Anchor Size

[Fr. Frank]

More important than the anchor is having the proper size and amount of chain and rode deployed.

For instance, I know that a 12# plow anchor will hold a 23' Tsunami/Scepter in the channel at Bahia Honda, with the current running 7 knots, AND in a thunderstorm with 50 knot winds and not drag even a little bit...IF it has the proper length and size chain, sufficient rode deployed, and the anchor properly set

I've held bottom in that location with my 23' Tsunami when a sudden squall came up in the middle of the flood tide and I was unable to start my motor. We didn't drag an inch. I was anchored in 22' of water with a Spade model 40 12# galvanized anchor hooked to 24' of 5/16" grade 40 chain which was in turn shackled to about 150' of deployed 3/8" nylon anchor line (out of 600' on board). I had to get a jump start later to get back to the ramp.

Oldtimers (like me) will tell you truthfully that the proper length of chain for your primary anchor in ordinary conditions is the length of your hull. Not an inch less. The correct length of anchor rode (chain + anchor line) to deploy is 7 times the depth (7:1) in windy or high current conditions, down to a minimum of 4 times the depth (4:1) in calm conditions.

I still use a Spade model 40 on my 18' SeaCraft, but only 300' of anchor line. I also carry an extra Spade anchor on board, broken down and stowed in the hull, along with an additional 300' of line and 20' of chain.