Anchor Woes

[thinkxingu]

Hi!
Have two Danforth anchors on my boat that are not always easy to set. Is the issue that they're slip ring and maybe I'm going down too quickly, or is it more likely that I need to add some chain (only rope right now)? I'm thinking both, but suggestions requested! 22' pontoon, BTW.

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[ishoot308]

Hi!
Have two Danforth anchors on my boat that are not always easy to set. Is the issue that they're slip ring and maybe I'm going down too quickly, or is it more likely that I need to add some chain (only rope right now)? I'm thinking both, but suggestions requested! 22' pontoon, BTW.

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Get yourself a "Digger" anchor for that toon and be done with it. I have had one on all my toons and they are great! No chain needed either to scratch up those pretty sides !!

Dan

[HellRaZoR004]

I had a Danforth anchor that came with the boat when I bought it used. I absolutely hated it. I could not get it to take hold.

Bought one of these and I've had pretty good luck so far - granted it wasn't like Rich's experience in the storm last week...

Now I only use the Danforth for the stern anchor that I set by hand.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002IVCHCI?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

[ronc4424]

Google .....box anchor. I ordered the small size online from Bass Pro and had it shipped to Hooksett ( No Sales Tax ). It's not cheap, $159.00 but it's well worth the money. It held 3 pontoons in a stiff breeze last Friday with no problem.

[Loub52]

The only situation I've had consistent success with setting a Danforth is in areas of sandy bottom with vegetation growth where the Danforth has something to grab hold of. Having a digger or similar option is definitely a better bet.

[upthesaukee]

One point: make sure you have ample "scope", that is the amount of rode (rope and chain) in relation to the depth of the water. Depending on what article you read, this ratio is usually 7:1 or 8:1. A place we anchor a lot is about 20 ft deep, and I will let out 40-50 ft, not 7:1, but works almost all the time. Once the anchor catches, I will shorten up rope, depending on wave action. Good luck.

I live here... I am always Upthesaukee.

[znh]

I've never had a problem with our Danforth style anchor. We do have a nice heavy chain on the first 6 feet of the rode and I think that helps it sit on the bottom and set quickly.

As for the ratio of rode to depth, we've had discussions on here before and I think a lot of people are closer to a 4:1 to 5:1 ratio for letting out rode. We've never come unhooked, but don't really anchor in areas with a lot of wind/current so...


I do need a better rear anchor for the sandbars, the little mushroom one we have is not cutting it...

[AC2717]

chain is key with a Danforth
never had a problem with one

[Pricestavern]

You need to get at least 6' heavy chain for the anchor and make sure the anchor is the right size (15lb or so). 7:1 is the standard recommended ratio for scope (10:1 in heavy seas).

A quick search on Google also brought up this article, "The 3 Best Pontoon Boat Anchors for Any Conditions", by Pontoon Guide.com:

URL: http://pontoonguide.com/3-best-pontoon-anchors-conditions/

[thinkxingu]

Do I want lead chain?

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[znh]

I would think either Stainless Steel or something Galvenized like the mooring chains are?


http://www.westmarine.com/anchor-chains

[Dave R]

Unless you have a windlass, plain old proof coil galvanized chain is all you need. More is better, but comes with the price of more weight to carry. I use 15 feet of 1/4" HT (I need HT to work with my windlass) on my 25' boat with a 22 lb Delta anchor. Once set, it never drags and I usually use 4:1 to 7:1 scope.

With a 22 foot boat, I'd use at least 10 feet of 3/16" chain and at least 3/8" diameter three-strand nylon with a 10 to 15 lb anchor. 20 feet of chain will let you get away with MUCH less scope. So will bigger chain. When setting the anchor, let out at least 7:1 scope, set it with the boat's engine in reverse and make sure the engine can't drag the anchor. After that, you can likely reduce the scope to 4:1 or 5:1 unless it's really windy.

I like to get the bow anchor set with extra scope, then toss (kedge) the stern anchor as far as I can, and reduce the bow anchor scope to tighten and set the stern anchor. My stern anchor is a little 4.4 lb Bruce claw with 4 feet of 3/16" chain and 5/16" nylon three-strand. It sets easily in sand and varaible bottoms, but there are days when it is inadequate even with 12:1 scope. I am limited by my preferred storage spot for it so if it's really windy, I pick an anchorage that does not require a stern anchor.

[8gv]

Parafunalia in Gilford has anchor chain of all types from cheapo to fancy.

I would buy some chain before changing anchors.

[Toyorelle]

I have Danforth Anchors for my front and back anchors. I have a 27 foot Chaparral. I have the same size front anchor as the back and they are rated for a 35 foot boat with 6 feet of chain on each. It's been 9 years now and once the anchor is in it never moves, even in straight sand. I'd say use a good quality heavy 6 foot chain and you should really notice a difference.

[thinkxingu]

OK, sounds like I'll start with chain. Thoughts on the sliding ring aspect? Someone mentioned using a zip tie to keep it at the end as it works better that way and if by chance it got stuck, a tug would break the zip tie to free it.

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[AC2717]

sliding ring should not be a problem with the chain and shackle

also on the lake sometimes better to pull up anchor and ride out the wind in an open spot on the lake if warrented

[thinkxingu]

Okie dokie. I guess the only thing I need to make sure now is to get something that won't rust--don't wanna wreck the carpet!

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[AC2717]

galvanized chain is fine, you are in the lake not salt, it will take years to rust. if it is not showing like on a windlass no need to pay the extra for chrome or stainless

[Toyorelle]

Okie dokie. I guess the only thing I need to make sure now is to get something that won't rust--don't wanna wreck the carpet!

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Not sure if you are near Sports and Marine Parafunalia, but they offer chains that are coated with a rubber/plastic. I have got 9 good years with them so far and hasn't been an issue storing them in tight spaces.

[thinkxingu]

Hi All: rainy day and having breakfast at the Center Harbor Diner, so I thought I'd update (need closure!). Picked up a 4' length of galvanized chain and attached it to my anchor yesterday before anchoring out for a while--the chain made all the difference, even holding us in wakes from boats passing 30-40 feet away. Gonna grab a second chain for my second anchor and I'll be good. $16 total, which is SWEET!

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone!

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[DBreskin]

Thoughts on the sliding ring aspect? Someone mentioned using a zip tie to keep it at the end as it works better that way and if by chance it got stuck, a tug would break the zip tie to free it.

The slip ring anchor is sensitive to how it's deployed. You should lower it; do not simply drop it off the side. Lowering it ensures the slip ring stays at the boat end of the slide. My crew used to just drop the slip ring anchor and half the time it would end up getting dragged backwards and wouldn't set.

We ended up getting a slightly larger standard Danforth and it sets every time. Both the slip ring and Danforth have 6 feet of chain.

[4Fun]

The slip ring anchor is sensitive to how it's deployed. You should lower it; do not simply drop it off the side. Lowering it ensures the slip ring stays at the boat end of the slide. My crew used to just drop the slip ring anchor and half the time it would end up getting dragged backwards and wouldn't set.

We ended up getting a slightly larger standard Danforth and it sets every time. Both the slip ring and Danforth have 6 feet of chain.

I agree with the slip ring. I zip tied my slip ring to the end so it does not slip any more... It rarely set right otherwise

[WJT2]

Check out ROCNA Anchors. New style and engineering. Seems to have past the test by inventor. Check it out.

[thinkxingu]

Check out ROCNA Anchors. New style and engineering. Seems to have past the test by inventor. Check it out.
I checked them out, but I already have these two and with a $14 investment it seems I'll be good to go. Thanks, though!

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