Anchor Release hookup

breausaw · Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2008 8:00 pm Post subject: Anchor Release hookup

I’ve not found a discussion here on rigging a release hookup for a Bruce anchor.
Rig your chain to attach at the claw end with a shackle, run the chain along the shaft and secondary attachment (braided cord) at the end of the shank; it serves as a break-away should your anchor get snagged.
I’d be rigging this up to a 16.5 Bruce clone, if someone has experience here what do you use for the release? You need something strong enough to hold the boat but weak enough to break away if the anchor hangs up. Probable only use this on rocky bottom while fishing not on the hook at night.
The other line of thought is; go with a extra strong double braid anchor line & if you get hung down just pull it till its straight up & down, cleat it off, and put the power to it.

sportner · Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2008 8:07 pm Post subject:

I think I remember reading that some use nylon zip ties for the breakaway, but I am not sure which size.

Alasgun · Guest

Opinions will vary and mine usually seems to vary farther than most!
I went through all this when rigging our 25ftr and decided on the 1/2 inch double braid. The advice of my commercial fishing buddies won over the advice you may get here. 3 strand stretches, yea and it makes hockles too. In any given size the 3 strand will have a lower rating and the braid is much more user friendly, I get an entire shot (600ft) in my locker.
I too am running a 16 lb Bruce along with 30 ft of stainless chain. When day fishing I let er down and don't bother setting it as the weight alone holds fine. In fact coupled with a smaller stern anchor, this same tactic works well in most anchorages for overnight stay.
As to the hang up factor, it's a crap shoot! I don't think my boat is strong enough for much Powering against a cleat, but then again We have not needed anything so extreme.
Mike

CW · Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2008 9:49 pm Post subject:

Zipties are cheap and predictable. Use some, test it out, and adjust the number predictably and repeatedly in the future, based on conditions. Or, as you say, use stout nylon and be prepared to cut the whole thing off and count it as a loss - rope, anchor & the whole shootin' match. C.W.

C-Green · Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2008 10:13 pm Post subject:

I attach the main rode to the shank end with a shackle and at the claw end attach a (much shorter) polypro line attached to a milk jug for a float. Stuck anchor, just motor over to the jug and pull away. Just another way to get the job done.

Jay

thataway · Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2008 10:47 pm Post subject:

I am reluctant to put the primary shackle of any anchor to the crown, where it can be pulled out directly. The worry is if the wind or current shifts and then the tie/cord breaks and the anchor pulls out.

The few times when there might be a question of an anchor being stuck under a coral head or rock ledge, we put a trip line (float) on the crown of the anchor.

saltspring · Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2008 11:06 pm Post subject:

Does anyone have pictures? I am interested in the breakaway setup but I am having trouble picturing it.

Thanks!

C-Green · Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2008 11:45 am Post subject:

Picture of "scowing" an anchor (using a breakable tie at the shank end) is in 64th edition of Chapman p 343

Sea Wolf · Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2008 1:39 pm Post subject:

Here's a drawing and a discussion of scowing from Holidays All Over.com.au

Anchor rigged for 'rock' when there is a definite danger of snagging

This is not an anchoring method to be used by a 'bareboat' skipper unless the experience is there to do it correctly...and under no circumstances would you do this if anchoring overnight...But would be permissible for a day anchorage.

Shackle the chain to the anchor crown (called 'scowing') - then run the chain along the shank and seize it to the anchor ring with rope yarn. Should the anchor foul, on weighing, the surging will part the rope yarn under vertical strain, and the anchor can be heaved out crown first.

Scowing should only be used when someone will be on board the boat in constant attendance...and should never be used if the anchorage is rough, the tugging on the anchor may break the binding causing the anchor to 'break out' and the boat to drift.

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breausaw · Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2008 4:51 pm Post subject:

oldgrowth · Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2008 5:25 pm Post subject:

Joe - shorten your url so I don't have to scroll sideways so many times to follow this thread.
________
Dave

breausaw · Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2008 6:04 pm Post subject:

Sea Wolf · Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2008 6:24 pm Post subject:

oldgrowth · Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2008 6:43 pm Post subject:

Sea Wolf · Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2008 7:24 pm Post subject:

Dave- I just dumped the url and everything's back to normal width, etc.

Thanks!

Joe. Thumbs Up