Anchor choice

Foggy · Posted: Thu Aug 10, 2023 9:19 pm Post subject:

I have a SS foldable Northill in a basket sitting in my garage similar to Bob's picture.
PM me if you are interested in it.

As an aside on anchors, just like on boats, none are perfect for all conditions.
The best you can do is diligent research, pay your money then take your chances.
The time will come when you know you've err'd. Then start over.

Aye.

Donald Tyson · Joined: 24 Jul 2023 Posts: 447 Photos: Thistle

Continuing this saga of anchor choice:
I now have an actual boat, Yay!
It features a nice no-name Claw mounted onto the bow. The previous owner stated the 16.5# anchor was from his larger Key West and added that is works very well for the CD22. Indeed I used it extensively for several nights on the St Johns last week and liked it.
I have this little fear way back in my head that a claw, in light Mud, could fill, pull out, and slide.
To allay this fear I'm considering a Danforth HT for a spare anchor. It would be kept as a stern anchor but with the ability to be swapped with the Claw as a Bow anchor.
What are your thoughts and would the 5# be enough for my little 22 footer or must I have 12# ? My boat is not 62', lol.
As a spare would you rather see me hold out for another type of anchor?

Also, I'm considering sharpening the leading edges on my Claw. has anyone done that. Or is that just the beginner in me thinking too hard? You see prior to this boat my only experience with anchoring has been, with few exceptions, fair weather vacation conditions using the Standard Danforth's. I've never had an issue but I never tried to anchor in grass or weeds.

thataway · Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2025 12:03 pm Post subject:

I would go with the 12 Danforth HT even for the 22. But I had an 11 Fortress as back up bow, and a 7 Fortress for stern. Fortress is lighter and easy to break down. As good as the Danforth--even better in soft mud. I am a huge fan of the Danforth 12--especially over a "claw" type for East Coast and ICW use.

Donald Tyson · Joined: 24 Jul 2023 Posts: 447 Photos: Thistle

I'll look for a 12 Danforth or 11 Fortress. I won't be surprised if I switch the existing Claw to the stern and wear the Fortress or Danforth on the Bow. We will see...

Donald Tyson · Joined: 24 Jul 2023 Posts: 447 Photos: Thistle

For Dr. Bob.

thataway · Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2025 9:43 pm Post subject:

I love the original North hill anchors. I have one similar to that on my caracal Cat. I have carried some of the PBY Sea Plane anchors on mid sized boats, incuding the cal 46. The sea plane were folding and Stainless Steel, they were lighter than the forged steel anchors. $30 for one is a good price. But they are hard to use on an anchor roller.

Donald Tyson · Joined: 24 Jul 2023 Posts: 447 Photos: Thistle

Seeing this is like looking back in time. Like watching an old WWII movie.

Donald Tyson · Joined: 24 Jul 2023 Posts: 447 Photos: Thistle

I just picked up a Fortress Guardian G11. I feel it is actually bigger than I thought it would be but it's gorgeous. It is to be my Stern anchor and I feel it would serve me much better if it was instantly ready to deploy rather than stowed away. it is also my spare anchor.

My current Idea is to mount it onto the front of motor well inside the cockpit. The anchor will hang but the outside of the rod and the rode will be sowed in a bag or bucket and the bitter end will be pre-attached to the port rear cleat, ready to go.

Yank the anchor out of the mount and chuck it out the back. This will allow me to enter a tight anchorage when single handing...drop the stern and move ahead to drop the bow then pull back on the stern.

This should be good for 5-10' depth. More as I increase the length of rode.