[Public-list] Anchor and Rode

[John Birch]

When cruising - particularly in the 1000 Islands, Lake Ontario, I have found 
since going to all chain, 200' 5/16 high tensile, that I can limit my swing 
in anchorages and "sleep like lumber" ; )

We use a SL 555 Sea Tiger windlass to handle the chain and I installed a 
deck washdown system to minimize muck of the chain bringing up mud. On ours 
we have a 45lb CQR with two 33lb Bruces as backup anchors. Had a custom 
offset SS dual bow roller fabricated with oversize cheeks so the chain can't 
jump. Interestingly the bow roller didn't cost much more than two off the 
shelf units would have cost and it is a much better unit, looks good too. 
This holds the CQR and one Bruce. The Bruce is on 50' of chain and 5/8' 
nylon twist. The CQR on 200' chain with an additional 300' of 3/4 nylon 
twist (in case I ever encounter a really deep anchorage say 80' foot).

The deck wash was quite inexpensive to install and has made cleanup a 
breeze, and is useful for the occasional midlake shower - though a bit 
bracing to be sure ... brrrrrr - ohmmmmmmmmmmmm ; )

While this is on an A-37, scaling down for an A-30 would be easily feasible. 
Up here there are a few A-30's on chain and the owners seem to be quite 
happy with the arrangement. Personally, I think a CQR is the best all round 
anchor - although the boat came with 2 danforths, I find they are useless if 
weed or hard bottoms are encountered.

With all the cheap used equipment down in the Annapolis area available, 
buying a used CQR in good shape is not the bank breaker that one is when 
bought new. Combined with all the danforths you guys use in the Chesapeake, 
you could cruise anywhere. One point I discovered the hard way, with no 
damage thank goodness, is that you should have 2 primary grade anchors, in 
case something happens to the first.

My experience anyway.

Cheers,
John


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Gordon Laco" <mainstay at csolve.net>
To: "Alberg 30 Public List -- open to all" <public-list at alberg30.org>
Sent: Wednesday, March 15, 2006 9:19 AM
Subject: Re: [Public-list] Anchor and Rode


> Hi there -
>
> I would suggest that if you have variable water depth, and expect the
> possiblity of wind, you need the best anchoring gear you can afford where
> ever you sail.  Anchoring requirements in the Chesapeake place no less
> hazard than anywhere else!  An anchor cable totalling 120' will allow you 
> to
> anchor with reasonable security in about 20' of water...that is not much.
> In winds over say 20kts you would not be reasonable secure , using
> Danforth's own 7:1 recommendation.
>
> The good thing about an all chain cable is that it artificially increases
> the effect of scope by forcing the boat to pick up the chain before 
> exerting
> a pull on the anchor...and also by ensuring that the pull on the anchor is
> as near horizontal as possible when it does come on.  I think really good
> ground tackle is the cheapest and most effective insurance you can 
> buy...and
> its good seamanship too!
>
> There I go again....
>
> Gord #426
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>> This talk about anchor chain makes me wonder...
>> I would have thought an all chain rode might be
>> overkill here in  the Chesapeake Bay.
>>
>> What anchor and rode combination do you Chesapeake Bay
>> sailors use?
>>
>> I have no experience with the A30 yet, but I would
>> guess that a 20 lb Danforth, 20' of 5/16" chain, and
>> 100' of 7/16" nylon would be about right for most
>> conditions here.  A smaller lunch hook with lighter
>> nylon and no chain is probably OK for mild conditions
>> when the boat is attended.
>>
>> What do those who range to the Keys and the Carribean
>> find they need?
>>
>> Pete
>>
>>
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