What kind of anchor do you have?

[rob_and_trish]

Just curious on what kind of anchors other people are using out there?

My boat came w/ a little 20lb mushroom type.
For the most part it does a fine job keep use in one spot when needed.
(3 little kids need swim time!)

On those more windy days it drags pretty bad.

Any good recomendations?

[ghollow]

I use a fluke type anchor with a sliding ring to attachthe chain. I also have about six feet of 1/2" chain connected to the anchor and my rope connected to the other end of the chain. I would also reccomend an anchor that is for the next larger boat than what you own. I have never had a problem with it coming loose in a fairly strong wind.

[whitlock87]

Boxanchor
http://www.slideanchor.com/box.asp

[TeamAllen]

There was a similar thread about anchors in March. Check it out.

[rob_and_trish]

Great - thanks for the link.

[jl470]

A big heavy spiked thing I bought at the marina when my anchor line snapped.
I now use an Anchor Buddy and have great results

[dogbert]

I have two hooker anchors, 1 6lb and 8 lb. It's important to make sure you have at least 5' of chain between your rope and the anchor. Both are rated for larger boats, but in a stiff breeze, you can never have an anchor that's too big.

[dslkd]

I ended up getting a box anchor and it works unbeliveable i would recomend it for sure the wind blows here in New Mexico pretty bad(hasn't been under 20mph the last 2 weekends) and the small one holds my 22V no problem

[Coop]

Tweirich, why is it important to make sure you have at least 5' of chain between your rope and the anchor? Thanks.

[dogbert]

The chain does two things:

1. It helps maintain the anchor rope at a better scope so that the anchor actually grabs onto something.

2. It acts as a shock absorber whenever your boat pulls on the anchor.

I learned this during a Power Squadrons boater's safety class

[TeamAllen]

I agree with tweirich. Chain is a must! I saw an illustration once to help me understand it. I'll see if I can locate it.

The chain is attached to the anchor and it helps the anchor to lie flat on the bottom. This has three benefits:

The chain lies flat on the bottom and increases the horizontal pull on the anchor. This will increase the anchor's purchase.

The chain will not chafe as it lies on and is pulled across the bottom.

The chain acts as a shock absorber as the boat intermittently pulls on the rode, lifting the chain off the bottom.

[dogbert]

Here's a link that explains how the different anchors work and how to set them:

http://www.texasgulfcoastfishing.com/anchors.htm

[Coop]

I was off the site for a while. Thanks for the responses.

[jl470]

I use a 25 lbs Richter. Overkill? yep!! I use it with an anchor buddy. My precious boat does not move.

Set up as follows Beach spike on shore. Back out 45-50' set anchor with buddy. Pull back in tie off about 10' from shore. No Worries!
If the kids are swimming I point the bow to shore if not stern to shore.

http://www.richteranchors.com/products/

[dogbert]

jl470,

Do you still have a chain at the end of the anchor rope or do you just attach the anchor buddy directly to the anchor instead of the chain?