Anchors and sizing?-gctid823720

[W8N4SUN]

Our boat came with a Lewmar Delta 10/22 anchor, it has done its job up to 20kts winds but I am wanting to upsize. Is there a general rule or upper limit the windlass can handle and is there such a thing as too much anchor? I'm thinking of moving up to the 20/44 but don't want to overwork the windlass as a byproduct. What say the experts? Thanks

[Guest]

Grrr... anchor talk. This could get more heated than politics!

IMO, the type of anchor is more important than the size. There's a YouTube channel "SVPanope" where he tests all kinds of anchors with an underwater camera attached. Judge for yourself which is the best anchor for you. My boat came with a popular anchor type that let me down several times. I bought a SARCA Excel this year and I sleep great when I'm on the hook. Same size anchor, performance wise it's like comparing high school hockey to the NHL. Ground Tackle Marine in Sydney sells them.

[W8N4SUN]

Oops, didn't mean to stir a hornets nest. Actually am pleased with the performance of the anchor the boat came with, just wanting to go heavier to piece of mind, but don't want to overstress the windlass and roller. I'll check out your recommendation. Thanks

[Uncle_Bob]

A 33 pounder would do the trick for a 3788, but a 44 pounder will not break the windlass.

[TenMile]

I'd follow the anchor manufacturer's recommendations for weight or length of boat.

For example here's Rocna's guidelines: http://rocna.cmpgroup.net/anchor-sizing-guide

[mmichellich]

Weight is king. Pick the type you want then buy the heaviest you can fit on your bow. I use a 75 pound forged Danforth anchor on our 47.

[cosmo777]

Yes, weight is king...with chain rode. Go with as much chain as you can will help as much as a larger anchor.

[W8N4SUN]

The boat came with 200' of chain, witch limits me to around 30'-40' anchor depth. I'm thInking of jumping up to 300'-350', do you carry that much?

[Ridgedown]

20 knot winds are not a lot for some anchorages in the PNW or up North. We have a 30kg Bruce with 250' chain and 100' rode. A few times, we have used all of it depending on wind and depth. I would go with extra rode and a heavier anchor. We have yet to drag with the heavier anchor. I would not carry 300-350' chain as the weight would be excessive. Have a professional attach 100-150' of rode to the end of your chain. Most marine stores should be able to help you with this. Just a thought.

[mmichellich]

In addition to the aforementioned heavy anchor we have 300 feet of chain and 300 feet of line. Only used a bit of the line once, anchored in 300 feet of water for a fireworks show. Remember the windless will not pick up 300 feet of chain straight up. About 200 feet had to be hand cranked up at about midnight with boats buzzing all around us. Not fun. Never again. Have used the 300 feet of chain up North a few times when Gales were blowing and we were in about 40 feet of water at high tide.