lost my anchor and chain today

J

jim_m5

Member
Aug 19, 2008
275
Woodstock, GA
Boat Info
340 Sundancer 2000
Engines
7.4L 310hp V-Drives
Can anyone pls advise on size anchor and size chain I need for a 2000 Sea Ray 340. It has the lohran windlass. I am a lake boater so I am thinking I only need 15' of chain. I have 200' of rope. Also not sure how to attach chain to rope so it rides thru the windlass cleanly. Appreciate guidance.
 
How did you lose the chain & anchor? I'm curious if your rope/chain splice failed.

You probably need a 22# plow style anchor, and the chain is likely 5/16". The chain is attached to the rope using a rope/chain splice. There is plenty of info and diagrams on the web about how to do a rope/chain splice.
 
anchor was wedged, could not get it up. Tried to tie it off to a cleat. Foward, reverse and then rope broke from chain. I believe it was the factory supplied unit. Must have been a large tree down there. Seems like I need to get specfic type anchro for the windlass and chute.
 
I just need the right chain. Looks like 5/16" galvanized. Can I get that at Home Depot or Lowes?
 
No! It has to fit the Windlass' Gypsy (rotary chain grabbin' thingy). There are very specific criteria, but, that is not to say that they don't have it at HD. Make sure you get the right stuff. I just added 150' of chain - the easy way. A buddy ordered 500' and I got my share.
 
so what is the trick on how not to lose an anchor? How can you avoid it getting wedged and not being able to get it out?
 
Can I use any 22lb Plow anchor? Or do I need get a self-launch like this one for the anchor chute/roller (bottom). The one on the (top) is half the price but does not look like it has the extra angle on it.

59740_1.jpg




delta.jpg
 
Some people on here have had a problem with different replacement anchors fitting properly without contacting the hull. I'm not sure what kind you need, but I'm pretty sure not all anchors will fit like the original. Maybe someone with first hand experience can chime in.
 
If you have a chute like this, which my guess is that you do, (same year as my boat), consider a new CQR with the hinge.
NehalenniaProjectsPre-Trip7-12-08.jpg

http://marinepartdepot.com/anchor.html

I also bought a swivel to connect the anchor shank to the chain and had the fasteners welded.
http://marinepartdepot.com/new316ststhe4.html
yhst-17525248830734_2122_227216


As the above suggests, make sure you get the proper chain for your windlass and a "chain splice" to connect your rode to your chain.
 
Todd,

Thanks. Nice looking anchor you have. I bought a Delta 22lb Plow at West Marine for $150, added a 10' chain and swivel for another $50. Same anchor as what came stock on boat. I do like yours. I did the back splice (chain/rope) on my own, not perfect but I think good enough. Will test on the windlass tomorrow.Tell me...do you stress about losing the anchor? Have you ever lost one? Have any tips?
 
I'm a lake boater too. Usually on the hook for 2-3 days at a time and then move to another spot.

Lost an anchor last year; bent one up real good this year when it got stuck.

You just do not know what is on the bottom of the lake...

I use all chain so there is no chance of rope breaking. I ususally anchor in 30' deep water in protected coves.

It's just the price you pay for lake anchoring, I guess.
 
390pi said:
I'm a lake boater too. Usually on the hook for 2-3 days at a time and then move to another spot.

Lost an anchor last year; bent one up real good this year when it got stuck.

You just do not know what is on the bottom of the lake...

I use all chain so there is no chance of rope breaking. I ususally anchor in 30' deep water in protected coves.

It's just the price you pay for lake anchoring, I guess.
Click to expand...


Chain can get you into as much trouble as the anchor. Shallow water anchoring does not require more than 10-15' of lead chain. Also try anchor saver....it works .
 
Here is a trick we used when I was in the Coast Guard Aux. Make a de-anchoring device. Take about 14" or so of 3/8 or heavier chain and slip about a 4" section of rubber hose to the middle of the chain. Then attach a shackle to bring the ends together. When needed position the boat dieectly over the anchor keeping the anchor line tight. Now undo the shackle and put arround the stuck anchor line and attach another line to the shackle also. If there is another boat to help is works better but lower the de-anchor device down the line to the anchor, it will follow the anchor shank and end up at the stuck end of the anchor. Now either have the helping boat or your boat take the line attached to the de-anchoring device and pull in opposite direction that the anchor is set and most of the time this will pull a stuck anchor out of its situation. Cheap, easy and take little room to store.
 
Collector,

That seems to be a clever idea but won't the chain loop slide up the main chain as you pull it?
 
jim_m5 said:
Collector,

That seems to be a clever idea but won't the chain loop slide up the main chain as you pull it?
Click to expand...

Nope because you are going to pull the anchor up in the opposite direction. For example if the boat is anchored in a North South line, you get right over the anchor and drop the chain loop. The anchor should be hooked so that the stem is pointing south, almost parallel to the bottom. Now slack off the rode, secure the "Collector" line and move the boat in a north direction. The chain keeps moving north until it snags in the anchor's hook. Now it will back the hook out from the obstruction.

Henry
 
Just got back from the lake and took a picture of mine while there. Here it is.
 
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