Anchor Question??

[Anonymous]

I have seen in several places that it is recomended that I add six to eight feet of chain between my anchor and anchor rope.
My question: WHY?

[mav186]

Hey Big D...The purpose of using chain between the anchor and the end of your rope (no pun intended!) is to sink the rode after each surge (wave) has lifted it. This will maintain the best possible holding angle for the anchor flutes on the bottom. Of course having the right anchor for the bottom surface is really the most important factor. Great question!

Mav

[Rich McVey]

Are you saying the added weight of the chain helps keep the neck part at a lower angle to the lake floor? Makes sense. I used to just drop ancor till it just hit bottom and wondered why it didnt work well. I have a 2 peice with a movable neck. I have to let out a few feet more so it will lay over, then once we drift a little and it digs in, then I can take up slack.

Maybe some chain will help expidite this for me.

Good Topic!

[mav186]

You're exactly right Ra...also the standard rule of thumb, for fluted anchors, is a 4:1 ratio for your anchor line length. If you're anchoring in 40' of water...recommended length of line out would be 160'. Truth be told...I don't think I have ever met conditions where I had to do this...usally 2:1 has been sufficient for me.

Mav

[Rollin with Rolland]

I have seen in several places that it is recomended that I add six to eight feet of chain between my anchor and anchor rope.
My question: WHY?

I always assumed it was for abrasion resistance. But that was just my thought.....

[blufin loui]

Hey BigD, The lenght of chain will depend on chain diameter, and personal use requirements. I have a 10# & 15# Navy anchors, and the 15 has about 4 feet of 3/8 chain. The 10 # anchor without chain holds in most RW situations, but when it is windy or in an area of increased current the 15# and chain (adds a few more pounds) works well for our boat.
The ideal situation would be to try different weights and styles before laying out the bucks. I know several folks use a heavier anchor, but for my style and places of fishing (i don't do any SWIFT water anchoring), these two work well for my boating. I don't like hand over handing any more anchor than I need, Maybe I'm just lazy :o].
good luck with your many choices.

[Rich McVey]

I don't like hand over handing any more anchor than I need, Maybe I'm just lazy :o]

Im gonna agree with that. The one I currently have is 20# and it can be a drag... to pull up. Yea, I had to go there.

Not to excited about adding more weight, even a few pounds. The way my ancor is situated, its not the most comfortable thing on the back to pull up. Im looking at an ancor wench I mean winch, to handle the chore.

[Anglinarcher]

Wow, all answers are per my memory, once we get it all together.

Rollin with Rolland , that is indeed one reason for the chain. Nevertheless, a chain is usually designated because of the extra weight and flexibility, otherwise, a wire rope would be just as good.

mav186, I have heard the 4:1, and as much as a 7:1 for mushroom style anchors. Personally, I am not going to carry that much rope on board.

But, the above comments noted, remember that there is no hard and fast rule. There are a lot of anchor winches for small boats that cannot handle chain. In this case, you must either not anchor in high winds or you anchor with more rope out.

I have a rule, if I need to use that much anchor rope, it is too deep for me to be fishing there with an anchor.

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You're exactly right Ra...also the standard rule of thumb, for fluted anchors, is a 4:1 ratio for your anchor line length. If you're anchoring in 40' of water...recommended length of line out would be 160'. Truth be told...I don't think I have ever met conditions where I had to do this...usally 2:1 has been sufficient for me.

Mav

Wow, don't sleep on a 2:1 scope - you may find yourself on the nearest rock! A 4:1 scope in the Sound on a fair windless day may be OK but I am not sure how well it will hold is a fast moving current backed by strong winds. I suggest going with a longer scope and not worry about the anchorage. The main purpose of the chain is to keep the "shank" of the anchor parallel with the bottom therefore allowing the flutes to dig in at the maximum angle.

[mav186]

You're exactly right Ra...also the standard rule of thumb, for fluted anchors, is a 4:1 ratio for your anchor line length. If you're anchoring in 40' of water...recommended length of line out would be 160'. Truth be told...I don't think I have ever met conditions where I had to do this...usally 2:1 has been sufficient for me.

Mav

Wow, don't sleep on a 2:1 scope - you may find yourself on the nearest rock! A 4:1 scope in the Sound on a fair windless day may be OK but I am not sure how well it will hold is a fast moving current backed by strong winds. I suggest going with a longer scope and not worry about the anchorage. The main purpose of the chain is to keep the "shank" of the anchor parallel with the bottom therefore allowing the flutes to dig in at the maximum angle.

You're right Stamp...it's always wise to stay on your toes while anchored. The only other comment I have is that I've found that the style of anchor has more to do with the 'holding power' than the weight. After trying several different weights and styles of anchors, only to throw most away, I've personally have had great results using a 'Digger Anchor'...it has held both of my boats in the conditions I fish...and it only weighs 8 or 12#.

Mav