Anchor Woes

thinkxingu · 07-22-2015, 03:42 PM

Hi!
Have two Danforth anchors on my boat that are not always easy to set. Is the issue that they're slip ring and maybe I'm going down too quickly, or is it more likely that I need to add some chain (only rope right now)? I'm thinking both, but suggestions requested! 22' pontoon, BTW.

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ishoot308 · 07-22-2015, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

Hi!
Have two Danforth anchors on my boat that are not always easy to set. Is the issue that they're slip ring and maybe I'm going down too quickly, or is it more likely that I need to add some chain (only rope right now)? I'm thinking both, but suggestions requested! 22' pontoon, BTW.

Sent from my XT1528 using Tapatalk

Get yourself a "Digger" anchor for that toon and be done with it. I have had one on all my toons and they are great! No chain needed either to scratch up those pretty sides !!

Dan

HellRaZoR004 · 07-22-2015, 04:10 PM

I had a Danforth anchor that came with the boat when I bought it used. I absolutely hated it. I could not get it to take hold.

Bought one of these and I've had pretty good luck so far - granted it wasn't like Rich's experience in the storm last week...

Now I only use the Danforth for the stern anchor that I set by hand.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...rch_detailpage

ronc4424 · 07-22-2015, 04:30 PM

Google .....box anchor. I ordered the small size online from Bass Pro and had it shipped to Hooksett ( No Sales Tax ). It's not cheap, $159.00 but it's well worth the money. It held 3 pontoons in a stiff breeze last Friday with no problem.

Loub52 · 07-22-2015, 05:37 PM

The only situation I've had consistent success with setting a Danforth is in areas of sandy bottom with vegetation growth where the Danforth has something to grab hold of. Having a digger or similar option is definitely a better bet.

upthesaukee · 07-22-2015, 05:51 PM

One point: make sure you have ample "scope", that is the amount of rode (rope and chain) in relation to the depth of the water. Depending on what article you read, this ratio is usually 7:1 or 8:1. A place we anchor a lot is about 20 ft deep, and I will let out 40-50 ft, not 7:1, but works almost all the time. Once the anchor catches, I will shorten up rope, depending on wave action. Good luck.

I live here... I am always Upthesaukee.

znh · 07-23-2015, 08:33 AM

I've never had a problem with our Danforth style anchor. We do have a nice heavy chain on the first 6 feet of the rode and I think that helps it sit on the bottom and set quickly.

As for the ratio of rode to depth, we've had discussions on here before and I think a lot of people are closer to a 4:1 to 5:1 ratio for letting out rode. We've never come unhooked, but don't really anchor in areas with a lot of wind/current so...

I do need a better rear anchor for the sandbars, the little mushroom one we have is not cutting it...

AC2717 · 07-23-2015, 08:44 AM

chain is key with a Danforth
never had a problem with one

Pricestavern · 07-23-2015, 09:03 AM

You need to get at least 6' heavy chain for the anchor and make sure the anchor is the right size (15lb or so). 7:1 is the standard recommended ratio for scope (10:1 in heavy seas).

A quick search on Google also brought up this article, "The 3 Best Pontoon Boat Anchors for Any Conditions", by Pontoon Guide.com:

URL: http://pontoonguide.com/3-best-ponto...rs-conditions/

thinkxingu · 07-23-2015, 10:24 AM

Do I want lead chain?

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znh · 07-23-2015, 10:31 AM

I would think either Stainless Steel or something Galvenized like the mooring chains are?

http://www.westmarine.com/anchor-chains

Dave R · 07-23-2015, 01:19 PM

Unless you have a windlass, plain old proof coil galvanized chain is all you need. More is better, but comes with the price of more weight to carry. I use 15 feet of 1/4" HT (I need HT to work with my windlass) on my 25' boat with a 22 lb Delta anchor. Once set, it never drags and I usually use 4:1 to 7:1 scope.

With a 22 foot boat, I'd use at least 10 feet of 3/16" chain and at least 3/8" diameter three-strand nylon with a 10 to 15 lb anchor. 20 feet of chain will let you get away with MUCH less scope. So will bigger chain. When setting the anchor, let out at least 7:1 scope, set it with the boat's engine in reverse and make sure the engine can't drag the anchor. After that, you can likely reduce the scope to 4:1 or 5:1 unless it's really windy.

