anchored out over 30 nights in varying conditions. Of course over at Beckwith I could see the anchor and had set within 5 ft. backing down. We went through several nights with wind shifts and held with no problems including 270 deg. over two nights with 20 knot winds inbetween. We set in heavy weeds on the inside of Mermaid Island and held for sveral days. Came up with a 5ft. dia. weed ball, my son had fun pulling that one off the anchor. I'll be at the boat this weekend, probably come up Thurs. night, spend Fri. at the marina and 50/50 out somewhere Sat./ Sun. / Mon. We're at BayMoorings. Feel free to stop by and check ours out if you wish. PM me for my cell no. if you want to drop by and I'll gladly discuss it further. Scott
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