Anchor upgrade

[Bonzai]

Hey folks, I just got a new 44 lb. Delta anchor for my 35 ft boat as a storm anchor. The anchor currently in use is a 35lb CQR on all chain rode. Also has Fortress anchor on 15 ft chain, remainder 3/4 in. rope rode. I planned on replacing the CQR with the Delta but have been given the advice to keep current set up w 44 lb anchor to be switched out w the Fortress folding type anchor in event of approaching storm. How would you guys set this up? I have a very robust electric windlass and dbl. bow roller. Boat weighs around 20,000 lbs. Thanks!

 

[Stu Jackson]

Lots depends on where you go and what conditions you deem "regular" and "storm" - you may have seen this already, but you can use it with each of your current anchors and figure out what to do.

Anchor System Sizing Tables (Reply #6) http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,4990.0.htmlhttp://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,4990.msg30400.html#msg30400

 

[Bob 04 H260]

I don't know your boat at all but on most vessels stowing and then changing out a 44 lb anchor with an approaching storm would not be my idea of time well spent. If the anchor windlass continues to work well then there would not be any downside to leaving the Delta on the bow roller for day to day use. Sometimes things change quickly and you will always be ready with the bigger anchor set, you might just have to let out more chain.
So if it were my decision I would use the new anchor, use the Fortress on soft bottoms and pass the CQR along to another sailor.
good luck, Bob

 

[Sumner]

We have been in some of the same quandary. The boat, also about 20,000 lbs. (37 feet), came with a 35 lb. CQR. We bought a 35 lb. Manson and have thought about selling the CQR and replacing it with a 45 lb. Manson, but I worried about hauling that out by hand.

I found a used manual windlass...

...and added it to the boat and also a second bow roller and the windlass piviots side to side to work with either anchor (2 rode lockers also) so could go to the 44-45 lb. anchor now but have decided that if things get really bad we would just put the Manson and the CQR down. If we ever get back on the water with the boat we will see how this approach works and go from there.

We had also considered the fortress option and have a FX-11 for the Mac but have never used it. I think the fortress is probably a great anchor in the right bottom, but I trust the Manson about everywhere and even thought the CQR doesn't have great test results compared to newer styles it has worked for a lot of cruisers for a long time.

I think if the combination of the Manson (in your case the Delta) and the CQR down at the same time wouldn't hold then you are in some really bad stuff,

Sum

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[Merlin Clark]

I wouldn't get rid of the third anchor if you're going cruising Bonzai. If a day/ weekend sailor loses an anchor and is left with only one it's not a big deal but if a cruiser gets down to one anchor onboard it's almost an emergency. By "cruiser" I mean someone who ventures beyond the ICW.
And I wouldn't trust a Fortress anywhere I wouldn't use a danforth. Same anchor, just lighter.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Sum is right. Do the math. You may have bought a "storm" anchor, but what you "USUALLY" use should NOT be a "lunch hook", it should be what will "hold" your boat in the winds you are expecting. Try the link I posted earlier.

Good luck, although luck, should have NOTHING WHATSOEVER to do with it.

Have you considered a new generation anchor? A Delta is not one of them.

 

[Bill1565]

I don't know your boat at all but on most vessels stowing and then changing out a 44 lb anchor with an approaching storm would not be my idea of time well spent. If the anchor windlass continuw roller for day to day use. decision I would use the new anchor, use the Fortress on soft bottoms and pass the CQR along to another sailor.
good luck, Bob

I agree with Bob. No reason to have a "lunch Hook". leave the 44# on at all times. You WILL sleep better when the weather changes over night.

 

[Bonzai]

Thanks Stu for the link...good info there. I am gonna rig the Delta and keep the CQR on board when venturing far from home. I have plenty of storage to allow it onboard as a spare as Merlin said. Nice job on that windlass Sum!

 

[Benny17441]

I can see luging around a massive storm anchor for the fulltime cruiser who makes the boat his home, but for the majority of us it would not be a necessity. We keep a couple of heavy anchors at home just to secure the boat whenever an approaching hurricane is advised but on the boat just keep a 35 lbs CQR with adequate chain and rode and a separate "lunch hook" for convenience. We purposely avoid sailing in the proximity of weather systems whenever posiible but can say that there is little protection against the speed of rapidly developing storms in a slow sailboat so we have gotten caught in our share of squalls, thunderstorms and angry seas. The worst ones we have taken at sea and not at anchor and on occassions we have left an anchorage to gain sea room before and impending storm. I can probably count the strong storms we have encountered through the years with the fingers of my hands. Yes we have dragged anchor and had to move the boat and re-anchor in the middle of the night but nothing where having a stowed anchor aboard would have helped. A delivery Captain who may have to follow a schedule may think otherwise but not having to go out when the weather is not good is the best protection.