I like to get the bow anchor set with extra scope, then toss (kedge) the stern anchor as far as I can, and reduce the bow anchor scope to tighten and set the stern anchor. My stern anchor is a little 4.4 lb Bruce claw with 4 feet of 3/16" chain and 5/16" nylon three-strand. It sets easily in sand and varaible bottoms, but there are days when it is inadequate even with 12:1 scope. I am limited by my preferred storage spot for it so if it's really windy, I pick an anchorage that does not require a stern anchor.

8gv · 07-23-2015, 01:21 PM

Parafunalia in Gilford has anchor chain of all types from cheapo to fancy.

I would buy some chain before changing anchors.

Toyorelle · 07-23-2015, 01:32 PM

I have Danforth Anchors for my front and back anchors. I have a 27 foot Chaparral. I have the same size front anchor as the back and they are rated for a 35 foot boat with 6 feet of chain on each. It's been 9 years now and once the anchor is in it never moves, even in straight sand. I'd say use a good quality heavy 6 foot chain and you should really notice a difference.

thinkxingu · 07-23-2015, 01:34 PM

OK, sounds like I'll start with chain. Thoughts on the sliding ring aspect? Someone mentioned using a zip tie to keep it at the end as it works better that way and if by chance it got stuck, a tug would break the zip tie to free it.

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AC2717 · 07-23-2015, 01:39 PM

sliding ring should not be a problem with the chain and shackle

also on the lake sometimes better to pull up anchor and ride out the wind in an open spot on the lake if warrented

thinkxingu · 07-23-2015, 01:41 PM

Okie dokie. I guess the only thing I need to make sure now is to get something that won't rust--don't wanna wreck the carpet!

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AC2717 · 07-23-2015, 01:45 PM

galvanized chain is fine, you are in the lake not salt, it will take years to rust. if it is not showing like on a windlass no need to pay the extra for chrome or stainless

Toyorelle · 07-24-2015, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

Okie dokie. I guess the only thing I need to make sure now is to get something that won't rust--don't wanna wreck the carpet!

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Not sure if you are near Sports and Marine Parafunalia, but they offer chains that are coated with a rubber/plastic. I have got 9 good years with them so far and hasn't been an issue storing them in tight spaces.

thinkxingu · 07-26-2015, 08:46 AM

Hi All: rainy day and having breakfast at the Center Harbor Diner, so I thought I'd update (need closure!). Picked up a 4' length of galvanized chain and attached it to my anchor yesterday before anchoring out for a while--the chain made all the difference, even holding us in wakes from boats passing 30-40 feet away. Gonna grab a second chain for my second anchor and I'll be good. $16 total, which is SWEET!

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone!

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DBreskin · 07-27-2015, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

Thoughts on the sliding ring aspect? Someone mentioned using a zip tie to keep it at the end as it works better that way and if by chance it got stuck, a tug would break the zip tie to free it.

The slip ring anchor is sensitive to how it's deployed. You should lower it; do not simply drop it off the side. Lowering it ensures the slip ring stays at the boat end of the slide. My crew used to just drop the slip ring anchor and half the time it would end up getting dragged backwards and wouldn't set.

We ended up getting a slightly larger standard Danforth and it sets every time. Both the slip ring and Danforth have 6 feet of chain.

4Fun · 07-28-2015, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DBreskin

The slip ring anchor is sensitive to how it's deployed. You should lower it; do not simply drop it off the side. Lowering it ensures the slip ring stays at the boat end of the slide. My crew used to just drop the slip ring anchor and half the time it would end up getting dragged backwards and wouldn't set.

We ended up getting a slightly larger standard Danforth and it sets every time. Both the slip ring and Danforth have 6 feet of chain.

I agree with the slip ring. I zip tied my slip ring to the end so it does not slip any more... It rarely set right otherwise

WJT2 · 07-29-2015, 08:45 AM

Check out ROCNA Anchors. New style and engineering. Seems to have past the test by inventor. Check it out.

thinkxingu · 07-29-2015, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WJT2

Check out ROCNA Anchors. New style and engineering. Seems to have past the test by inventor. Check it out.

I checked them out, but I already have these two and with a $14 investment it seems I'll be good to go. Thanks, though!

