How do you set an Anchor? Box Anchor Specifically

[Wake Havasu]

How do you set an Anchor?

Box Anchor specifically.

I never seem to get it to set!

I keep floating away!

[bneub]

How much anchor line are you using. Box anchor recommends twice as much line as the water depth. Other anchors suggest 5 to 7 times the water depth. More is usually better.

[whitlock87]

We were having the same problem.
We were using the yellow tip box anchor with an anchor buddy.
I called and talk to the person that invented the box anchor, he told me that using a anchor buddy could cause that anchor to un hook. ( mostly if you get sudden winds or waves) what happens is that the anchor buddy will pull you boat over the anchor and when a sudden wind or wave comes up, it pulls straight up and unhooks the anchor.

We have a 20v with two bimini tops ( a total top length of 16 feet).
We also changed to the bigger box anchor. ( red tip ) and now only use an anchor line of 50’. ( as long as it is not deep then 30feet we have no problems)

With the yellow tip box anchor, it is 2 to 1 ( 2 feet of rope to 1 foot of water)
With the red it is 1.5 to 1

Hope this helps
David

[Wake Havasu]

So my problem must be that I am anchoring straight down.

I need to be farther away from the anchor.

[dogbert]

Originally posted by Wake Havasu
So my problem must be that I am anchoring straight down.

I need to be farther away from the anchor.

Actually, the scope of the anchor needs to change depending on the amount of wind there is, no matter what they say. More wind, more scope. Also, I highly recommend some chain at the end of your rope. Chain will help absorb any swells that may hit you.

Here's the link to the box anchor.

BTW, if you ever take the US Power Squadrons boaters safety course, they spend some time on anchors and knots. I got a lot out of these courses because they actually spend time teaching you some basic information about how to manuever your boat under different conditions. Most state sanctioned boater's safety classes focus on all the things you're not supposed to do. I highly recommend it!

[SummerObsession]

I'm a huge box anchor fan.
I had a "large"-I'm guessing the "red tip" size that I used on my 29' cat. Even in rocky conditions, the anchor set immediately and never let go.

One question though-what size should I use for my 24v Tige`??

The large seemed a little big even for the 29 cat, can I get a away with the small size? I'd like to use the smallest anchor I can get away with.

I anchor mostly in muddy to semi-rocky bottom conditions with the wind being between 15-30 MPH most of the time, it is a small lake, so waves are usually 2' or less.

[TeamAllen]

Here a link to a previous thread with suggestions about what size box anchor to get. Most of the pertanent responses are on page 2.

[SummerObsession]

I read the info, but I guess I am looking for actual experience.
To clarify: Is a small (yellow tip) box anchor big enough in MOST circumstances for a 24v??

[whitlock87]

If your like me and keep your Bimini up, I would use the large box anchor ( red tip)

[CP3]

I have a 22V. We just got the small box anchor. We use it with just the anchor buddy. We have used it twice now. When "beaching" the boat we drop it at a depth of 20' on the depth finder. It set perfectly both times. the first time it was really windy and held fine (wind killed three people that day!). It was definately worth the money.

[xpjim1]

My box anchor is so old it does not have a red or yellow tip. I definately am going to get an additional red tip (larger for when we anchor in coves and keep the smaller one on the boat. I have a 24V with the extended bimini. With bimini open and 4 boards my existing box anchor does release occasionaly in high winds.

Last year, twice when my boat died, I was glad i had a second anchor to keep me from drifting into the rocks.

[CP3]

xpjim1
Did I see you at mead sunday with you extended bimini? or was it someone else?
In the cove just outside the cove to the dam. We were in a black and white 22V.

[xpjim1]

CP3

Not me. I was at Havasu on Friday. Saturday and Sunday too crazy on the lake, just worked on the havasu house getting it ready for the summer.