Anchor weight or Chain length

[Blue197320]

hi
sometimes i have trouble anchoring my 20SF in 60 ft of water. sometimes i have to let out more than 200ft of anchor line. i was thinking of getting a bigger anchor or maybe just getting a longer and heavier chain for it. what size anchors and chains do you use for your 20's?

[fdheld34]

Evan..on my Seafari
I use a 12 lb lewmar horizon fluke anchor and 10 ft of 1/4" anchor chain, w/ 3/8" line. Works good for me.. I did have one of those vinyl covered anchors and chain that I bought as a package deal from a big outlet store..did not work at all..no matter how much line I let out.. but good for anchoring aft if needed!!!
Found the lewmar horizon for cheap on line..I believe it is discontinued..but it works great and I do not have to let out tons of line for it to hold.

[Blue197320]

i went out to the boat and checked what size anchor i have. its 8 lbs and im just using the chain it came with. seems like 1/4" but not very long. probably 5 feet.

[Islandtrader]

For good anchoring, your chain should be as long as your boat.

Tests have shown that the correct size anchor of any reputable design pulled horizontally, is more likely to hold than an oversize anchor pulled upwards.

I think more chain would help.

[Blue197320]

so you think i dont really need bigger heavier chain just longer chain?

[McGillicuddy]

Ditto what Island Trader said. More chain.

[JohnB]

15' of chain, perferrably 3/8" with 12-15 pound anchor will hold great. That is what I have on my 23' Sceptre.

[Fr. Frank]

Ideal is 7 feet of rode for each foot of depth, minimum is 4 to 1. Safe anchoring in 60' of water should use 240' of anchor rode minimum. Chain length should be approximate length of your boat.

On my Seafari, I have 400' of 3/8" rode (2 x 200') with 20' of 5/16" galvanized chain, hooked to a 14lb galvanized Fortress anchor (Danforth type).

One trick I have seen used with short chain length was the hooking of an 8lb downrigger weight to the bitter end of the chain, so as to hold it horizontal on the bottom.

[Blue197320]

thats a pretty good idea with the downrigger ball. since i have today off im going to get some longer and little bit bigger chain. im also going to attach the chain at the bottom of the anchor so if it gets stuck i can pull it out that way.

[Ryank]

I use 35' of chain and a 15lb claw style anchor. Having had my share of headaches in the past I did my homework and found everyone who ever used the claw liked it better then everything else. I have to say it has impressed the #$% out of me with its holding power, and ease of retrieval. Also they are very cheap even at west marine.