"Lost" Anchor Recovery

Sea Wolf · Posted: Tue Aug 01, 2006 2:13 pm Post subject: "Lost" Anchor Recovery

Sunday I hooked up big time with the bottom on Shasta Lake.

Probably got a hold of a root on a old tree stump.

Could not break the Fortress FX-16 loose with all the power of the Yamaha 90 either in forward or reverse with or without a run at it.

The 7500 lb test (approx) 1/4" G4 HT chain and windlass (Aires 500) did not give at all, but could not budge the big baby on the bottom.

Since it is down only 25-27 feet from the surface, I couldn't free dive for it, but decided to simply cut the 100 ft of chain loose from the rest of the nylon rode and come back for it later when the water's down enough to get to it, but before it comes out of the water for just anyone to pick up.

IU'll go back when there's about 3-5 feet of water over it, with some, if not all, of the following:

underwater camera

lotsa ropes

pry bars

hand saws and long handled tree saw

hacksaw and vice to hold chain if necessary

bolt cutters

grapple hook

hatchet/axe

sledge and regular hammers

bucket for chain

wet suit boots and gloves

swim mask, snorkel, and fins

1st aid kit

What else do I need? Is the plan workable?

I have a friend, a 6' 5" 300+ lb Retired Coast Guard Coxwain (Surfboat) who scuba dives*, but think I'll try to recover it on my own at first!

I know Joel (C3PO)) does this stuff as a part-time job at Lake Almanor. How'm I doin' for a rank amatuer?

Joe.

* Watch out Lloyd Bridges, you've met your match and then some!

Captains Cat · Posted: Tue Aug 01, 2006 2:34 pm Post subject:

Joe, how 'bout a couple of pounds of C-4? Shocked

Could get a bunch of fish too. When does the water go down that much?

Charlie

Sea Wolf · Posted: Tue Aug 01, 2006 2:47 pm Post subject:

Charlie-

Don't have a license for dynamite or C-4! You?

The water goes down about 10 inches per day, so in about 30 days the bottom there will be exposed, so I'g go back in about 25 or so.

P.S.: For those of you who don't know, the FX-16 is about $200, and the 100 feet of HT chain about $335, + tax= $574!

Joe.

lloyds · Posted: Tue Aug 01, 2006 2:49 pm Post subject:

Another good argument for the trip line. No, I don't have one either, but I should. Just like I should always drive the speed limit and not eat ice cream.

Sea Wolf · Posted: Tue Aug 01, 2006 3:28 pm Post subject:

lloyds-

Yep, should use a trip line, although might still be able to snag it up in an area full of roots! Hate having to handle a hand line in addition to the windlass!

Probably need to go over to a cheaper anchor and rode when anchoring in such situations:

Joe.

flapbreaker · Posted: Tue Aug 01, 2006 3:31 pm Post subject:

Don't you have any friends that dive? Seems like a fun project for someone with diving skills.

Sea Wolf · Posted: Tue Aug 01, 2006 6:01 pm Post subject:

flapbareaker-

Thanks for your interest!

Yep, I have a friend that dives (see first post toward the bottom).

But I figure I can get it myself (probably with my 36 year old son).

Like being able to still do as much as I can myself.

At 64, life is slowly taking away my physical independence, but I'm going to only let it go kicking and screaming.

Hate getting old and losing my strength, agility, mobility, and independence!

Joe.

flapbreaker · Posted: Tue Aug 01, 2006 6:21 pm Post subject:

Sorry about that sea wolf, I didn't make it to the end of your list. Sounds like you have everything covered.

B~C · Posted: Tue Aug 01, 2006 6:22 pm Post subject:

hell, just get a big dry cleaner bag and make yourself a diving bell Smile

Pat Anderson · Posted: Tue Aug 01, 2006 8:12 pm Post subject:

Are duct tape and a chain saw involved here? Laughing

Sea Wolf · Posted: Tue Aug 01, 2006 9:46 pm Post subject:

Hey guys!!!

I'm interested in RECOVERING THE ANCHOR NOT JOING IT AT THE BOTTOM OF THE LAKE FOR THE FORSEEABLE FUTURE.

Joe.

SEA WOLF, R.I.P., AKA The Electric Chainsaw Underwater Salvage Co.

"We Get a Buzzz On for You"

"Our Buzzness is Doing Your Business"

FYI: The Supreme Court is currently (no pun intended) reviewing a case in which dealth by underwater chain saw electrocution (Buzz vs. The Electric Chainsaw Underwater Salvage Co.) is being challenged as cruel and inhuman punishment. The states of Florida and Texas have joined the suit on the side of the company.

C-Hawk · Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2006 12:16 am Post subject:

Sea Wolf · Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2006 1:06 am Post subject:

I talked to my "BIG" friend from the USCG tonight about my recovery plan, and he insisted on going with us when the time comes. Should mnake things a lot easier, but would have liked to beat the root devil myself!

I also found out that there really is an underwater chainsaw!

It's pneumatic, so get out the really big generator and compressor.

Sounds like professional level work to me!

UNDERWATER CHAINSAW

Joe.

B~C · Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2006 1:24 am Post subject:

that's good news that you recruited some help Buzz. I hope you have a sucessfull recovery operation....they don't give that ground tackle away.

Sea Wolf · Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2006 2:22 am Post subject: