Anchor help

[Florin {VACATIONER}]

We bought a Danforth anchor designed for 17-20' boats... I'm assuming it is sized for plastic heavy boats and should do us quite fine. About how much chain length and link size do we need, and what kind/size of rode should we use and approximately how long...

Thanks

[tdrown]

If I recall correctly, "Chappman's Piloiting" recomends 150'. If you follow the 1:5 ratio (1' depth to 5' rode) then I would make a mark every 5' (I put a piece of duct tape) so you know how much rode to pay out.

[tdrown]

Now that I'm home I can check the book. It indeed reads 150' rode, 3/8"size, with a 3/16" sized chain at 10' long (1/2' chain per LOA). It recomends either twisted or 'double-braided' nylon line, the former for its elasticity and the former for its resistance to twisting and kinks. It should have a thimble spliced on an end and shackle to attach it to the chain. Keep the shackle pin lubricated so it does not sieze but put a cable tie through the hole in the pin to prevent it from it working out. The book recomends making marks a little further apart than I did, 20'.

[Florin {VACATIONER}]

Thanks a lot for your help. 150' sounds doable. I was worried I had to stowe 3-400' in the forepeak... Imagine what would happen when that becomes entangled... and it will...trust me, it will!!! I get help from the crew.

Thanks

[tdrown]

the former for its elasticity and the former for its resistance to twisting and kinks.

That should read "the former" and "the latter"

(1/2' chain per LOA).

6" per foot LOA

you also might want to think about puting a swivel at the anchor and also having a storm anchor or a float to help absorb shock in rough conditions.

[Florin {VACATIONER}]

That sounds more like it... Thanks a lot. Off to the boat store we go.

Thanks