I'm looking for a new anchor. I currently have a Danforth on my Hunter 320 (boat weight ~9,000 lbs.) I hate to leave it out as we are in a crowded harbor and it really sticks out too far. It's also hard to get around the Jib roller furling mechanism and can really get caught up in docks at the most inappropriate times. (trust me, it's currently a little bent!!) I was thinking about a Bruce. Usually anchor in mud/sand combination in Lake Michigan. What weight would I need? Other opinions?
- Status
Bruce recommendations
Bruce would recommend a 22 pounder. Indeed, I cruised for years with a Bruce 22 on my Hunter 33, and never dragged. I must say that I usually had a good firm sandy bottom and was careful about setting the anchor, etc., but we did sit out some pretty heavy blows. At one point we went eighteen months without ever seeing a dock. Nevertheless, for no particularly good reason, I eventually moved up to a 33. I did this to get equivalent holding power on short scope, with the additional plus of being able to let out full scope and have the storm anchor already in place. I think either the 22 or 33 will do. Depends on how seriously you will cruise. On second thought, your boat is a lot beamier than mine and has more windage, so maybe the 33 would be better for you.
Bruce would recommend a 22 pounder. Indeed, I cruised for years with a Bruce 22 on my Hunter 33, and never dragged. I must say that I usually had a good firm sandy bottom and was careful about setting the anchor, etc., but we did sit out some pretty heavy blows. At one point we went eighteen months without ever seeing a dock. Nevertheless, for no particularly good reason, I eventually moved up to a 33. I did this to get equivalent holding power on short scope, with the additional plus of being able to let out full scope and have the storm anchor already in place. I think either the 22 or 33 will do. Depends on how seriously you will cruise. On second thought, your boat is a lot beamier than mine and has more windage, so maybe the 33 would be better for you.
I was going to say...
...be careful with a Bruce in sand, but heck, if the Bruce works in Cabo sand (see previous post) and wind, it'll sure work in Lake Michigan. If you've got the back (or the windlass) for it, go for the bigger one.
...be careful with a Bruce in sand, but heck, if the Bruce works in Cabo sand (see previous post) and wind, it'll sure work in Lake Michigan. If you've got the back (or the windlass) for it, go for the bigger one.
Love my 33lb. Bruce
Have a #33 on my h335, but had I bought a 320 I would have been undecided. If you anchor a lot, go for the larger size, the first time you hear of 40 knot winds being forecast you will know you made the right decision.
Have a #33 on my h335, but had I bought a 320 I would have been undecided. If you anchor a lot, go for the larger size, the first time you hear of 40 knot winds being forecast you will know you made the right decision.
Never too big!
Bob, Sort of what Colin says, prepare for other than ideal conditions. I owned a H-27 for 10 + years and after the third summer a better (bigger) anchor was needed. It doesn't take a lot more effort to bring in the 'biggie' than a smaller one, let the boat do the work. Move the current one aft for a an added piece of mind. Dana
Bob, Sort of what Colin says, prepare for other than ideal conditions. I owned a H-27 for 10 + years and after the third summer a better (bigger) anchor was needed. It doesn't take a lot more effort to bring in the 'biggie' than a smaller one, let the boat do the work. Move the current one aft for a an added piece of mind. Dana
Try a Super Max
I have 3 anchors on my Hunter 31. A Danforth, this anchor is in the back storage compartment of the boat, then I have a 22 lb. Bruce, a very good anchor but a 22 lb is not big enough (I should have gotten a larger size), then I have a 33 lb. Super Max. This anchor digs in and stays. It an adjustable anchor that can be set for different conditions. I've anchored two boats togather in 50 foot of water on a 5:1 rode. In the morning when when I brought the anchor in a big glob of lake bottom came up with it. This anchor sets and holds. Check out Creativemarine.com on the internet and look it over. I keep both the Super Max and the Bruce in the forword anchor locker togather and when I anchor out it's the Max that comes out first. Its a little pricey but you get what you pay for.
I have 3 anchors on my Hunter 31. A Danforth, this anchor is in the back storage compartment of the boat, then I have a 22 lb. Bruce, a very good anchor but a 22 lb is not big enough (I should have gotten a larger size), then I have a 33 lb. Super Max. This anchor digs in and stays. It an adjustable anchor that can be set for different conditions. I've anchored two boats togather in 50 foot of water on a 5:1 rode. In the morning when when I brought the anchor in a big glob of lake bottom came up with it. This anchor sets and holds. Check out Creativemarine.com on the internet and look it over. I keep both the Super Max and the Bruce in the forword anchor locker togather and when I anchor out it's the Max that comes out first. Its a little pricey but you get what you pay for.
- Status