"Stock" ground tackle

[Chris K]

Has anyone had any experience good or bad with the out-of-the box ground tackle that comes standard with the H240? I have used it lake sailing with no problems, (although I have not overnighted on the hook yet - soon though). Now I am planning to take her to the Sea of Cortez... the first upgrade I am planning is to retire this anchor to secondary anchor status and replace it with a plough with double the chain and double the rode.Right now, I can only get 7:1 in 14 ft of water or less....and the lakes where I have been sailing don't have much in the way of currents.Any advice is welcome!Chris

 

[Michael Bell]

My thoughts

Chris,My experience with my H26 has been the stock anchor was OK in good weather. However, if you experience high winds or currants – a larger anchor will allow you to sleep at night. The H26 comes with a 14# fluke. I added a 22# plow. A bit of an over-kill, but I don’t like getting up at night. Length of rode depends on where your going. Here in the NW, anchoring in 50’ isn’t uncommon. Have even anchored in 200’ just two boat lengths from the shore. I keep 300’ of rode on the anchor and carry a 5/8” line for a tow line that can be used for extra anchor rode. Think that’s probably a bit extreme for most areas however. I would also suggest being prepared to put out two anchors. Whether it’s bow and stern or two off the bow. There are times that warrant it. There are also cautions to each.

 

[Ken Koons]

Lunch hook

The stock anchor holds pretty well in the Muddy bottoms we have around here. We've overnighted many times with it. We've never down so in big winds/storms etc. A bigger anchor is also on my wish list.

 

[Mark]

Stock anchors OK??

I have only the stock anchor on my 260 and have found it to be quite adequate.It all depends on amount of scope you have out.During a 50-60 knot storm with 3-4' waves recently I had out all the rope in the locker. About 120' plus 8' of chain and was in about 8' of water. She didn't drag at all.

 

[Bill and Nancy Berg]

Sea of Cortez

We sail in the Sea of Cortez and the general feeling of those who do, is you cannot have too big an anchor. The bottoms are almost always sand. But you will have tidal differences up to 15 feet depending on how far north you are.So measure your scope from high tide depth.The wind can come up through the canyons blow you out of an anchorage in the middle of the night. Not good for sleeping. We've started using 2 anchors at about 45-60 degrees apart. It can be a mess to straighen out in the morning, but at least you are still there.FYI Link to the Cortez messageboard.

 

[Chris K]

Awesome feedback - thanks!

I really appreciate the feedback! Yes, a larger anchor has been something I have been bantering around for a year. Now that I'm headed to a destination with tides, currents, and apparently strong offshore breezes I think I will opt for the safer approach and go in for the plough.

 

[Andy Howard]

Plow Anchors

Since your going with a plow be sure to check out the link below to www.onlinemarine.com. They sell a horizon plow at a great price. I've had one for several years and been very happy with it.