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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 250 Specific Forum

Anchor suggestions

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welshoff
Captain

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USA
253 Posts

Initially Posted - 08/24/2005 : 11:07:00

I am looking for some input on anchor selection. I am planning to cruise the San Juan Islands next month and I sail in the Puget Sound. Currently I only have an 8-lb danforth. This seams a little lite to me for overnighting (stern or lunch hook?). I saw the post on the bow rollers this week and am going to pick up one of those to handle the anchor more efficiently (probably the Windline AR-3).

I am currently looking at a 7.5 kg claw/bruce. Is this overkill and is this the type of anchor to carry in the Pacific NW?

I will be carrying out about 10' of 1/4" galv. chain and 200' of 1/2" rode. Is this adequate?

Thanks in advance for your input.

Wil Elshoff
"Arcturus"
2004 - C250 WK #732

Edited by - on

frog0911
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1349 Posts

Response Posted - 08/24/2005 : 15:12:11

The 7.5Kg may be overkill, but that will not hurt. The chain should be no less than 3/4 the length of the boat. I got the 3/4 number from an article I read on anchoring in one of my sail magazines, don't remember which one. I use a 16.5lb. claw with 25 feet of 5/16 chain and 200 feet of 1/2inch for my primary anchor. When depolyed I attach it with a bridle to help keep down the wind walk. I probably will also get a riding sail in the near future to reduce even more the wind walk. With the extra freeboard, the flat bottom and no skeg the 250 sails (wind walks) more when at anchor than a C25.
You might want to take a good look at Arylns' web site. He has some great info on anchoring the 250. http://stewartfam.net/arlyn/

Edited by - on

Al
Captain

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USA
269 Posts

Response Posted - 08/24/2005 : 17:34:40

I have a 7.5 kg (16.5 lb.) Bruce. I followed Bruce's (actually Imtra's) recommendations to the letter for anchor size, chain diameter (1/4"), chain length (chain length = boat length) and rope diameter (3/8").

You can download the Bruce brochure here:http://www.imtra.com/index.cfm?fa=downloads and read up on using the Bruce in the Northwest here:http://www.waggonerguide.com/writein.html

Edited by - on

Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 08/24/2005 : 17:58:27

Wil, two two good ground tackles are required for cruising, and some would argue three though I think two are reasonable for coastal cruising. The 16.5 bruce clone and rode selection as outlined by Frog is a very wise choice for one of them which leaves your 8 pounder danforth for a backup. Honestly, I'd suggest it upgraded to a 13lb.

An 8 lb is good for a slipped boat that will rarely be anchored and if so in ideal conditions... but IMHO, cruising demands will subject to greater requirements and infact in the most adverse conditions, a 24lb bruce could be wise.

I carry a 16.5 bruce clone, a 13 lb danforth and a mushroom anchor for the dingy. The bruce has 15' of 5/16 chain and 185' of 1.2 inch rode. The danforth 15' of 1/4 chain and also 185' of 1/2 rode.

3/8 rode is adequate for these anchors but is slightly harder to grip when hauling.

BTW... I have found a storage method to stow both of my anchors and rodes in the anchor locker... it gets full but works quite well.

Edited by - on

Tom Potter
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1913 Posts

Response Posted - 08/24/2005 : 20:07:48

I now have two anchors as well, I got a 7.5 Bruce Clone off E-bay a while back http://www.catalina25-250.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=9900 and have a 13 pound danford. Both have 15' of 1/4 inch chain and 150' of 1/2 rode.
Like Arlyn, I managed to get both in the anchor locker. Its tight but they are in there.

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Bubba
Admiral

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USA
542 Posts

Response Posted - 08/24/2005 : 21:19:02

I'm interested in how you guys got a Bruce and a Danforth, plus all that rode to fit in your anchor locker! Which one is on top? Anyone have a picture?

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River Harley
Navigator

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132 Posts

Response Posted - 08/25/2005 : 14:45:50

We use the "Fortress" brand danforth. So far, no complaints.

RH

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Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 08/25/2005 : 19:25:43

Looked for a pic and dont have one so will try to describe. All of the rode of the danforth is stowed aft in the locker prior to setting the danforth in which sets in its normal place with the stock forward.

The bruce sets forward in the locker upright with the stock aft and the most of the rode stores within the flukes.

I use the bruce as the primary usually so the danforth (leaving its rode in place) is remomved and set on the foredeck prior to deploying though a temporary bow pulpit hanger might be helful.

When hauling the bruce, it is easy to gather the rode remaining in the locker and set the claws around it and then work the loose rode back into the space between the flukes. Then replace the danforth last.

It is admittedly a little more effort but not a big deal. It is better than storing one of the anchors below. Using a good bow pulpit hanger might be worth considering for those who cruise a lot.

Edited by - on

Bubba
Admiral

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USA
542 Posts

Response Posted - 08/25/2005 : 20:57:55

Thanks Arlyn,
The Danforth I have has worked well in the muddy bottom of the Chesapeake, but I want to replace my second anchor (an 8# Danforth that came with the boat) and I've been looking at Bruce anchors. Until now, I didn't think I could get 'em both in the locker.

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welshoff
Captain

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USA
253 Posts

Response Posted - 08/26/2005 : 12:03:37

Thanks for all your input.

Last questions. Original Bruce or clone? There is about a boat unit difference in costs.

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Al
Captain

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USA
269 Posts

Response Posted - 08/26/2005 : 14:34:31

Check out http://www.waggonerguide.com/q_3.html

Keep in mind that the writer used to be a Bruce rep (but I still bought a genuine Bruce...!)

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