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07-22-2015, 03:42 PM	#1
thinkxingu Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 6,437 Thanks: 1,182 Thanked 2,140 Times in 1,327 Posts	Anchor Woes Hi! Have two Danforth anchors on my boat that are not always easy to set. Is the issue that they're slip ring and maybe I'm going down too quickly, or is it more likely that I need to add some chain (only rope right now)? I'm thinking both, but suggestions requested! 22' pontoon, BTW. Sent from my XT1528 using Tapatalk

07-22-2015, 04:30 PM	#4
ronc4424 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Danvers,Ma & Ashland,Nh Posts: 71 Thanks: 151 Thanked 18 Times in 11 Posts	Google .....box anchor. I ordered the small size online from Bass Pro and had it shipped to Hooksett ( No Sales Tax ). It's not cheap, $159.00 but it's well worth the money. It held 3 pontoons in a stiff breeze last Friday with no problem. __________________ “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.”

07-22-2015, 05:37 PM	#5
Loub52 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Meredith, NH Posts: 221 Thanks: 218 Thanked 53 Times in 43 Posts	The only situation I've had consistent success with setting a Danforth is in areas of sandy bottom with vegetation growth where the Danforth has something to grab hold of. Having a digger or similar option is definitely a better bet. __________________ Thanks, Loub52

07-22-2015, 05:51 PM	#6
upthesaukee Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Alton Bay Posts: 5,614 Blog Entries: 2 Thanks: 2,483 Thanked 1,987 Times in 1,087 Posts	One point: make sure you have ample "scope", that is the amount of rode (rope and chain) in relation to the depth of the water. Depending on what article you read, this ratio is usually 7:1 or 8:1. A place we anchor a lot is about 20 ft deep, and I will let out 40-50 ft, not 7:1, but works almost all the time. Once the anchor catches, I will shorten up rope, depending on wave action. Good luck. I live here... I am always Upthesaukee. __________________ I Live Here... I am always UPTHESAUKEE !!!!

07-23-2015, 08:44 AM	#8
AC2717 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Maynard, MA & Paugus Bay Posts: 2,587 Thanks: 756 Thanked 356 Times in 268 Posts	chain is key with a Danforth never had a problem with one __________________ Capt. of the "No Worries"

07-22-2015, 04:10 PM	#3
HellRaZoR004 Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Litchfield/Gilford Posts: 828 Thanks: 233 Thanked 224 Times in 131 Posts	I had a Danforth anchor that came with the boat when I bought it used. I absolutely hated it. I could not get it to take hold. Bought one of these and I've had pretty good luck so far - granted it wasn't like Rich's experience in the storm last week... Now I only use the Danforth for the stern anchor that I set by hand. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...rch_detailpage

07-23-2015, 08:33 AM	#7
znh Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 156 Thanks: 30 Thanked 40 Times in 25 Posts	I've never had a problem with our Danforth style anchor. We do have a nice heavy chain on the first 6 feet of the rode and I think that helps it sit on the bottom and set quickly. As for the ratio of rode to depth, we've had discussions on here before and I think a lot of people are closer to a 4:1 to 5:1 ratio for letting out rode. We've never come unhooked, but don't really anchor in areas with a lot of wind/current so... I do need a better rear anchor for the sandbars, the little mushroom one we have is not cutting it...

07-23-2015, 09:03 AM	#9
Pricestavern Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Valencia, Spain (formerly Rattlesnake Isle) Posts: 389 Thanks: 135 Thanked 142 Times in 82 Posts	Chain Required, and Scope You need to get at least 6' heavy chain for the anchor and make sure the anchor is the right size (15lb or so). 7:1 is the standard recommended ratio for scope (10:1 in heavy seas). A quick search on Google also brought up this article, "The 3 Best Pontoon Boat Anchors for Any Conditions", by Pontoon Guide.com: URL: http://pontoonguide.com/3-best-ponto...rs-conditions/

07-23-2015, 10:24 AM	#10
thinkxingu Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 6,437 Thanks: 1,182 Thanked 2,140 Times in 1,327 Posts	Do I want lead chain? Sent from my XT1528 using Tapatalk

07-23-2015, 10:31 AM	#11
znh Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 156 Thanks: 30 Thanked 40 Times in 25 Posts	I would think either Stainless Steel or something Galvenized like the mooring chains are? http://www.westmarine.com/anchor-chains

