[Rhodes22-list] Anchor Chain Question

[Bill Effros]

Bill,

As I understand the function of chain, its primary purpose is to prevent 
line abrasion on the bottom.  If you don't have a rough bottom you 
really don't need chain.  As soon as you set a Danford type anchor you 
have pulled the chain off the bottom, and the chain and line should stay 
off the bottom, putting all the pressure on the anchor flukes and 
causing them to dig strongly into the bottom. 

If you have sufficient scope, the pressure on the anchor is horizontal 
within the design specifications, and it should reset itself as needed 
if the boat slowly swings around it due to wind or current shifts.  When 
you are ready to retrieve it, you move the boat over the anchor and pull 
vertically, and the anchor releases.  (You can pull the boat over the 
anchor by hauling in the line, but it's much easier to motor over, and 
pull just line straight up until you get to the anchor, which in our 
case should weigh less than 10 lbs.)  The beauty of the Fortress anchors 
is that they are both lighter and stronger than conventional anchors.

Bill Effros



William E. Wickman wrote:

> You are right Wally.  It is all mud and clay with the occasional rock 
> cropping here.  I think I may cut my 20 ft chain in half and carry the 
> resulting pair of 10 ft lengths for use when I go to the coast.
> Bill W.
> --------------------------
>
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: rhodes22-list-bounces
> Sent: 03/19/2005 06:57 AM
> To: rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org
> Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Anchor Chain Question
>
> Bill,
>
> I agree with Bill here. I started out using about 8 feet of chain. For 
> my conditions I quickly found out that I don't need any chain. I 
> anchors in fairly shallow coves with red clay bottom. It has never 
> been a problem. The chain seemed like extra hassle and weight. 
> Everyone told me this was going to be a big problem. It has worked 
> just fine and I spend a bunch of nights anchored. I would guess your 
> conditions up river are much the same. If you plan on towing your boat 
> to the coast I would suggest chain but don't see any need on the river.
>
> Wally.
>
>> From: Bill Effros <bill at effros.com>
>> Reply-To: The Rhodes 22 mail list <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
>> To: The Rhodes 22 mail list <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
>> Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Anchor Chain Question
>> Date: Mon, 14 Mar 2005 19:04:01 -0500
>>
>> Bill,
>>
>> I've got the Fortress FX11, and I think it's a terrific anchor.  I 
>> also have the smallest Guardian anchor, which I store in a pouch, 
>> unassembled, and I've been very happy with that one also.
>>
>> I think those people know a lot about anchors, and I would be 
>> inclined to follow their recommendations.
>>
>> I have several lines with differing amounts of chain on each, and 
>> several with no chain at all.  I find I always go for the no chain at 
>> all, because I've never had any trouble with it, and it's so much 
>> easier to handle.
>>
>> The trick to anchoring (as with so many other things) is practice.  
>> Try setting your anchor when it's not critical.  See if you have 
>> enough navigation skill to be able to determine if your anchor is 
>> dragging.
>>
>> When it's really blowing you shouldn't be on our boats in the first 
>> place.  Anchoring and praying is not the answer.  If you are trapped 
>> in a situation like this, and can't get to shore, head for open water 
>> and heave-to.  Practice heaving-to, too.  Work with the elements, not 
>> against them.
>>
>> The guy who developed those anchors recommends setting 2 at 180 
>> degrees apart and tying both off on the bow.  Then neither one will 
>> have to reset if current or wind shifts.  Differing lengths of chain 
>> will  not matter, longer scope can be set because the boat will 
>> rotate in a much smaller arc relative to other boats.
>>
>> Avoid anchor overkill.  That goes for the chain, too.
>>
>> Bill Effros
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> William E. Wickman wrote:
>>
>>> I just got my nifty Fortress FX7 anchor.  The instructions that came 
>>> with
>>> the anchor said to use a short length of anchor chain (6 feet of 
>>> chain if
>>> anchoring in 25' of water or less, and add another 6 feet of chain 
>>> for each
>>> additional 25' of depth).  Their claim is that chain anchor rodes 
>>> lack the
>>> shock absorbancy of nylon rope when the wind increases.  This advice 
>>> runs
>>> contrary to what I have been reading in the Rhodes FAQ that most of 
>>> you are
>>> using around 20 feet of chain.  So, does the Fortress require less 
>>> chain
>>> because it is so light?  What gives?  I presume that these anchor 
>>> guys know
>>> what they are talking about, but...
>>>
>>> Also, since I have 20 feet of chain that I use with my gbi anchor, 
>>> what are
>>> the dynamics of using shorter chain on a second anchor when setting two
>>> anchors?  Does it really matter?
>>>
>>> B. Wickman
>>>
>>> __________________________________________________
>>> Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list
>>>
>>>
>>>
>> __________________________________________________
>> Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list
>
>
>
> __________________________________________________
> Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list
> __________________________________________________
> Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list
>