Anchor Rope length and Type?

[gradywhite248]

OK loss my anchor over the weekend :-| :-| In review I'm looking at replacing the anchor and the rope. The nylon rope I have now is really stiff. So my question is for the 248 Voyager how heavy an anchor should I get, needs to fit in the storage box and what type rope? Would a cotton rope be better?

 

[DennisG01]

The "heaviness" of an anchor will depend on what style you want to use. If you were happy with the current anchor, why not replace it with the same style? If it ain't broke, don't fix it, you know?

No, do not get cotton (is it even available?). It will grow mold and deteriorate. All rope gets stiff, especially if in salt water. Once a season, take the rope off and wash it. You can wash it in a washing machine - put it in a pillow case or lightweight/mesh laundry bag. Top tip: finish by soaking it in a pail of water with some fabric softener.

 

[zimm]

I found this chart, but your boat isn't listed. http://www.gradywhite.com/faq/pages/Anchors.php

I think a 9" standard danforth is what fits in the mounts.

 

[ocnslr]

The Danforth Hi-Tensile 5H, or the Danforth Standard S-920 are both adequate for the boat, and either should fit in the anchor locker.

Note: cheaper versions are available, but go with the good stuff if you want to stay put.

Good rule of thumb is one foot of chain for each foot of boat length. Adds enormously to the anchor digging in and staying there. We use 30-feet of 1/4" chain.

Three-strand nylon is the best bet for the anchor rode. 1/2" feels better in your hand than 3/8", but the smaller line is adequate. The 1/2" is recommended.

How much line? As much as you can fit in that anchor locker. Using the recommended 7:1 scope, with the bow about 5' above the water, you can anchor in 15-ft of water (at high tide) with a 150-ft anchor rode. Might be fine for that secluded creek you want to anchor in, but doesn't work if you lose power in 25-ft of water (or deeper) and the wind is up.

(Note: We oversize on ground tackle. Primary anchor is a Delta 22# with 30-ft of chain and 600-ft of 1/2" 8-plait rode. Secondary anchor is a Danforth 12H with 6-ft of chain and 200-ft of 1/2" three-strand.

Agree with the annual wash and fabric-softener treatment of the line. You can also rinse the line in the anchor locker. It has a dedicated drain tube to the bilge, so will collect in the forward bilge while in the water and likely the aft bilge if on a trailer. Easy to pump out.

Brian