Best anchor set-up?

[mika]

I'm a newbie and having great fun sailing and learning about my new "M". But the more I learn, the more questions I have. For example, what's the proper way to stow my anchor, rode, and anchor line in the anchor compartment? I presume there is a proper way to position the anchor on the bow tip for storage and easy release and return using the block and bracket that's there for this purpose. How do we secure it there? How do we keep the rode and line in place until used without getting a "bird's nest" of tangle? Although my rode has a thin, soft plastic covering, I worry about it damaging the fiberglass. I will appreciate your advice on this. Thanks.

[K9Kampers]

On the , the anchor locker is really too small to house a useful size anchor. I carefully lay my anchor line in the locker in a triangular pattern, then the chain rode lays in the center with the Danforth anchor on top. I can close the locker lid nearly flat but with the chain sticking out to starboard with a cut-out ground at the lid edge. The Danforth is hung on the bow rail by this bracket:



I keep the CQR anchor and it's line / rode in a plastic tub in the boat, placing it on a small tarp on the V-berth and out thru the fwd hatch to deploy. Extra line goes in the anchor locker on top of line. When underway, CQR goes back in the tub and under dinette table.

Came across this product but do not have one... AnchorSuit

[Chinook]

There are many different ideas on this topic. A search should turn up discussion and pics of Duane Dunn's solution, which I also use on my 26X. Primary anchor is a Bruce which is stored on an anchor roller, installed and secured on the bow. A semicircular cut in the front corner of the anchor locker lid enables the chain to lead into the locker without binding the lid. A second anchor, in my case a Fortress Guardian (Danforth type), hangs from a bracket which is attached to the bow pulpit. Its chain likewise leads to the cutout in the anchor locker lid. A partition installed in the anchor locker enables the two rodes and chains to be separately flaked, side by side on either side of the partition. A heavy duty eye, installed inside the anchor locker, provides a tie off point for the bitter ends of the two rodes. I flake the rode of my primary anchor loosely, but bungee the flaked rode of the Fortress so I can easily grab the whole thing, when I want to row out and set a second bow anchor, Bahamian style, or set a stern anchor. Most recently, I've also sewn up a bag which contains a plow style anchor, along with chain and rode, which I strap to a stern railing. This gives me a fully rigged stern anchor, which is close to hand from the cockpit if I need to quickly drop a stern anchor.

[Sumner]

Our anchors are on....



..... bow rollers now and if you are old/weak/lazy/in a hurry/anchor a lot/etc. put on....

http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner ... ng-16.html

...... one or two bow rollers and you will never regret it.

Now our....



... 2 rode bags aren't fancy and don't cost much and aren't as clean looking as putting the rode in the locker, which we don't have anyway, but they are faster to use than any of the above methods. No fancy work needed in putting the rode in them. Just stuff it in as fast as you can get to the anchor and it will come out every time never tangling on itself or anything else.

Did I mention that the mod....

http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner ... 10-10.html

....to install them is very quick and easy and low tech. Our Endeavour has an anchor locker and I'll keep the rode for the second anchor in it, but have the main rode in a container on ....



...deck for the reasons given above. All ready used it and it worked perfect. I just need to secure it, blue chest, better.

Mike, why do you use the dinghy to set the second anchor? We just put them both down with the Mac.

Sum

Our Endeavour 37

Our Trips to Utah, Idaho, Canada, Florida

Our MacGregor S Pages

Mac-Venture Links

[nedmiller]

My set up is almost the same as Chinook's--using the Dunn method of dividing the anchor locker. I also have a plastic "box" at the Aft end of the locker with an electric winch in it--bolted to the floor--we use it to raise the mast. Forward of that is a dividing wall with two rodes:
On the starboard is 150' of nylon rode attached to 30' of 1/4" high test galvanized chain, then attached to a galvanized Spade anchor on the front anchor roller...recently anchored in bad thunderstorm in Lake Michigan with that anchor and it didn't budge! Rode is laid down with bitter end in first--then just forward and back as you get closer to the end with the anchor... chain goes in last. When it's time to anchor, I just pull as far windward as I'm going to go and drop the anchor...letting chain in first and laying down rode as wind gently pushes me leeward. Rode is marked every 10 feet with black laundry marker. First 10' mark is one hash...20' is 2 hashes--etc. I know the chain is 30' so I just add them as the line is deployed. If I need 100', I go to the 7 hash marks. I also have a small mud anchor that can be used as a Kellet 30' from the anchor at the boat-end of the chain.

