I recently got a new boat and it came witha pair of CQR anchors. We sail the Cheaspeake Bay which has primarily Mud bottoms. We were over behind St Mikes MD and we had huge difficultly getting the anhcor to set. Does have suggetions for method getting a good quick bite and a solid set when using the CQR. Thanks Bil
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Setting a CQR
Bil, You didn't mention boat type and size of anchor. I hava a H356 with a #35 CQR. Use typical amount of scope 5 to 7 times of depth, sometimes a little less. Generally, I drop the anchor with the scope I want while my wife keeps the engine in idle reverse and then for 5 to 10 minutes which sets the hook. She tries to go straight back. While this is going on, I'm pulling on the line to check tension and my wife reports she can feel the boat shudder, which tells me the engine is straining against the anchor. I consider the anchor set at this point, which can be less than the time above. When it's time to pull up, I signal my wife which direction the anchor is and she idle forwards watching my signals. As we go forward I'm bringing up the line (using the windless of course). As I see the chain coming up I have her go into neutral and I continue up, if the anchor is set hard I have her start forward again popping the anchor out. Sometimes the anchor releases very easy and this weekend it took some work. Then continue hauling it up. Have a bucket of water ready since the mud is real thick and goo. I need to get a wash down pump installed for next season this bucket wash down is getting old. Jim S/V Java
Bil, You didn't mention boat type and size of anchor. I hava a H356 with a #35 CQR. Use typical amount of scope 5 to 7 times of depth, sometimes a little less. Generally, I drop the anchor with the scope I want while my wife keeps the engine in idle reverse and then for 5 to 10 minutes which sets the hook. She tries to go straight back. While this is going on, I'm pulling on the line to check tension and my wife reports she can feel the boat shudder, which tells me the engine is straining against the anchor. I consider the anchor set at this point, which can be less than the time above. When it's time to pull up, I signal my wife which direction the anchor is and she idle forwards watching my signals. As we go forward I'm bringing up the line (using the windless of course). As I see the chain coming up I have her go into neutral and I continue up, if the anchor is set hard I have her start forward again popping the anchor out. Sometimes the anchor releases very easy and this weekend it took some work. Then continue hauling it up. Have a bucket of water ready since the mud is real thick and goo. I need to get a wash down pump installed for next season this bucket wash down is getting old. Jim S/V Java
setting
A CQR and most plow type anchors need more scope to set. A danforth for instance can be set in 2.5 : 1 and then you can let out more rode after, with a cqr you need more scope and then come back on her to set. In fact, after setting you may have to pull up some rode (although unlikely). At least that works for me.
A CQR and most plow type anchors need more scope to set. A danforth for instance can be set in 2.5 : 1 and then you can let out more rode after, with a cqr you need more scope and then come back on her to set. In fact, after setting you may have to pull up some rode (although unlikely). At least that works for me.
Drop It Fast
Sure........ Ever having trouble getting a good bite? First, go to a good fishfood restaurant. Steal a steak. Use it to chum a good filet or lobster. Then, when backing up AT FULL POWER, drop your 1/4 inch line from your 45 foot motorsailer on top of your 99# Danforth anchor on a full sand bottom with coral in the Chesapeake Sound, which is right off Long Island, an island off the Maine Coast, to the left of Ireland, by Ted's. Don't worry if people laugh at you, they'll soon be before your mast as you charge out through the anchorage albeit in reverse at many knots per hour, to the delight........
Sure........ Ever having trouble getting a good bite? First, go to a good fishfood restaurant. Steal a steak. Use it to chum a good filet or lobster. Then, when backing up AT FULL POWER, drop your 1/4 inch line from your 45 foot motorsailer on top of your 99# Danforth anchor on a full sand bottom with coral in the Chesapeake Sound, which is right off Long Island, an island off the Maine Coast, to the left of Ireland, by Ted's. Don't worry if people laugh at you, they'll soon be before your mast as you charge out through the anchorage albeit in reverse at many knots per hour, to the delight........
CQR
A CQR is a plow type of design and I believe I have read that mud is not the best bottom to use a CQR. A danforth usually works better in the Chesapeake. Having said that I have used a CQR in mud and it has held very well so I quess it just depends.
A CQR is a plow type of design and I believe I have read that mud is not the best bottom to use a CQR. A danforth usually works better in the Chesapeake. Having said that I have used a CQR in mud and it has held very well so I quess it just depends.
Thanks for setting the record
Thanks for the info everyone. I will give the suggestions a try. My last boat had a fortress and it work great. I was hoping to give the CQR a try before giving up on it. Unfortunatualy the Fortress style will not ride in the bow roller with the bowsprit. I agree with the dragging it around for 10 minutes, but that does not build a high level of comfort to know if I need it quick it will be there. Thanks Bil
Thanks for the info everyone. I will give the suggestions a try. My last boat had a fortress and it work great. I was hoping to give the CQR a try before giving up on it. Unfortunatualy the Fortress style will not ride in the bow roller with the bowsprit. I agree with the dragging it around for 10 minutes, but that does not build a high level of comfort to know if I need it quick it will be there. Thanks Bil
My CQR
I have found that if you drop the anchor and let out a good 5:1 scope before trying to set the anchor that it will set right away. The CQR is perfect for soft bottoms.
I have found that if you drop the anchor and let out a good 5:1 scope before trying to set the anchor that it will set right away. The CQR is perfect for soft bottoms.
setting
Thanks. From what i have gathered is it needs scope to set. much more than a fortress. I will be taking these suggestions and trying them out this weekend. Bil
Thanks. From what i have gathered is it needs scope to set. much more than a fortress. I will be taking these suggestions and trying them out this weekend. Bil
CQR
I have anchored regularly with my 35 pound CQR and have never had a problem getting it to set. In mud, sand, eel grass, you name it. I always put out at least 5 to 1 scope and usually 7 to 1 and back it down in reverse to make sure it is holding. I used a danforth on my last boat and I would not trade the CQR for anything. The danforth was good but had a much narrower range of bottoms it could be used in. Eel grass fouls them and makes them useless for instance. Only issue with the CQR is 35 pounds of anchor and 18 feet of heavy chain and you have to haul about 70 to 100 pounds up from the bottom. Dave
I have anchored regularly with my 35 pound CQR and have never had a problem getting it to set. In mud, sand, eel grass, you name it. I always put out at least 5 to 1 scope and usually 7 to 1 and back it down in reverse to make sure it is holding. I used a danforth on my last boat and I would not trade the CQR for anything. The danforth was good but had a much narrower range of bottoms it could be used in. Eel grass fouls them and makes them useless for instance. Only issue with the CQR is 35 pounds of anchor and 18 feet of heavy chain and you have to haul about 70 to 100 pounds up from the bottom. Dave
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