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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Anchor question

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Tom Coleman
Deckhand

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USA
19 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/06/2003 : 23:37:55

For 2 years I have used a Fortress aluminum FX11 (Danforth-type) anchor. It is slightly oversized for a C250, fits neatly into the anchor locker, and has done a great job - except at my summer sailing grounds. In the winter months I sail the Great Salt Lake which has a solid, sandy-type bottom. No problems setting and holding. But in the summer I sail Strawberry Reservoir, which has mud, moss, old sagebrush, and growth of all types. I have a heck of a time getting the Fortress to hold. Yesterday I made the adjustment to set the flukes at the optional 45° angle recommended for mud. No better luck. In fact, maybe worse. (I use a 7:1 or better scope with about 15 feet of chain.) Any suggestions for this type of bottom? Thanks in advance.

Tom Coleman
"Kalya"
C250 wb, #568
Salt Lake City

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Douglas
Master Marine Consultant

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1595 Posts

Response Posted - 07/06/2003 : 23:49:16

I would recomend looking for a good used CQR.

Doug&Ruth
Triska (Alberg 29)
Tacoma Wa.

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ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 07/06/2003 : 23:49:46

"Sagebrush" ? You're describing a pretty 'tough' anchorage there.

Hard to say what would work in brush-piles, but the two most highly regarded anchors by 'professional' cruisers seem to be the Bruce and the CQR Plow... (or copies therof). Well equipped boats often carry one of each.

I have had troubles trying to set a lightweight Fortress too, but it was due to severe current rather than bottom conditions.

Currently maintaining two holes in the water...'77 Venture 23 and new to the family,
'78 Catalina 25

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Ray Seitz
Captain

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USA
416 Posts

Response Posted - 07/07/2003 : 07:32:07

Tom I use a #12 danforth and have not had a problem. We usually anchor in a mud bottom. I have a 22 lb Delta fast set for my second anchor, which also has its own heavier rode. It sounds like your rode is set up pretty good and I thinh the suggestions for a second anchor of different type (plow or bruce) are good advise.

<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3d831b3127cce891ba4a976e00000001010" border=0>On the water
C250 WB Sea Major #628

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Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 07/07/2003 : 08:09:03

Tom... I'm in agreement that another anchor is needed. My 12# danforth fails to set regularly...which brings the 16# Bruce clone out of the cockpit locker.

Arlyn C-250 W/B #224
<img src="http://www.stewartfam.net/arlyn/rr.jpg" border=0>
N/E Texas and Great Lakes

[url="http://www.cox-internet.com/arlynstewart/"]Arlyn's C250 Mods n Cruisin Stories[/url]

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Ken Cave
Navigator

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USA
148 Posts

Response Posted - 07/07/2003 : 09:55:08

If you trying to set your anchor in MUD, you need a Bruce! A CQR just won't hold nor will it set in stuff like that,as I found out in the San Juans in Garrison Bay!

Purchase a real Bruce-not a knock-off. I have friends that have purchased the knock-off's only to find that they bend, especially at the shank.

Try Sail Net as they have some decent prices on most anything-and do call them when you order.

Also, if you feel you need a certain size, get the size larger. In a 40 knot gale at anchor you will be happy you did!!

Ken Cave

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Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1893 Posts

Response Posted - 07/07/2003 : 10:47:18

Tom,

I haven't tried anchoring in sagebrush yet. However, here's what I use, and how it's been working for me.

Horizon "Claw" (Bruce clone) 22# w/1/4"x30' chain, 7/16"x250' nylon doublebraid.

Danforth Hi-Tensile 20# w/3/16"x20' chain, 3/8"x300' nylon doublebraid.

The Claw is easier to use because I keep it on a bow roller. It has dragged a couple of times, but in each case it was the wrong anchor to use. Once it slid through soft slimy mud. A couple of times it rattled and clanked along over smooth rock. Usually it works great, and I don't worry about it not resetting in a wind or current shift.

The Danforth works best in soft bottoms. I also use it to back up the Claw in questionable conditions, to limit swing, and to stop the boat from sailing around on a single anchor.

-- Leon Sisson

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