How heavy of an anchor should I get?

K

kevrangray

New member
I've got a 22' Cruiser and currently have a 14 pound anchor. I do most of my fishing in Shasta and Whiskeytown Lake and will possibly be going out to the ocean periodically but mainly only 10% of the time. I also have a Pro Windlass 700 series. Any info if I should up the weight of my anchor or if the 14 pound one that I currently have will be fine.

Thanks,
 
Kevin,

The Delta 15 lbs is a good anchor for your size and weight of boat, I see one hanging off your bow. We use the same anchor for our 22 cruiser here in Alaska's northern waters.
 
We have a saying on the Gulf of Mexico Coast when anchoring out for a hurricane:

"Use the heaviest anchor that your wife can lift." :lol:
 
Kevin and Randi,

If what you have is what is in your album pix, than it looks like a 14# Delta plow. There are a lot of 22's with that same anchor. ("Ah Mom, everybody's doing it") Does that make it right, well, not necessarily, but it may mean that it does work. It is what is on my bow too, and I have to admit, I have only had it down as a lunch hook, and practice but have never really had to depend on it for more. I belive it will do the job, but it depends on how well it is set, how much chain you have, and what the bottom is like, how much rode you put out (scope 3:1, 5:1, 7:1 etc), the sea state and wind conditions, and how well it is attached to your rode.

In general, I think the consensus is that there should be about as much chain as boat length, and enough rode to get you a scope of 7:1 , (ratio of length of line out to the depth of the water plus the height to the cleat or bow).

There is considerable info here on the site regarding anchors, type, size and weight, and also on the process. Take some time to look those over. Dr Bob (Thataway) has done testing and posted much of that. It is a fun subject to research, and a necessary skill to know. Enjoy, practise is fun and worth it.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

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Harvey,

That is correct, the anchor that we currently are using is a 14# Delta plow. When I had this installed was the same time that I also had the Windlass Pro-Fish 700 installed and the serviceman said that he called a C Dory dealer to find out what he would recommend for the 22' Cruiser. So this is where we came up with the type and size of the anchor. I think the only time that we will be using it is when we are having lunch or staying the night on the water. This would typically be done on Lake Shasta here in Redding, Ca.

What got me thinking if it was going to be big enough is because I just got back from trout fishing on a like up in Oregon with a buddy of mine and he had a 19' Maxxum Aluminum hull fishing boat with a 30# anchor on it. I do know that the C Dory's are less in weight but just thought that I might want to ask my fellow C Dory brothers and sisters to find out what there opinion was on it.

It sounds like for the 22' Cruiser and what we will be using it for that we have the correct style and weight anchor.

Thanks again for all the info and the website.
 
A use for an anchor that is not always considered but should be. It is the Emergency brake on the boat. Heading into the harbor and teh engines die, or rounding a point with an onshore wind and the power goes off; That anchor goes from deck jewelry to last hope in a heart beat. Might be a good idea not to just plan on it for a lunch hook or just an over night. In those cases, maybe a size up, wouldn't hurt, (never does) but reason and practicality have to come into play as well.

Also, it is not just the weight, but the design type that makes a difference.

Just the other half of my $0.02

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
Generally the 14 lb Delta is good for the C Dory 22, and the 22 Delta for the Tom Cat and C Dory 25. If you wanted to go up one grade--weight, then the Manson Supreme 25 lb would be my next choice. ($260 in glavanized or $1000 as jewlery Stainless Steel!)
 
I'm with those who feel go for as big as you can comfortably lift. I run a 22lb Lewmar claw on 40 feet of 1/4 " Hi test and 250ft of 1/2 " 3 strand for my primary. I have a backup 16 lb claw with rode and a 5 lb claw and rode for a stern hook. When push comes to shove you gotta stay off the beach. I set my primary by putting out about a 3 to 1 scope for normal stays and set it a touch with backing down. Deltas are a great anchor also and can self launch with appropriate rollers/ George
"
 
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