Wanting to overnight, what anchor?

Gunni · Apr 30, 2014

Excellent! How are you planning to splice your rope to chain? Here is a link to the back-tapered splice. Easy with 3-strand.

John Nantz · Apr 30, 2014

A rode is as strong as it's weakest link

You've got a good anchor and you're looking at some good chain. If you use a shackle somewhere in the system, say the chain to anchor connection for example, be sure to get a GOOD shackle.

If there is a place that carries gear for weight lifting they should have rated shackles. West Marine, several years ago, switched from their "Made in China" supplier to "Made in Japan" because of concerns about quality of the steel.

In the scheme of things, the shackle is the "nickel/dime item" but very important.

A little research on weight lifting gear might be an idea. OSHA has some requirements - haven't checked them in years, though.

"The devil is in the details"

Bill1565 · May 1, 2014

John Nantz said:
You've got a good anchor and you're looking at some good chain. If you use a shackle somewhere in the system, say the chain to anchor connection for example, be sure to get a GOOD shackle. If there is a place that carries gear for weight lifting they should have rated shackles. West Marine, several years ago, switched from their "Made in China" supplier to "Made in Japan" because of concerns about quality of the steel. In the scheme of things, the shackle is the "nickel/dime item" but very important. A little research on weight lifting gear might be an idea. OSHA has some requirements - haven't checked them in years, though. "The devil is in the details"

Defender and Jamestown distributors carry "rated shackles. I'd. Bet a bundle that SBO does also.

Ron20324 · May 1, 2014

Cool Beans said:
Defender has chain at a good price as well as Crosby shackles. The 3/8" G-209A has a WLL of 4410 lbs and a Ultimate Strength of 19845 lbs. I can't find anything bigger that will fit into the chain. I think I'll get the Acco 5/16" G-4 and 2 shackles on order tomorrow. Capn' Mike of Salty Dog spliced a thimble into one end of the rode for me since I don't have a windlass. The video was informative to watch though.

All said and done this is running around $800 (glad I'm working OT this week) :cry: Anchoring out better be the best thing since sliced bread, lol :dance:

Did you look at Baconsails.com (Annapolis)for the chain?

John Nantz · May 3, 2014

Weighing Anchor, The other part of anchoring

Thinking a little more about your anchor test, since you're using the Armstrong method, if the test involves a muddy bottom and a good load (wind & current), when you go to weigh anchor it will probably (hopefully) take a lot of work.

With the anchor being, what, about 35 pounds, and the chain being probably around 50 feet, that will be a bit of weight. Plus, the pull of the anchor against the mud or what ever it is buried in.

A good plan is to bring in as much rode as the Armstrong method feels it wants to handle and at that point the bow is setting close to over where the anchor is. Go back to the cockpit and rest for a bit and let the boat bob in the water on whatever waves might be available. After a bit of a wait, then go back and give it another go then hopefully the anchor comes up.

What if it doesn't and it's stubborn? run a line from the rode, probably tied off to the chain, aft to the primary in the cockpit. Use something like a snatch block on a perforated toe rail to give it a fairlead, then use the winch to take up the slack. This should bring the anchor up unless it is snagged on something.

Years ago I went out to bring up a turning mark that was used in a race and really struggled bringing it up. It was snagged on an abandoned crab trap. Yuk! Around our area there are a lot of old log booming grounds in some of the better anchorages and it's been known to snag a submerged cable (log boom were held together with cables). With a popular anchorage, though, hopefully all the surprises have been found. Oh, and check the chart for cables.

Hopefully you enjoy your anchoring test!

Charlie Jones s/v Tehani · May 3, 2014

A few years ago I was tied to the bulkhead in Mandeville, La. Had a 4 pound Danforth out abeam to keep the wakes from bouncing us off the bulkhead. Came time to leave, I freed us from the bulkhead, drifted out over the 4 pounder and it refused to come up. I wrapped the line around a boat cushion and heaved. I was getting laughed at- "hey- it's just a 4 pound anchor!!"

It finally began to move, slowly, then a bit faster. then it broke the surface-

Hooked right in the center of a set of mattress springs, dripping mud. And covered with Mardi Gras bead strands!!

Turns out a house boat had been destroyed there by a hurricane a few years earlier. Talk about a SEA ANCHOR!!

