Anchor Storage Fitment - 2005 185

Jmunk

New Member
Apr 18, 2011
14
VA
Boat Info
1998 180BR
Engines
3.0L
I need a new anchor, the one that came with this boat is a navy anchor. I’m looking at fluke style anchors. Typically the bottom is mud/sand where I am. Anyone know what size anchor fits in the anchor storage area in the bow? I want to make sure whatever I get will fit in the storage compartment.
 
A 13 lbs. Danforth should be the right size for your boat.
 
A 13 lbs. Danforth should be the right size for your boat.
Ooof. That's way overkill for a small boat. :)

Jmunk... different brands of fluke style anchors (Danforth is one particular brand) have different measurements. You'll want to measure the area - your best bet is going to be to go to a local marine retailer and see what fits within the parameters of your measurements. Ideally, just take the boat with you to the store.
 
Ooof. That's way overkill for a small boat. :)

This post goes against so many CSR guiding principals it seems :):) What next, we're going to be allowed to tell people 6.2L engines are perfectly okay for 340 Sea Rays? Gas engines are just great in 400's? This seems like a slippery slope, @Lazy Daze

:)
 
I use a Fortress Anchor, FX-11 I believe, that holds extremely well. I use it on the Mississippi and Lake Superior. It’s extremely light weight and easy to handle. You will want to use chain for the 1st 6’ or so. An FX-7 would probably be just fine for your boat.
 
This post goes against so many CSR guiding principals it seems :):) What next, we're going to be allowed to tell people 6.2L engines are perfectly okay for 340 Sea Rays? Gas engines are just great in 400's? This seems like a slippery slope, @Lazy Daze

:)
Don't get me wrong - bigger is almost NEVER bad when it comes to anything about boats. But here we're only talking an 18' boat and that size anchor just isn't needed. Is it OK to use that size anchor? Absolutely - go for it. But honestly, it's a waste of money when a smaller and less expensive anchor will be TOTALLY fine to use.

Note... Danforth anchors are excellent anchors. My comments aren't about whether or not they are good.

If he's just looking for an anchor to do some basic day anchoring... keep it simple. Get a $40 Tie Down anchor (or similar "middle of the road" brand) and some chain. It WILL do the job :)
 
Mud, sand, weeds.....pfffft. It's all about whether you have a current or not. Or windy days.

Whatever the "book" or mfg web site says, go one size bigger. That is if you actually NEED to anchor.

I'm not familiar with the bow seating of a 180. But, simply decide on what anchor you want, get the dimensions and then cut out a scale size piece of cardboard. That will tell you if it will fit or not.
 
You might be happier with a delta stye anchor in mud and sand. A fluke will hold quite well, and that could be a problem. They don't reset as well on a 180° swing, which could lead to bent shanks or flukes. (ask me how I know)

Either way, take a look at the prevailing anchor style on similar sized boats in your area. That should give you a good idea of what works best.
 
You might be happier with a delta stye anchor in mud and sand. A fluke will hold quite well, and that could be a problem. They don't reset as well on a 180° swing, which could lead to bent shanks or flukes. (ask me how I know

I've never used anything except a fluke style anchor but did just have this conversation with a dock neighbor. He has a large delta anchor and his wife/windlass loves it "because its so easy to pull up". The fact that they've broken free in storms repeatedly hasn't clicked with either of them yet.

I often have to use the forward momentum of the boat to dislodge mine and have never moved an inch at anchor. My anchorage is soft sand/mud.

Fluke style anchors (for me at least) suck on a weedy bottom though.
 
I've never used anything except a fluke style anchor but did just have this conversation with a dock neighbor. He has a large delta anchor and his wife/windlass loves it "because its so easy to pull up". The fact that they've broken free in storms repeatedly hasn't clicked with either of them yet.

I often have to use the forward momentum of the boat to dislodge mine and have never moved an inch at anchor. My anchorage is soft sand/mud.

Fluke style anchors (for me at least) suck on a weedy bottom though.

I wouldn't trust any anchor in a storm. That's what marinas are for. Of course I suppose it depends on your neighbor's definition of storm.
 
I've never used anything except a fluke style anchor but did just have this conversation with a dock neighbor. He has a large delta anchor and his wife/windlass loves it "because its so easy to pull up". The fact that they've broken free in storms repeatedly hasn't clicked with either of them yet.

I often have to use the forward momentum of the boat to dislodge mine and have never moved an inch at anchor. My anchorage is soft sand/mud.

Fluke style anchors (for me at least) suck on a weedy bottom though.
I don't think the fact your friends repeatedly break free necessarily says anything about a delta style anchor. Maybe they don't have the right size or don't know how to anchor anyway, like correct scope.

My 270SD came with a fluke style anchor to fit it's built in anchor hanger/storage spot. I don't know if the OP has that or not. Either way I'd rule out a delta style just because of the awkwardness of storing it.
 
I've never used anything except a fluke style anchor but did just have this conversation with a dock neighbor. He has a large delta anchor and his wife/windlass loves it "because its so easy to pull up". The fact that they've broken free in storms repeatedly hasn't clicked with either of them yet.

I often have to use the forward momentum of the boat to dislodge mine and have never moved an inch at anchor. My anchorage is soft sand/mud.

Fluke style anchors (for me at least) suck on a weedy bottom though.

Even if they didn't hold as well, I'd still want the Delta. Fluke anchors just look silly on the front of a big cruiser...in my opinion...

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upload_2023-4-25_13-42-58.png
 
I don't think the fact your friends repeatedly break free necessarily says anything about a delta style anchor. Maybe they don't have the right size or don't know how to anchor anyway, like correct scope.

My 270SD came with a fluke style anchor to fit it's built in anchor hanger/storage spot. I don't know if the OP has that or not. Either way I'd rule out a delta style just because of the awkwardness of storing it.
I agree with this on both statements.

We need to remember that the OP (who hasn't been back, yet) has a small boat. A fluke is the most convenient style.
 
This is the anchor I used with my 185, it worked great and with the slip ring shank it was easy to get unstuck the few times that happened.

Amazon.com: Seachoice Utility Anchor w/ Slip Ring, Size 7E, Galvanized Steel : Industrial & Scientific
That's funny. I used slip ring fluke for eons. Then, my new boat came with the accessory package and the anchor was a solid shaft, no slip ring. I decided to try it and it holds better than any I've had before. I bought a similar one for my other boat and it works better there as well.
 
Thanks for all the suggestions. It’s interesting to see everyone’s preference.

I ended up with a 8lb Lewmar (LEWHKG-S8) fluke style. It’s designed for smaller anchor lockers and fits well in this boat.
 

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