Anchor Suggestions?

dburne

dburne

New Member
Jun 8, 2012
590
Nashville TN
Boat Info
2013 Sea Ray 190 Sport
Engines
4.3 MPI Mercruiser Alpha One
Hey gang,

I need to get a new anchor. I have had the following mushroom anchor for a couple of seasons now, and the vinyl coating on it is wearing off and looking pretty rough.

http://www.overtons.com/modperl/pro...ns-Vinyl-Coated-15-lb-Mushroom-Anchor&i=74514

This 15 lb anchor has done an ok job for us, generally keeps the boat in place unless winds get up say about 10-15 mph. I like it being a mushroom style, if it hangs on something I can usually get it worked free.

Anyway, in looking for another anchor, I saw this style and can get it in a little heavier weight, they offer both a 20lb and a 28lb.
Only thing concerns me is the style, I wonder if it would be more prone to getting hung up on me?

http://www.overtons.com/modperl/pro...ted-Navy-15-lb-Anchor-For-Boats-Up-14&i=80595

Would be curious on what you guys use as well.

Thanks for any suggestions,
 
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Deleted. Didn't see the full post (only got the first word on my phone).
 
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I haver never liked the mushroom style. Too heavy for the weak holding power. Up here (bottom is normally mud or sand with varying weed levels). We use danforth style (folds flat), delta, or Bruce generally. Bruce and delta dont fold but they hold realy well. There are some god websites that compare the pross and cons of each time. Personally I like the Bruce style and have one for my main anchor and my portable stern one.
 
Thanks for the tips guys, I will certainly look further into it.

Based on just what I have seen come up with my anchor, I would say the lake we mainly boat on is more mud and rock than anything.
Oftentimes the mushroom anchor will get hung on something, not sure if a rock a limb or what, but by pulling on the rope and getting the boat to the opposite side I am typically able to get it to come right back up.
I also want something that will fit under the center front cushion compartment, so I need to keep that in mind as well. The 15lb mushroom fits in there nicely.

Thanks,
 
Mushroom anchors are not intended for sport boats. Mushrooms are intended for lighter boats such as canoes, small fishing boats, etc. They mainly get their holding power from the weight of the anchor therefor they are not the best to use in windy conditions.

You will want a Fortress anchor... this is the most common and versatile anchor as it accommodates most bottom conditions. A 4 lb anchor will be plenty for your size boat and you will need about 6' of chain to go along with it.

http://www.boemarine.com/fortress-guardian-g-7-4lb-anchor/

An alternative to the Fortress is a coated version if you are concerned about scratching your boat. Fortress anchors are pretty raw.

http://www.overtons.com/modperl/pro...chor-for-boats-up-24&i=72106&r=view&from=grid

Another option is the Digger anchor. This anchor holds well and has a quick release mechanism in case you get it stuck in rocks, etc. This is the anchor that I use for my 20' boat and it works very well in almost all conditions except really heavy weeds. The other benefit is that it does not need a chain.

http://www.amazon.com/Digger-Anchor...&qid=1401654163&sr=1-2&keywords=Digger+Anchor
 
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Thanks for the references and links Tonka, I really appreciate that.

I am leaning toward going ahead and spending the money on that Digger. I like the quick release option, hopefully will keep me from ever losing it due to it being stuck, plus I guess no chain needed.

I am curious though, why would the other two need a chain?
 
dburne said:
Thanks for the references and links Tonka, I really appreciate that.

I am leaning toward going ahead and spending the money on that Digger. I like the quick release option, hopefully will keep me from ever losing it due to it being stuck, plus I guess no chain needed.

I am curious though, why would the other two need a chain?
Click to expand...

My pleasure.....

Most anchors that dig into the bottom require chain to hold down the anchor shaft to help the anchor dig in and to hold it on the bottom once it's dug in. Chain prevents chaffing that can happen to plain rode (rope) on rocky bottoms. Your size boat would only require 6' of chain connected to the anchor then the chain is connected to the rode. Most 6' chain sections will have a rubber coating.

Here's a good image that illustrates the need for chain.

Chains-500x389.jpg
 
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Thanks so much for all the help guys! Think I will go with the coated Greenfield and chain.
 
Good discussion in this thread. My 190 came with the 2nd anchor posted (Greenfield Coated) and I have used it in rocks, sand, and mud bottoms so far it's held well.

I have a question on anchors while up on the beach. The 190 really only has room for one anchor in the "anchor locker" it has in the bow. I would like a line from each stern cleat to the beach to keep the boat from turning when waves come. I saw this weekend that some of the larger boats have the dog line type screw ins. One guy had large yellow ones that would be really nice because it was so visible. Anyone have a source? Thanks.
 
Great thread, I'm on a bit of a smaller 180 size searay, where would you boys put a Danforth on that boat? Would you go up in that much weight? My 180 only has tiny little stashes under the front seats, which are filled up with extra pillows, a blanket etc.


Seeing winds in the 20 mph with a few gusts and would like to pretty much stay put on some of the smaller lakes we go to.

Alan
 
Scott9000 said:
Good discussion in this thread. My 190 came with the 2nd anchor posted (Greenfield Coated) and I have used it in rocks, sand, and mud bottoms so far it's held well.

I have a question on anchors while up on the beach. The 190 really only has room for one anchor in the "anchor locker" it has in the bow. I would like a line from each stern cleat to the beach to keep the boat from turning when waves come. I saw this weekend that some of the larger boats have the dog line type screw ins. One guy had large yellow ones that would be really nice because it was so visible. Anyone have a source? Thanks.
Click to expand...

I use a SandSpike (SandSpike.com) for my big boat when beached, and a smaller device for the little boat. The little one is basically just a 3 or 4' long 3/8" rod with a bent loop on the top to hold the rope, but there are lots of similar devices which take up very little space in the boat.
 
Another great accessory in your anchor locker or wherever you store your locker - a heavy pair of leather work gloves. Makes pulling on the rope a lot easier on the hands.

Good reminders - always anchor from the bow, and you can gently power out a stuck anchor. Just use a very subtle touch and you rarely have to pull the rope more then a few degrees the opposite direction before it lets loose.

A bow anchor locker makes life a lot easier. A must have feature on any boat. I was just lucky mine had one, I didn't know how valuable it would be.
 
I have a 185 on a lake (mostly clay bottom) and a 25 foot cc at the coast (sand and mud). I use a digger on both. For the size I haven't seen anything that will hold better. I have also used it in a mountain lake with no problem.
 
Placed the order this evening for the Greenfield anchor and chain. Excited to try it out, doubt will get it in time for this weekend, but certainly should have for the following weekend.

Thanks again for all the great feedback all!
 
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