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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

General Sailing Forum

Anchor Size

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Bruce Baker
Captain

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USA
402 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/14/2008 : 11:39:37

I was out in the Potomac River last Saturday night, watching the fireworks celebrating the birthday of Alexandria, VA. We kept drifting into other boats, and I think I was dragging anchor. We had plenty of line out. I just thought that my anchor is inadequate for a 5000 pound boat. What should I be using?

Thanks,

Bruce Baker
Falls Church, VA
"Yee Ha" 3573
'83SR/SK

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 07/14/2008 : 15:21:28

There's another, fairly recent, thread here on anchors. I suggest that you do a key word search for it. different bottoms require different anchors to be most effective. In general, I would recommend a Danforth-style anchor, 11-13 lbs (biggest one that will fit in your anchor locker), with a minimum of 15-25' of 3/16-1/4" chain and 200-300 ft of 3/8" line.
That will cover most circumstances. Then use your current anchor as a back-up or second hook if the conditions warrant a second anchor.
P.S. I'm an inland lake sailor. Coastal conditions may require other options.

Edited by - dmpilc on 07/14/2008 15:22:55

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 07/14/2008 : 15:40:40

What do you have (anchor, chain, and rope)? What do you consider "plenty of line out"? What were the bottom, wind, wave, and current conditions? The three factors are ground tackle (anchor and rode--chain and rope), scope, and setting technique.

Scope... In general, five times the sum of your depth + bow height (~4') is considered minimum for benign conditions, and seven if conditions are somewhat unfavorable or you're going to sleep. Those are called 5:1 and 7:1 scope. Inadequate scope just makes your boat pull the anchor up instead of into the bottom.

Setting involves getting adequate scope out (without letting the rode wrap on your anchor), and then using the engine to pull the anchor into the bottom, watching to see that you aren't moving. A GPS can be very helpful there, and can help you detect drag later.

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 07/14/2008 15:44:14

piseas
Former Treasurer

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USA
2017 Posts

Response Posted - 07/14/2008 : 21:21:23

Bruce, as David said there is a recent discussion. I too had same questions. But it really depends on many factors so it more of an issue of anchor type than size.
I anchor mainly in mud and use a 13lb danforth, about 10'chain(I plan to double) and 150' nylon. I was out this weekend and anchored with other boats. Yes I did sway but anchor did hold. Last week I bought a Delta 14lb w/ 20' chain and 200' nylon (WM has or had both on sale)when I need a 2nd anchor or at Catalina which has some rocky bottoms.
So it depends on where you will anchor and they type of botttom. You dont need a heavy anchor, probably, get more chain. Maybe double up what you have.
Also after you set anchor, did u reverse engine to test holding?
I am by far no expert in anchoring but what a great time I had this last weeking anchored in our turning basin watching the boats go by and just relaxing with no worries-until a large sail boat motored inches from my anchor line. Thats another story.
Keeps us posted.
Steve A

Edited by - piseas on 07/14/2008 21:48:49

Even Chance
Captain

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USA
393 Posts

Response Posted - 07/14/2008 : 21:40:28

Bruce, my 13 lb. Danforth with 6 feet of chain has not only held my boat just fine in the Chesapeake, but last summer we had a five boat raft-up in the Rappahannock, including a 32' deadrise, all on my anchor.

That being said, there are plenty of places, and the Potomac is probably one, where the bottom conditions are such that a 13 lb. anchor might not hold. I suspect the bottom of the Potomac is pretty awful (considering what washes downstream from Capitol Hill).

Edited by - Even Chance on 07/14/2008 21:41:58

SEAN
Admiral

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USA
772 Posts

Response Posted - 07/14/2008 : 22:04:17

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">until a large sail boat motored inches from my anchor line. Thats another story.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

its amazing how many sail boats will drive over anchor lines !

I figure motor boats think were all just out drifting !

Edited by - on

JohnP
Master Marine Consultant

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1520 Posts

Response Posted - 07/15/2008 : 09:57:39

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Even Chance
 Bruce, my 13 lb. Danforth with 6 feet of chain has not only held my boat just fine in the Chesapeake,...<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">...and the South wind blew a steady 10 knots Saturday night where I anchored on a muddy shoal in Tar Cove on the Magothy River.

And you know, the half moon and good company helped keep the boat from dragging, too.

Edited by - on

SEAN
Admiral

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USA
772 Posts

Response Posted - 07/15/2008 : 11:31:46

when we first got the boat we had a 13# danforth and 6` of chain , and thats all we used .

its cheap insurance to have a good set-up ,

Edited by - on

redviking
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1771 Posts

Response Posted - 07/15/2008 : 11:39:02

Quote: "We kept drifting into other boats, and I think I was dragging anchor."

oh you were dragging alright!

Thankfully, my vessel was nowhere nearby!

6 feet of chain is what I carry in my Zodiac attached to 100' of line and a small collapsible hook in case the engine dies or I want to stay put somewhere. I won't bore anyone with my thoughts about proper anchoring skills, but let it suffice to say that in my opinion 6' doesn't even come close to achieving catenary.

Side point - I finally figured out how to keep boats from hitting Lysistrata. Put bumpers out tie to the lifelines ready to go! Newbies to the anchorage assume that you are prone to dragging and decide to move somewhere else!

sten

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 07/15/2008 : 12:57:12

I keep my big Honda tipped up like a spear... They give me lotsa swing room!

Edited by - on

SEAN
Admiral

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USA
772 Posts

Response Posted - 07/15/2008 : 16:33:34

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">in my opinion 6' doesn't even come close to achieving catenary.

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

thats when we got it , I now have a 22# delta 15` of chain .
Id like to add more chain - in time all this stuff drains the funds pretty quick .

Edited by - on

redviking
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1771 Posts

Response Posted - 07/15/2008 : 18:17:50

or buy my kellet - $150 shipping included... Save $40 plus shipping. Used twice. Increases catenary very effectively without the added chain. http://www.cruisingoutfitters.com/kiwi.html

A seemingly well found vessel dragged anchor the other day and basically slid right past me. i hailed the harbor master - as the vessel was unattended - and they came right over. The vessel was a center cockpit ketch, about 45 feet named "This Side Up!" That should have made me think twice. Anyway, the owner did show up and hauled in his chain, wouldn't you know it - a 25 lb. CQR! NO wonder! I told him his hook seemed small and then watched as he tried to reset about 3 or 4 times. he finally gave up and went somewhere, maybe picked up a ball.

My point is that your anchor and chain needs to be appropriately sized for the vessel and for the conditions... We are 39 feet and a 35 lb. CQR and all chain holds us almost like a mooring here. I think a 22 lb. delta and 15 sounds pretty darn good for a C25, again I liked the ability to shackle more on for an overnight, or just leave it alone for a lunch hook.

Sten

DPO Zephyr - '82 C25, FK, SR
SV Lysistrata - C&C 39 - Newport RI

Edited by - on

SEAN
Admiral

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USA
772 Posts

Response Posted - 07/15/2008 : 20:33:37

this is my set up , I use that weight as a kellet but in strong wind the line gets pulled straight .

I feel real comfortable with this set up I dont worry about holding .

the longer chain would stow better , for me ,
Id like to have a total of 40`

come visit the 250 site Sten ,
I like reading your posts !

Edited by - on

SEAN
Admiral

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USA
772 Posts

Response Posted - 07/15/2008 : 20:40:57

thats a good point about being able to shackle more chain on .

I have that little bow roller , I thought no shackles the better ?

Plus when its realy windy I worry about chaff at the bow roller .
a quick chaff gard ?

Edited by - on

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