[BigLew]

I've got 300' of good quality 9/16s nylon twist with 20-25' of 3/8's chain. That is good for 40 feet of water in a substantial blow/curent/wave height condition. 7:1 is the traditional max holding power rode/depth ratio and SUBSTANTIAL sized chain only increases the system's holding power because it works as a very efficient sentinel. I have a Scepter (5000# wet)and would have NO problem increasing that to 500' if space were the only consideration. The limiting factor usually ends up being who or what is going to provide the lifting power to get that anchor+ chain+ WET rode back in the boat and how long is it going to take.

For me the answer was dictated when one of my good friends, who is 240# plus and very strong, slipped on a wet and boucing deck and did a real number on his knee. If it hadn't been him it would of been my son who at 165# was bench pressing 275+. I bought a windlass and have GLADLY never looked back. No reason to go up front when you don't want to.

I also carry a neat rig that uses a "fender" ball about 18" in diameter and a 5" stainless ring that will break the anchor loose and will lift the anchor, provided I have room to maneuver at moderate speeds. A great back up! There are some things on your boats that are survival systems - charts bearing compass and binoculars, PLANNING FOR THE WORST, good life jackets, adequate worst case anchoring systems, more than the minimum # flares, CURRENT Tow Boat US card, spare prop, extra alkaline batteries for the handheld VHF which can be used with BOTH rechargable and non-rechargables, etc.

Just my 2 cents.