Can your anchor be too big?

Ross · Jul 19, 2009

Pull yourself up to a 1:1 scope and then break out the hook. Unless it is fouled it will breakout with no problems. If you bent the anchor you were probably fouled on something on the bottom such as a log or some abandoned equipment. A ten pound Danforth should be enough for your boat except in a severe storm then maybe fifteen pounds.

Steve Dion · Jul 19, 2009

It was probably fouled on something. This happened to use several years ago. It ended up being a cable. I ended up cutting the anchor line and that was the end of that anchor.

Jim Kolstoe · Jul 19, 2009

Similar thing happened to me a few years after I started sailing. We were on a local reservoir on the hook for the night. In the morning, after breakfast, we tried to pull up the anchor. We got the anchor rode vertical, but no further. Luckily, we were in relatively shallow, warm water. I grabbed a mask and snorkle and dove down 15' - 20' to see what the problem was. Our anchor was hooked into the roots of a tree stump. Easily cleared while I was down, but I'm glad it wasn't deeper.
Jim Kolstoe, h23 Kara's Boo

sand sailor · Jul 20, 2009

probably the wrong type of anchor for lake use. too many trees down there ,I have this problem more often then not ,haven't lost it yet but a good winching can bring up a pretty good sized tree or rock.
try a mushroom anchor good for mud and cheap so if it fouls no big deal

Ross · Jul 20, 2009

A trip line on the anchor would allow you to pull it out backwards.l

Bob J. · Jul 20, 2009

txtowman said:
I usually try to anchor in mud but sometimes I cant tell what the bottom is.
I have to get a running start to breakout the anchor.

If you get a fish finder you'll be able to distinguish the bottom type by the return echo.
I'd be careful getting a running start to breakout the anchor. Sooner or later you're going to break something & it always happens at the worst possible moment....

Bob

cephius (Dave) · Jul 20, 2009

A 10 lb anchor that is not fouled will come off the bottom without power. Since this has happened to you on several occasions, it sounds like your bottom conditions are subject to fouling. I Agree with Ross, add a trip line. Pull the anchor backwards to clear it.

Joseph Shirley · Jul 20, 2009

Oh boy! You had to be hooked on something. There is no way you should not have been able to break out that anchor if it wasn't.

To answer your question, a bigger anchor would be better but on your boat in a lake with 12' of water you shouldn't go too big or you'll be breainng your back.

Now as to your stuck anchor in only 12' of water. What you could have done is is form a loop of chain or weighted line around your anchor rode and with your rode snug and a line on your weighted loop or chain, slide the loop down the rode and over the shank of the anchor. Then, If you have a dinghy, or with your main boat if you don't have a dinghy, slack your rode off and pull on the loop in the opposite direction you set the anchor in, and it should back right out.

Have fun

Joe S

Alan · Jul 20, 2009

Ross is dead right. I NEVER wrestle with an anchor!!! Simply pull your vessel forward till the anchor rode is vertical and snub it off immediately. Then just sit & wait a few minutes. As the line comes loose take up the slack again and snub it. This procedure will break out your anchor every time with no muss or fuss or swearin' Let the wave action do the work of breakout while you sit and monitor it, it's that easy.

zeehag · Jul 26, 2009

please listen to ross and alan----i call it overdriving the anchor--but is actually running up on it and pulling up tight until the boat and water loosen it from the teeth of the mud--i have an ericson 35mII and a 30 pound cqr--i drive up to it, pull tight to straight 1:1 scope and wait for a bit--then it comes up easily--i do not have a windlass, and i have 100 ft of 5/16 chain--and i am female.....donot need horsepower--just need patience .....goooodluck....~~~~~~~_/)~~~~~~~