On the port side is a Fortress, hung on the rail. It is only a Fortress 7--too light for a storm--and it only has 8' of chain attached to 80' of rode--also with hash marks. I do use it whenever the forecast is for clear and little to no wind and I will be anchoring in shallow water in soft mud or sand. No good for weed or rock.

The advantage to this type of set up is that the Fortress is very light and easy to pull up and I don't have to drag 30' of chain up like I do with the Spade anchor. We have used the Fortress much more often than the Spade because we try and avoid bad weather! At the same time, a new generation anchor (Ronca, Spade, Manson Supreme, etc.) is really nice to have when you realize things are going to get dicey and the bottom is not as good as you wished it were!

I also have an Aluminum Spade as an aft anchor--It is set in a 1 foot section of 4" PVC schedule 40 pipe that is screwed vertically to the boat just forward of the starboard rudder. It has low stretch polyester anchor line (need low stretch on aft anchor) on a short chain. In a really bad blow with no mud bottom, I'd use the two Spades at 45 degrees up front--attaching the Spade rode to the Fortress Rode and storing the Fortress.

SILK

[NiceAft]

I use two anchors on my . My main anchor is a Delta, and my back up is a Danforth.

The Delta is either kept in the "V" berth or fastened to the anchor roller, with the rode led into the "V" berth via the forward hatch. Just a careful wrapping of the rode is all that is needed. I have never had a problem.

The Danforth, along with its rode, is kept in the anchor locker. Again, just careful placement of the rode with the anchor placed on top is all that is needed.

Here are some sites on anchoring and anchors.

Ray

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... chor-Rodes

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... ght-Anchor

http://www.myboatsgear.com/newsletter/200788.asp

[RobertB]

These are pretty impressive setups - not ready to change the landscape on the bow just yet.

Before I considerred overnight anchoring, I looked at the anchor that was shipped with my boat - a West Marine package special that stated good for boats up to 24 feet long. Now, I did not order a short version of the , I believe this anchor is a bit undersize. Dealer stated it was the largest anchor that would fit in the anchor locker.

Bought the Fortess FX-11, fits perfectly in the anchor locker. Also has some pretty impressive test reviews from boating organizations such as the US Navy. All rated it as a superior anchor and it only weighs 7 lbs. I found it held great during a rough night at anchor. I keep the original locker below and use it as a backup/2nd anchor.

[Divecoz]

IMHO ... you got LUCKY.. or our definitions of ""rough night at anchor"" are very different.. IMHO again and having BTDT .. No Way will any 7 lb anchor hold our boats in 25 to 40 MPH winds and associated waves Dusk til Dawn....
I have to ask? How much chain are you using? I am using 30 feet and a snubber.. and the fortress/danforth is said, not to be a good anchor for when your in grass.. I will mention I have a metal Copy.. of the Fortress / Danforth.. I believe its 14 lbs(?) and about 1/3 the price..

These are pretty impressive setups - not ready to change the landscape on the bow just yet.

Before I considerred overnight anchoring, I looked at the anchor that was shipped with my boat - a West Marine package special that stated good for boats up to 24 feet long. Now, I did not order a short version of the , I believe this anchor is a bit undersize. Dealer stated it was the largest anchor that would fit in the anchor locker.

Bought the Fortess FX-11, fits perfectly in the anchor locker. Also has some pretty impressive test reviews from boating organizations such as the US Navy. All rated it as a superior anchor and it only weighs 7 lbs. I found it held great during a rough night at anchor. I keep the original locker below and use it as a backup/2nd anchor.

[RobertB]

I use 6 feet chain. Rough meant that we had to hold onto the berths all night to keep from falling on the floor (bad choice of an exposed anchorage on the Chesapeake bay - anchored in the dark - had the Garmin chartplotter set to drift alarm and never sounded.)

Check the Fortress website for specifications. This line of anchors holds better than anchors weighing several times thier weight in most (if not all) bottom conditions. This is a case where a well designed product outperforms brute force - it definitely outperforms other danforth type anchors that cost 1/3 as much. See http://www.fortressanchors.com/fortress ... guide.html for the data. Also, look at the testing performed by the US Navy in different bottom types. What does it say when they have chosen the smallest of the line for SEAL team boats?
Other testimonials at http://www.fortressanchors.com/testimonials2.html.

