Anchor upgrade question

dpod2003 · Posted: Wed Dec 28, 2016 8:05 pm Post subject: Anchor upgrade question

I just purchased a C Dory 25 that has a Delta 14# anchor, with 1/4" chain and 1/2" rode. A friend has given me a Delta 22# anchor, and it seems that it will fit on the anchor roller just fine. My question is that the recommendation for chain size on the 22# is 5/16th ", not 1/4". I don't want to change the entire rode to fit this larger anchor, and as well my Lewmar 700 windlass needs 1/4" also. I am thinking that it really would not make a difference, as 1/4" is the recommended size for the C Dory anyway. I would like the security of having a larger anchor. What are your thoughts on doing this?

Doug

journey on · Posted: Wed Dec 28, 2016 8:26 pm Post subject:

OK, 1/4 HT chain has a working load of 2600 lbs. and 1/2 line has a tensile strength of 7,500 lbs. By the time you reach 2600 lbs, I feel the front of the boat will be broken. So 1/4 HT chain and 1/2 line is what I use with Journey On and it's been good through some dicey situations.

You're OK with both the heavier anchor and the 1/4 HT chain. I would recommend 1/2 line, but some use smaller. The anchor will pull loose before your rode will break.

BTW, 5/16 HT has a working load limit of 3,900 lbs. If you need that, the boat has gone anyway.

Boris

tsturm · Posted: Wed Dec 28, 2016 8:36 pm Post subject: Re: Anchor upgrade question

Pacificcoast101 · Posted: Thu Dec 29, 2016 12:13 am Post subject:

I've used 22# anchors on the same size chain and rode for my last four boats. As a scuba diver, I anchor once or twice every time we go out and have never needed different ground tackle.
I use chain about twice the length of the boat and let out enough rode that the chain sits on the sand. Most of the time the anchor is simply laying on the bottom but holds the boat well if the wind comes up.

hardee · Posted: Thu Dec 29, 2016 2:27 am Post subject:

Just because you upgraded the anchor does not mean you need to increase the chain size. You are plenty adequately covered with what you have, provided the chain is all in good shape, (no rusted, corroded away or weak connecting links).

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

dpod2003 · Posted: Thu Dec 29, 2016 1:13 pm Post subject:

Thanks for all the help with my question. It sounds like I am good to go, and I will certainly sleep better with the bigger size.

Doug

thataway · Posted: Thu Dec 29, 2016 1:22 pm Post subject:

Agree, with all of the above. I used 1/4" HT (G4) chain on the 25, Tom Cat 255. I used 5/16 HT on my cal 46-- and anchored in winds with gusts up to 80 knots.

You are fine with the HT the weak link may be the shackle. Be sure you have a shackle rated for the chain SWL. Safe working load is conservative. The breaking strength of 1/4" HT chain is 7750#!

hardee · Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2016 2:52 am Post subject:

I agree with Bob about the shackle. And last year, I took mine out when I up graded my anchor to the Rocna. I decided to try it without the shackle, but took it with me, "just in case." after a full season and about 60 nights at anchor, the shackle is still in the storage box under my helm step.

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

thataway · Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2016 7:05 pm Post subject:

Robert H. Wilkinson · Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2016 8:01 pm Post subject:

hardee · Posted: Sat Dec 31, 2016 2:00 am Post subject: