Weight of Stern Anchor?

[Our Serenity]

How heavy should a stern anchor be for a 2000 260 Sundancer? We were given a little 10 lb anchor as a gift and I would love to use it if possible. If we put some length of chain and rope on it, would it be sufficient to act as a stern anchor for our boat when we stay overnight near an island that is relatively sheltered from the wind with a water depth of up to 15' (at high tide)?

A related question for other 260 DA owners: where do you keep your stern anchors? Note, we have a windlass for our regular anchor.

Thanks much!

 

[Nehalennia]

I don't carry a stern anchor. I do have a spare 10LB Danforth style I'll use if I intend to but, it's rare. Where we anchor we always need to make sure our bow's into the wind and/or current

 

[Our Serenity]

I failed to mention in the original post that it is a Navy anchor.

Thanks Todd for the quick response!

 

[avguy]

We've got a 15lb river anchor & a 10lb mushroom anchor. Neither one is worth a hoot should the wind kick up at all. As Todd said I put the bow to the wind when possible but sometimes that just puts us facing the shore rather than the lake. I'm going to buy another Fortress. Once it's set that's it.

 

[Loneranger]

I carry a guardian G-16 as my stern anchor. It is light enough to use to keep the back from swinging if in a crowded anchorage or a lunch hook; yet it is big enough to double as a main anchor if I were to lose the main ground tackle. This is not so important for me on inland waters but if I were on the coast this is definitely what I would do.

I also would vote for the Guardian or the Fortress although the Guardian is a lot cheaper.

John

 

[Nehalennia]

Navy anchor?

 

[Our Serenity]

I understand the need to point the bow to the wind but I was considering the stern anchor in the event there are a bunch a boats around. Here is a picture of a navy anchor (ours is not black).

Perhaps it will be better off in our front garden rather than on the boat?

 

[Spot]

plow anchor


Navy anchor


Danforth anchor



Rocking chair anchor



Mushroom anchor



I prefer a Danforth style on the stern if necessary. Normally I anchor the plow and let it swing. If near the shore I really like to plant a sand spike or tie off to a tree.

Scott

 

[Nehalennia]

Well that should be fine for the times that you are in a calm cove with no-one else around, but the best way to be in a harbor or mooring area with other boats is that they all are on single hooks. This way as the tide or wind changes, all the boats change direction. If you have a stern hook down and you're the only one in the harbor not swinging, depending on how crowded some can be, you'll be in the way.

 

[Our Serenity]

Ahh, good points. Thanks all. Front garden, it is then.

 

[Loneranger]

If I already had the anchor I am not sure I would relegate it to the garden. It would work fine as a lunch hook to keep the stern from swinging if in a crowded anchorage. If I was to go out and buy an anchor I would not have bought that particular one.

John

 

[sr330daguy]

I use a 10 with 3 feet of chain as a stern,holds well.

 

[tobnpr]

I don't keep a stern anchor aboard, and use a Fortress FX-23 for the main anchor. If I did want a stern anchor, I'd go with a Guardian because it can be easily disassembled and stored until needed.

Of course, whatever anchor you use- bow or stern- should be suited for the type of bottom at your anchorage. While Fortress/Danforth are good all-around anchors, they do poorly in grass bottoms.

 

[Nacho Boat]

I used a Fortress FX-11 (7 pounds) for my stern anchor. Works great in sand (hey, I live in Florida). I have about 5 feet of chain on it, and it holds GREAT.

If you have never had or used a Fortress anchor, I would certainly recommend having one. They work wonderfully!:thumbsup: