Mark, Buy a copy of Earl Hinz’s book on anchoring. It is one of the best I have read on the art and science of anchoring. The best anchor varies with how and where you will be using it and how well it is set. I keep a copy of that book on board except when racing locally.
On Calypso, when cruising or voyaging I carry an oversized CQR, 90’ of chain, and 250’ of rode. (We do have a windlass.) The secondary anchor is a Danforth style, properly sized, steel construction with less chain and rode. When racing locally I have the Danforth along with a second small Danforth as the back-up. In my experience, the Danforth works better in loose sand and mud than the CQR. In most other PNW anchoring conditions the CQR has held well however the 90’ of chain and being oversized improves holding performance. On past boats I have also used a Fortress aluminum anchor (similar to a Danforth design) and on OPB (other peoples boats) used a Bruce style. If I was “in the market” for a new anchor and rode and did not have a windlass I would certainly consider the newer designs with a close eye to the anchoring condition where I expected to use it. Read about improving “light” anchor performance with a “kellet” or similar extra weight. Adding the extra weight may allow you to keep the anchor and rode weight down to the non-windlass range but improve the anchor holding significantly. Martin Calypso 1971 C&C 43 Seattle [Description: cid:D1BF9853-22F7-47FB-86F2-4115CE0BAF2F] From: CnC-List [mailto:cnc-list-boun...@cnc-list.com] On Behalf Of Dr. Mark Bodnar via CnC-List Sent: Thursday, November 06, 2014 7:08 AM To: C&C list Subject: Stus-List Anchor question Looking for feedback on new anchors. Currently I have a Kingston brand, 30lb, CQR anchor. Not too impressed with its ability to bite even into the nicest sand. Having read a ton of info, reviews and comments I'm looking at the 'new' style anchors. I was tempted to go with a Mantus - but price is high and no local distributer. Ronca's are on sale right now at the Binnacle - so that makes the decision easier. The question is what size. I've read the typical 'minimum 1 foot of chain and 1 pound of anchor for every foot of boat'. But not sure how well it applies to new versions. Reading Ronca's recommendations http://www.rocna.com/product-range/sizing-guide My 8000lb 30 ft CS 30 would easily fit the 10kg (22lb) recommendation. Sure. For the extra $60 I could bump up to the bigger anchor. Not sure how well either will fit on my bow. I'm sure the heavier anchor would be harder to haul up - but maybe worth it for the peace of mind? Reading some independent reviews (as posted by Ronca) http://www.petersmith.net.nz/boat-anchors/independent-performance-testing.php One claims the Ronca 15 consistently held with 4500lbs. A chart ( The ABYC Horizontal Working Load (lbs) Table) of expected anchor strains suggests a 30ft boat would only exert 2800lbs of anchor strain in a 60kt severe storm --- not something I expect to confront in my costal cruising. I'm on the fence. On one hand tempted to just bump up to the 15kg and deal with the minor extra challenge dragging the anchor up (I'm fit enough to manage) - then its never a concern and when I do start venturing further along the coast I have a security blanket. On the other wondering if I'm getting into foolish overkill as the 15kg anchor could manage a boat 2x my weight in a heavy storm. Thoughts and opinions welcome. Mark -- Dr. Mark Bodnar --
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