Reserve Anchor

[tgrass462]

I have a 1999 H-260. The original Anchor is a nice (12 to 15#) danforth anchor. This serves me well here at Lake Carlyle and on Ky Lake. We've had some fontal passages come through and this anchor has held fine.

We're planning on trailering up to the North Shore of Lake Huron this summer - I wanted a reserve anchor to deploy 'just in case'. After some research I purchased a 22# DELTA anchor, 150' of 1/2" rode and 12' of 5/16" chain. This setup would, I'm confident, definitely hold ... but the anchor IS big. Looking at the West marine catalog on anchors - the 22# Delta is rated for boats 25' to 41'; the next size lower - 14# is rated for boats 21' to 31'. Our 26' boat fits in both ranges.

What is the opinion of this forum? Should I keep the heavier, more bulky 22# anchor - or - would you feel the 14# Delta would be sufficient and go that route?

Tom Grass
Lake Carlyle, Illinois

 

[Bob 04 H260]

Tom, I bought the Delta 14 lb as it was rated for the boat size and will fit just fit in the anchor locker. I put 70 ft of 1/4" chain on it. If I am concerned about a front coming through I will set a second anchor, a Fortress FX11 as well. I have been caught with just the Delta out, a boom tent up, bimini ect. and the wind gusts hit 40 kts at 3 am. The Delta held fine, I did let a bit more rode out but was in a tight anchorage and was only able to get up to 6:1.

I sometimes think I would like a bigger anchor but I would have to build a new bow roller to mount it on and at this point I have other things to work on, maybe in the future I'll get a Manson Supreme and make a mount for it.

Hope to see you in the NC this summer, will you be there with the Trailer Sailors ?

Bob