07-23-2015, 01:19 PM	#12
Dave R Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 2,985 Thanks: 246 Thanked 744 Times in 444 Posts	Unless you have a windlass, plain old proof coil galvanized chain is all you need. More is better, but comes with the price of more weight to carry. I use 15 feet of 1/4" HT (I need HT to work with my windlass) on my 25' boat with a 22 lb Delta anchor. Once set, it never drags and I usually use 4:1 to 7:1 scope. With a 22 foot boat, I'd use at least 10 feet of 3/16" chain and at least 3/8" diameter three-strand nylon with a 10 to 15 lb anchor. 20 feet of chain will let you get away with MUCH less scope. So will bigger chain. When setting the anchor, let out at least 7:1 scope, set it with the boat's engine in reverse and make sure the engine can't drag the anchor. After that, you can likely reduce the scope to 4:1 or 5:1 unless it's really windy. I like to get the bow anchor set with extra scope, then toss (kedge) the stern anchor as far as I can, and reduce the bow anchor scope to tighten and set the stern anchor. My stern anchor is a little 4.4 lb Bruce claw with 4 feet of 3/16" chain and 5/16" nylon three-strand. It sets easily in sand and varaible bottoms, but there are days when it is inadequate even with 12:1 scope. I am limited by my preferred storage spot for it so if it's really windy, I pick an anchorage that does not require a stern anchor.

07-23-2015, 01:21 PM	#13
8gv Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 2,129 Thanks: 64 Thanked 754 Times in 488 Posts	Parafunalia in Gilford has anchor chain of all types from cheapo to fancy. I would buy some chain before changing anchors.

The Following User Says Thank You to 8gv For This Useful Post:
AC2717 (07-23-2015)

07-23-2015, 01:32 PM	#14
Toyorelle Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Dracut / West Alton Posts: 37 Thanks: 12 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Danforth I have Danforth Anchors for my front and back anchors. I have a 27 foot Chaparral. I have the same size front anchor as the back and they are rated for a 35 foot boat with 6 feet of chain on each. It's been 9 years now and once the anchor is in it never moves, even in straight sand. I'd say use a good quality heavy 6 foot chain and you should really notice a difference.

07-23-2015, 01:34 PM	#15
thinkxingu Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 6,437 Thanks: 1,182 Thanked 2,140 Times in 1,327 Posts	OK, sounds like I'll start with chain. Thoughts on the sliding ring aspect? Someone mentioned using a zip tie to keep it at the end as it works better that way and if by chance it got stuck, a tug would break the zip tie to free it. Sent from my XT1528 using Tapatalk

07-23-2015, 01:39 PM	#16
AC2717 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Maynard, MA & Paugus Bay Posts: 2,587 Thanks: 756 Thanked 356 Times in 268 Posts	sliding ring should not be a problem with the chain and shackle also on the lake sometimes better to pull up anchor and ride out the wind in an open spot on the lake if warrented __________________ Capt. of the "No Worries"

07-23-2015, 01:41 PM	#17
thinkxingu Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 6,437 Thanks: 1,182 Thanked 2,140 Times in 1,327 Posts	Okie dokie. I guess the only thing I need to make sure now is to get something that won't rust--don't wanna wreck the carpet! Sent from my XT1528 using Tapatalk

07-23-2015, 01:45 PM	#18
AC2717 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Maynard, MA & Paugus Bay Posts: 2,587 Thanks: 756 Thanked 356 Times in 268 Posts	galvanized chain is fine, you are in the lake not salt, it will take years to rust. if it is not showing like on a windlass no need to pay the extra for chrome or stainless __________________ Capt. of the "No Worries"

07-26-2015, 08:46 AM	#20
thinkxingu Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 6,437 Thanks: 1,182 Thanked 2,140 Times in 1,327 Posts	Hi All: rainy day and having breakfast at the Center Harbor Diner, so I thought I'd update (need closure!). Picked up a 4' length of galvanized chain and attached it to my anchor yesterday before anchoring out for a while--the chain made all the difference, even holding us in wakes from boats passing 30-40 feet away. Gonna grab a second chain for my second anchor and I'll be good. $16 total, which is SWEET! Thanks for the suggestions, everyone! Sent from my XT1528 using Tapatalk

07-29-2015, 08:45 AM	#23
WJT2 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Foxborough MA Posts: 176 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 4 Thanked 50 Times in 31 Posts	Anchor Woes Check out ROCNA Anchors. New style and engineering. Seems to have past the test by inventor. Check it out.

The Following User Says Thank You to WJT2 For This Useful Post:
fanfig77200 (08-07-2015)