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How big? depends on you and your boat.
I think the largest Bruce is around 70 lbs, but that will probably be a bit heavy for your boat. ;d If your boat is 31', I would go with a 22lb. I have a 33lb on our 37.5.
I think the largest Bruce is around 70 lbs, but that will probably be a bit heavy for your boat. ;d If your boat is 31', I would go with a 22lb. I have a 33lb on our 37.5.
Delta 44
I use a Delta 44 lb with 20 feet of chain on my H356. My boat came with a 22lb Delta and with a dodger and bimini, I drug in 20-25 knots of wind - so it was undersized for my configuration. Not so with the 44 - it has seen 35 knots with no problem. In my opinion, weight and chain are the keys to success with a plow. Go with a size larger than you would think you would need, then sleep well!
I use a Delta 44 lb with 20 feet of chain on my H356. My boat came with a 22lb Delta and with a dodger and bimini, I drug in 20-25 knots of wind - so it was undersized for my configuration. Not so with the 44 - it has seen 35 knots with no problem. In my opinion, weight and chain are the keys to success with a plow. Go with a size larger than you would think you would need, then sleep well!
Plow and chain
I have come to believe that the more chain the better. Go with a plow or Bruce (I prefer Bruce) of the appropiate size for your boat, but use as much chain as you can. On a recent trip from NJ to the Keys I carried a 34 LB Bruce and 70 - 80 feet of chain. I would deploy all the chain and whatever rope space would permit and make a bridal running to each side of the bow. Never had a problem. We were caught in GA (Wally's Leg, ICW Mile 666) for a 3 day blow with nothing less then 35K wind and did not have a problem. When I hauled the anchor I thought it would be well burried. It came up without effort and perfectly clean. It had come off its set ue to the boats violent motion during the 3 days. IT WAS THE CHAIN THAT MADE THE ANCHOR MORE EFFECTIVE THEN IT WOULD BE OTHERWISE. The boat I was traveling with had the exact same experience.
I have come to believe that the more chain the better. Go with a plow or Bruce (I prefer Bruce) of the appropiate size for your boat, but use as much chain as you can. On a recent trip from NJ to the Keys I carried a 34 LB Bruce and 70 - 80 feet of chain. I would deploy all the chain and whatever rope space would permit and make a bridal running to each side of the bow. Never had a problem. We were caught in GA (Wally's Leg, ICW Mile 666) for a 3 day blow with nothing less then 35K wind and did not have a problem. When I hauled the anchor I thought it would be well burried. It came up without effort and perfectly clean. It had come off its set ue to the boats violent motion during the 3 days. IT WAS THE CHAIN THAT MADE THE ANCHOR MORE EFFECTIVE THEN IT WOULD BE OTHERWISE. The boat I was traveling with had the exact same experience.
Putting together a kellet
After reading the artical in the link below a kellet added to the ground gear may be the way to go. I am looking for a suitable wieght. The idea is to run the kellet down the anchor line with a separate rope attached and use it along with the achor line as a briddle. I am thinking of using a tractor counter-wieght, about 50#s. I also agree with chain, however chain is rough on the boat putting down and taking up.
After reading the artical in the link below a kellet added to the ground gear may be the way to go. I am looking for a suitable wieght. The idea is to run the kellet down the anchor line with a separate rope attached and use it along with the achor line as a briddle. I am thinking of using a tractor counter-wieght, about 50#s. I also agree with chain, however chain is rough on the boat putting down and taking up.
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