This anchor met my basic requirements - had to be lightwight, compact (in fact, this anchor breaks down quickly to a small package if needed), and speced for a larger boat than I have. The additional cost is justified by knowing I have an anchor that has been tested to outperform the competition in it's ability to keep my boat from hitting the rocks one night.
In addition, all parts of the anchor have a lifetime warrantee - provided you do not loose the anchor.

[nedmiller]

Everyone will have their opinions, but I think that the Fortress 11 is a great anchor and is perfectly sized for the Mac, even in pretty stiff winds--comparable to Manson Supreme & Ronca in sand or mud. I read one study where it held 4000+# in an anchor test. I wish I had one--I use the smaller 7 Fortress if things are going to be rather calm--it was my only anchor for a long time. The design makes up for the weight in all the modern anchors and I think your choice is a great one for your standard anchor. Remember that it isn't good in weed or rock or really hard packed bottom. It is absolutely fantastic in sand and mud. The cool thing about the Mac is that you can go into really shallow water to anchor and get a fantastic ratio.

You can cheaply increase your anchor holding by adding a bit more chain. You can keep your eyes out for a little mud anchor on craigslist, junk stores, or garage sales--and put it down in cabin storage and if you need to, attach it to the chain end where the nylon is attached--acts as a kellet...like adding another 10# or so of chain.
Also, watch Craigslist and you might find an old Bruce or plow anchor that will give you options if the bottom isn't as good. It's all about being able to go to sleep and not worry!

SILK

[jschrade]

The best advice is to see what others in your area use and are successful with. I love my 16.5lb Claw but I live in Florida and anchor in sand which is likely not your scenario. I have a Guardian that I use for mud.

Jim

[Divecoz]

Robert if it works it works.. CLAIMS by others ?? Navy or joe blow..?? Navy Seals... Army Ranger... approved and used Watchs Underwear Tooth Picks..I have gotten to a point of not to caring any more..... I am sure you have seen many of those ads too..grain of salt..
But I will sure look into your Fortress.. I will compare them for design side by side..

[FinallySailing]

The best advice is to see what others in your area use and are successful with.

Jim

Couldn't agree more ! Also check the pilotage guides for the areas you are going to be cruising ( you might find some amazing surprises - I read last night on YBW that here at the West Coast of Scotland the Clyde Cruising Club is suggesting a Fisherman's anchor as secondary anchor).

[paj637]

I use a 23# Delta Quickset and 65' of 5/16 chain with 100' rode on my . Yes, 65' of chain. Got it for about a buck a foot off ebay. Here in SE GA we anchor in tidal waters mud bottom with 4-5 knots of current at times. I have anchored in 25' of water in a 30 knot blow and slept like a baby knowing I was set good and tight. I have never dragged on anchor. Of course, it is a chore to retrieve it all, I take my time but the peace of mind is worth it.

[DaveB]

Divecoz,
I have a Fortress 11 and the Anchor is excellent for Florida waters but I only use it in High winds or poor holding ground with 30 ft. 1/4 proof coil chain. I use a Danforth anchor that fits in the locker on my Mac.X but not close to what the Fortress will hold.
Problem with the Mac. is we want a anchor we can lift out even in swamp mud and getting the lightest anchor with chain is best unless you have a anchor windless.
I have used Claws,CQR,Delta,Danforth,Fortress, Fishermans anchor (rocks) and several other kinds. Pratical Sailors Dec. 2003 issue has tests on 13 styles of anchors and many more tests later on. Boat US also has had tests along with other magizines.
Like others have said, it all depends on the holding ground,depth of water and also the envirement (grass, anchors and chain can destroy).
There is much to be said about the subject and also anchor rollers,ground tackle, anchor bouy,etc.
In mud one is best to use heavy shorter chain unless you have a anchor wash system at the bow. Haveing 3/8 x 10 ft. chain will also help stop sea grass damage and shorter scope, use the chain as a spare in those waters etc.
Some areas are best used with all chain for a short scope so one can swing in a tight Harbor with current or wind change.
Dave

Robert if it works it works.. CLAIMS by others ?? Navy or joe blow..?? Navy Seals... Army Ranger... approved and used Watchs Underwear Tooth Picks..I have gotten to a point of not to caring any more..... I am sure you have seen many of those ads too..grain of salt..
But I will sure look into your Fortress.. I will compare them for design side by side..