Anchoring system advice needed

westward · Posted: Mon Jan 20, 2014 11:01 pm Post subject: Anchoring system advice needed

I'm looking for suggestions for putting together an anchor system. What type/size of anchor; size, length and composition of the rode/chain lead, and any other advice or suggestions. Sizing would be for a 22 Angler and our cruising grounds will be mainly Puget sound, in the San Juans, occasionally local lakes. Thanks in advance! Mike.

20dauntless · Posted: Tue Jan 21, 2014 12:51 am Post subject:

15lb Manson Supreme, 50 feet of 1/4 inch high test, 200-250 feet of 1/4 8-plait. Get Acco chain (or some other non-Chinese brand, where you know the galvanizing is good) and similarly high-quality nylon line. An electric windlass makes anchoring easy.

This setup has worked for me for many nights at anchor all over the PNW.

Foggy · Posted: Tue Jan 21, 2014 10:10 am Post subject:

Ditto the above except the Manson Boss anchor is for powerboats, Manson Supreme for sailbotes.

Aye.

bridma · Posted: Tue Jan 21, 2014 10:43 am Post subject: Anchoring system advice needed

Foggy · Posted: Tue Jan 21, 2014 10:48 am Post subject:

colobear · Posted: Tue Jan 21, 2014 2:02 pm Post subject:

Sam's suggestion is right on the mark. We have a delta in the same weight range, 35' of chain and 300' of 3 strand nylon. We cruise pretty far north and have never had a problem. A windlass is really worth the money in our deeper anchoring waters.

Sunbeam · Posted: Tue Jan 21, 2014 2:24 pm Post subject:

I haven't anchored too much with the C-Dory yet (but I have on other boats, so I'm tuned in to the importance of the ground tackle system), but I went with a variation of the "Sam system." I have a 15# Manson Supreme with 25' of ACCO 1/4" G4 (as opposed to his 50'), and then 200' of the Yale 1/2" Brait. The anchor is attached to the chain with a Crosby "red pin" galvanized shackle (so this is the weak link, but they don't make HT shackles small enough for 1/4" chain that I've ever been able to find), and the rope is attached to the chain with a rope-to-chain splice. I might go with 50' of chain for PNW waters.

For a secondary I have a ~10# Bruce clone, 20' of ACCO 1/4" high test chain, and around 250' of 1/2" three-strand nylon rope. On this I used a shackle at both ends of the chain so that I could remove the chain at times (beach anchoring, etc. when it's not necessary and more of a pain to carry/handle).

I think something like a Fortress might be more convenient to handle for the secondary anchor. As it is I have the anchor and rode stored in a duffle bag so they stay tidy. It was also handy to be able to carry the "works" in the bag either up to the bow or to the swim platform (or into the dinghy) for various scenarios.

Just took a Lewmar 700H windass out of the box... now to install it.

thataway · Posted: Tue Jan 21, 2014 2:42 pm Post subject:

There is the "shore side" of the system. In the PNW it is not unusual to put the stern toward shore--rocks or trees. We have used mostly poly propylene line for this. 3/8" is strong enough. 300 feet or so on a reel. We also have a larger piece about 40 feet long of 5/8 to prevent chafe on trees, or couple of hanks of chain--10 to 15 feet long to go around rocks.

For lakes and many places with mud we have several extra Fortress/Guardian anchors--one Fortress 7# and 2 6# guardians, with 5/16" line--chain used for rocks used with these anchors.

We have not used the Boss, but the tests posted so far are excellent. I have considered buying a small one just to test. Our own tests how the Manson supreme to be a superior anchor to the Delta which we have been using. The Bruce (any new anchor you buy will be a knock off--be aware many of these are cast and mate in China…this has some risks of cast anchors breaking.

ghone · Posted: Tue Jan 21, 2014 2:44 pm Post subject:

Sam's gear recommendation is great and he has the voyaging to show it works.

We use the 22 lb Claw with 45 ft 1/4 Hi Test Acco chain and 225 ft 1/2 inch 3 strand New England rope all brought aboard by a Lewmar H700 windlass.

The windlass is used several times a day many times as we potter about. We generally try to anchor 5 out of 7 nights when cruising and this gear has never moved. I'm a fan of figuring what is adequate and then go up a size.
George

PaulNBriannaLynn · Posted: Tue Jan 21, 2014 3:09 pm Post subject:

We went with 300' of 1/2" 8 plait nylon, and 40 feet high test 1/4" chain from secosouth.com. They had the best price we could find on the net at the time for quality material, and I also didnt trust myself to splice it together (peace of mind). Also, I picked up a high quality french made stainless shackle to tie everything together.

Originally we had a 15 lb claw anchor with that setup, but in a strong blow I thought we drug a little bit at night. It was really hard to know if we moved or if it was just my imagination.

So we moved up to a 22 lb. Lewmar horizon claw. We have yet to move or sound off the anchor alarm with this setup and I doubt we ever will. That helps me sleep, as does pulling up that much damn anchor and chain by hand!

bridma · Posted: Tue Jan 21, 2014 4:57 pm Post subject: Anchoring system advice needed

Just watched the video. Think I'll keep my 15lb Supreme. I did like the new set up the Boss has on the slider. We all keep our shackles wired up or use plastic ties don't we? It is a pain cutting the tie to move the shackle on the Supreme to the slider. The makers have overcome that little hitch.

Martin.

Dreamer · Posted: Tue Jan 21, 2014 5:37 pm Post subject:

I'll offer my contrarian view for what its worth. I've owned and used 2 Delta Fast-Set anchors, a 22# on the TomCat and a 35# on the Krogen; over 5 years on each. I have never, ever had any slippage on either one. Being about $50 cheaper than the Manson, I'd get one again (15 lb.) and use 75" of 1/4" chain with 200' 1/2" rope. In most places, you'll be on an all chain rode. Use a snubber to take the strain off the Horizontal Windlass and rest easy.

Foggy · Posted: Tue Jan 21, 2014 5:54 pm Post subject:

Choosing your own ground tackle is like choosing your bride. Granted, history and experience are important in the decision but you really don't know how it's going to work out until, sometimes, much later.

As far as, "I have this.... and done this... and it works for me" reporting: this (unscientific methodology) still works in the bride analogy. What works for one may not work well for another. What "really works" is actually rather personal and depends on many factors.

FYI: The new Manson Boss anchor has been developed to not only "hold" well in various bottom conditions but conform to your bow anchor roller better than previous models. I'll be evaluating this fit this spring.

Aye.

BrentB · Posted: Tue Jan 21, 2014 6:31 pm Post subject:

Thanks

I always learn a lot on this site

additional videos posted at

http://manson-marine.co.nz/SitePages/Supreme%20VIDEO%20TEST.htm

bridma · Posted: Tue Jan 21, 2014 6:48 pm Post subject: Anchoring system advice needed