My anchor recovery system

M

Marco Flamingo

Active member
A couple of recent posts made me think of posting my little anchor recovery system. I always use it when solo and remote. I probably should use it more. It is scaled down for a CD 16, but it wouldn't have to be much bigger for any C Dory. It is two donut-style fishing floats with piece of wood dowel jammed into the center hole, making a spool. The line is parachute cord size, but it's that new synthetic that is probably 2K# test. Much stronger than I'm likely to pull.

It isn't intended to use to raise the anchor, but it could. I tie it to the achor trip line attachment point and throw it in. It is probably only 50 feet of line, but I never anchor deeper than about 25, so it is plenty. I'm just going to use it to skootch the anchor out from underneath abandoned logging cables. Most times, the anchor comes up without a problem and I grab the trip line with the boat hook and wind it back up. I often leave it attached with the line running down the deck and the spool in the cockpit. That way I don't have to go forward when solo.

http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?...ame=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

There are commercial variations, and maybe day glow orange would be better, but I'm usually the only one in an anchorage spot, and too shallow for general boat traffic, so visibility isn't really an issue.

https://www.wholesalemarine.com/cal-jun ... gLi9fD_BwE

Mark
 
All of our experiences differ. We have anchored many thousands of times, and only required a trip line a hand full of times—never lost an anchor.

In the few times I have used a trip line, I have had it run over by a commercial boat, and tangled into his prop. I have had other boaters attempt to pick it up as a mooring float. Both of these of course tripped the anchor.

We have hooked into various cables, a battle ship chain, and various logs, branches etc. Always got the anchor out. If always anchoring where there are chains, foul bottom or logs etc, either the attachment of the chain primarily to the crown of the anchor, with Zip ties, or the trip line....but I wonder how easy it is to ‘hand” with the thin lines?

The float technique appears to be very limited in a crowded anchorage or anchorage with limited space, especially with deep water—and also more work than over the bow—I am very adverse to having to pull an anchor dependent of using stern cleats. I fully understand the technique and have seen it done.
 
I wonder about the zip tie method. I understand that's where you hook your anchor rode down on the main part of the anchor, as opposed to up at the shank end, but then zip tie the chain or rode at the shank end. I'm curious, can't this zip tie break lose in gale winds or while setting the anchor? In which case there is a good chance you will drag that anchor rather than it setting or staying set? I'm understanding that the zip tie idea is suppose to break free when you go to pull the anchor up in case of a stuck anchor, thus allowing the anchor to be pulled out backwards. I have only used a "trip" line a few times, and that was at Lake Powell after almost losing my anchor in the rocks. (In which case, I attach a smaller line to the main Anchor, and let it pay out with the regular rode.
 
Generally it is best to not use the zip tie method if long time, heavy weather, overnight, close quarters etc.

Generally zip ties used on reefs, foul bottoms, and for day fishing. We have never used it. I might under some circumstances....but it would be very unusual—and never storm or overnight.
 
Thanks. I won't do the zip tie method then...Seems like a lot of work for just anchoring short time for lunch or stuff. Unless of course that's all one anchors for... Colby
 
colbysmith":2wm4xyla said:
Seems like a lot of work for just anchoring short time for lunch or stuff.
Click to expand...

My issue is that those cozy little lunch spots were often busy logging sites several decades ago. Cables, abandoned equipment, even appliances. The spot now looks peaceful and serene. Spending a couple of minutes might ensure that your lunch hook isn't also dinner and you still end up cutting your anchor loo$e.

Mark
 
Mark, you are right about the past history of a lot of those little nooks. I spend a fair amount of time looking at those bottoms on the sounder before I drop the hook, BUT, it isn't perfect and I am not super good at translating my older sounder pictures. Would love one of those fancy new bottom viewers but the dollar$ are already allocated.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

PLI_and_SB_CBGT_2_147.highlight.jpg
 
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