280 DA Anchor size

[Henry Boyd]

Looking for some feedback on our 2002 280 DA with the OEM anchor. I was down at the boatyard last weekend getting the last of the stuff off of Bella with a friend who opined as we removed the anchor, chain and line, that the anchor was probably 30 pounds too light. Since my friend does have extensive off shore sailing and cruising experience, I tend to take his advice seriously.

I have noticed that getting a good hook in a current is tough. That has not been a problem because as our anchoring spots are usually secluded and calm. And since an anchor upgrade would probably result in a new gypsy/windlass, as well as increase the weight out on the bow, I am reluctant to add this to my winter to do list (and that is long enough as it is).

That being said, the anchor is part of the safety equipment and may be needed in a spot that I don't get to choose.

So what is eveyone else's experience? Anyone done an upgrade? Switch from plow to danforth?

Thanks

Henry

 

[Alex D]

Looking for some feedback on our 2002 280 DA with the OEM anchor. I was down at the boatyard last weekend getting the last of the stuff off of Bella with a friend who opined as we removed the anchor, chain and line, that the anchor was probably 30 pounds too light. Since my friend does have extensive off shore sailing and cruising experience, I tend to take his advice seriously.

I have noticed that getting a good hook in a current is tough. That has not been a problem because as our anchoring spots are usually secluded and calm. And since an anchor upgrade would probably result in a new gypsy/windlass, as well as increase the weight out on the bow, I am reluctant to add this to my winter to do list (and that is long enough as it is).

That being said, the anchor is part of the safety equipment and may be needed in a spot that I don't get to choose.

So what is eveyone else's experience? Anyone done an upgrade? Switch from plow to danforth?

Thanks

Henry

being partial to plough anchors, a 280DA should do okay with a 14 lbs. Delta fast set. If you want to make sure, get a 22 lbs. Delta Fast Set. That's what I have and it's a really great anchor! My favorite anchor by a large margin. it sets better than the original 22 lbs. Kodiak I had as the OEM anchore before I had to cut her lose.:smt009

 

[LtCdr. Augs]

I'm a fan of Bruce Anchors but pity they've exited the yacht business. Still you can find them on ebay and other places. Remember scope and rode are as important as the anchor.

http://www.boatus.org/onlinecourse/ReviewPages/BoatUSF/Project/info5e.htm

Correct chain rode laid out to get the correct angle for the anchor to hold is just as important as the anchor itself.

Here's an ebay search on Bruce Anchors....you can use the link above to figure out what holding power you need.

http://search.ebay.com/bruce-anchor_W0QQfnuZ1QQfsooZ1QQfsopZ3QQxpufuZx

7:1Augs

 

[jrcinnh]

Someone bought the pleasure boat size Bruce anchors, I'm thinking Lemar but I'm not 100%

 

[LtCdr. Augs]

Presently North Star is selling Bruce Anchors as well as Lewmar. I suppose both are under license.

FlukeAugs

 

[jrcinnh]

I had 22lb Kodiak and never had problems setting it. He said you anchor was 30 lbs to light. Assuming you have at least 14 lbs already, he thinks you need 44 lbs for a 28 foot boat.

Well assuming you can carry it, you can never have too much anchor but that's a lot bigger than most anchor manufacturers recommend. As for plow versus danforth, that depends a lot on where you anchor. Ask the locals for that advice.

 

[Henry Boyd]

In following the link on anchor sizing I noticed that there is a sail vs power difference in determining anchor size. My friend's background is mainly sail, so his estimate may be off for the 280. I do know the anchor on his boat (36' Bristol Sloop) is about fifty pounds. That boat weighs 12,000 lbs (vs 10 ish for our overstuffed 280), so the difference in anchors is kind of extreme (14 pounds vs 50).

Henry

 

[Alex D]

Well assuming you can carry it, you can never have too much anchor

I am not sure that is entirely true ... you don't want an anchor your windlass struggles to handle or pull out of the mud ....

 

[jrcinnh]

Alex, you're of course right in the extreme, but too big is usually safer than too small.

Please don't put me on the "how accurate..." thread :grin: :lol: :grin:

 

[LtCdr. Augs]

bwahahaaa!

SpecificityAugs

 

[sbw1]

As mentioned before, had the danforth, fortress and now delta. We anchor in sand, gravel and clay plus some weedy areas. Delta with 25-30 feet of chain plus poly is the only thing that has worked reliably. It seldom takes more than a minute to set the anchor and after a good blow it is hard to raise. We sleep on the boat in all kinds of good and bad weather and never think about breaking loose even in a blow. I used to get up and check but don't do that now unless there is a he33 of a storm.

 

[Henry Boyd]

bwahahaaa!

SpecificityAugs

Is that bwa- hah - aaaa, or bwah- a - haaa?