Stu Jackson · May 3, 2014

Great story. The true ones are always better!

woodster · May 3, 2014

TSBB 2 said:
A few years ago I was tied to the bulkhead in Mandeville, La. Had a 4 pound Danforth out abeam to keep the wakes from bouncing us off the bulkhead. Came time to leave, I freed us from the bulkhead, drifted out over the 4 pounder and it refused to come up. I wrapped the line around a boat cushion and heaved. I was getting laughed at- "hey- it's just a 4 pound anchor!!"

It finally began to move, slowly, then a bit faster. then it broke the surface-

Hooked right in the center of a set of mattress springs, dripping mud. And covered with Mardi Gras bead strands!!

Turns out a house boat had been destroyed there by a hurricane a few years earlier. Talk about a SEA ANCHOR!!

was it Sealy or Simmons is the question

CarlN · May 3, 2014

Believe me, when a thunderstorm wakes you up at 2AM you are going to be very happy to be on that Rocna instead of the SeaChoice.

Be sure to mark your rode so you know how much scope you have out. One of the easiest systems are color plastic wire ties stuck through the line. A blue tie for each 50ft and a red tie for each ten is one example. No need to mark the first 50 feet (50 ft is 5:1 scope in 7ft water and 3ft bow height). Remember to plan your scope for high tide. Most of the time, you'll be letting out 80ft - 120ft. Don't go less than 5:1 scope.

You are going to be surprised how much rode you need to let out.

Before dropping the anchor, think about how you (and the other boats) will swing when the wind or current changes. One good plan in a crowded anchorage is to drop your anchor 2-3 boat lengths directly behind another anchored boat that doesn't have a boat near its stern. After dropping back on your line you won't feel too close but a later boat won't (hopefully) anchor between you.

When anchoring always go bow into the wind or current (whichever is stronger). Use the engine to stop the boat dead. Lower the anchor and then let the boat drift back letting the line pay out as you go. Snub the line at the right scope. You'll see the line and chain stretch out tight as the anchor digs in, then sag a bit. Cleat the line. Then put the engine in slow reverse and wait until the anchor line goes "bar" tight with the engine still in reverse. "Bar tight" is only a few hundred pounds of tension (if your reverse isn't strong, add some RPM).

There will be no doubt in your mind when you're set. That Rocna will feel like you're tied to a pier

If the line doesn't go tight, pull up the anchor and try again 50ft one direction or another. About one in five times, I decide that I don't like my position after anchoring -- I'm too near another boat or too close to a mud bank if the wind changes. In that case, I always pull up the anchor and move to another spot. What's inconvenient at 5PM is a very scary at 2AM.

If you have a smartphone, get an anchor watch app. Set it as you drop the anchor. That way when you swing you'll still show the same distance from the anchor. If the distance gets bigger, you're dragging.

Gunni · May 13, 2014

3/8 line will work (old furling line). But if the anchorage is not crowded I wouldn't bother, that is a nice sandy bottom you'll have no problem retrieving your precious hook. Enjoy!

Stu Jackson · May 13, 2014

Cool Beans said:
Thanks all for the help! Oh, what about anchor bouys?

Please don't.

There have been thousands of discussions about this bane of anchoring fields. Do a Google search and read away, I really have no patience for these kind of stunts.

Wanna know how I really feel about it???

Stu Jackson · May 22, 2014

Congratulations. Tons o'fun, eh?

emergpa1 · May 22, 2014

Stu Jackson said:
Congratulations. Tons o'fun, eh?

living at anchor is the best!

lippysyd · Aug 4, 2014

Cool Beans said:
3-4 foot swells, 15 knots and gusty. That's a lot more than the 5-8 knots and lil' 1 foot lappers I'm used too

This is us too. We are 3 years into sailing and last year got caught in a storm, which scared us a bit. We haven't anchored yet either, but I think we will this weekend. Thanks for starting this thread; it was just the inspiration I was looking for!

bffatcat · Aug 4, 2014

anchors

Ive got a 16 lb bruce; 30 ft of chain 200 ft of 1/2 " nylon rode. I probably should have a heavier anchor, but I might have a problem hauling it back aboard at 77 162 lbs after having back surgery Im afraid to try anything heavier. I use 6 times scope stay out of open
anchorages and hope for the best

Wanting to overnight, what anchor?

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