The small anchor well

[Miker]

There have been a few posts about using larger sized plough anchors and the fact that they can't be stored in the anchor well. I think the well was designed for a Danforth, which by nature of it's design will fit pretty well.

Then, once you install a furler drum, you can't get the anchor through the small gap between the furler and the pulpit. On top of all that, you need to get the anchor out of the way when you moor up.

I've been pondering this, and I think it may work, but will required some further measuring, but before I do would like some input.

On my Father's half cabin, he stores his anchor in a tube made out of poly pipe hose clamped to his little pulpit. IMO, this would be slightly ugly and could foul the sail, especially a spinaker. So, what I was planning to do was to install a suitable sized tube inside the anchor well, so the shaft of the anchor could drop in. It may need to be set at an angle to still accomodate the anchor blade. It would mean you still had to attach the chain before deploying, but at least it wouldn't have to be kept below where it's in the way or hard to get at.

Anyone got any thoughts? MIght be simpler than adding depth to the well.

[storm petrel]

My 27lb anchor fits in the anchor locker with 10m of short link chain and 50 of nylon line. Are the Mk3 anchor lockers smaller than the MkIIs?

[Miker]

My 27lb anchor fits in the anchor locker with 10m of short link chain and 50 of nylon line. Are the Mk3 anchor lockers smaller than the MkIIs?

It's possible Mark, I don't know the weight of mine, because I've never weighed it. It doesn't fit in the locker and allow the lid to be shut. It's OK lengthwise, but the plough section just misses by about 4 inches, no matter which way you lay it in.

[storm petrel]

My anchor is one of those Manson fakes. Shank rotates on the head enough for it to just fit in the anchor locker. It is a good anchor that sets easily and holds tight, it saved me From a nasty grounding one time when the engine failed in a narrow channel with a 3 knot drag. I also have a Danforth for emergencies with it's own chain and rope that I keep below. I am not keen on anchors on deck. they are just something else to hit your toe on or to get a sheet caught on.

[Dolphin]

Mike I have a 28lb anchor from Whitworths. It needs to be put to bed properly or it wont fit in the anchor locker.
I put the flukes in the centre withthe anchor on its side, then pile the anchor warp (50m of silver) under the stock to lift it up with the eye of the anchor to the front. Maybe the Mk 3 anchor well IS smaller. At least it stops it sliding around.
Oh, and that is probably why they're the faster mark.
Greg.

[Tales]

I have an Oceane (the new version is a 5kg Spade see http://www.bluewatersupplies.com/oc.htm)

Fits in the MkIII locker nicely with 8m of 8MM chain and 50m 12mm nylon.

Cheers,

Tom

[Miker]

I have an Oceane (the new version is a 5kg Spade see http://www.bluewatersupplies.com/oc.htm)

Fits in the MkIII locker nicely with 8m of 8MM chain and 50m 12mm nylon.

Cheers,

Tom

Thanks Tom, at just 5kg, how does that anchor hold? Is it enough for most situations?

[Tales]

I have been using it for 8 years now and it works really well. Always sets first time and resets with wind change automatically.

It's not the weight that counts but the design (which causes it to penetrate and keeps it down) and the area (which does the holding).

The Spade, from which the Oceane was derived, received the best score in the recent test in Cruising Helmsman.

I have not used it in kelp or shale and suspect a fishermans would be better in those conditions but otherwise it has been a beauty.

The length of nylon helps enormously because stretches and takes out the shock (as would plenty of chain if you use it).

We have been very happy overnight in over 30 knots.

Another time we had nearly 20 with a Mottle 33 (4ton plus) tied up to our stern! Took a lot to retrieve as it was buried really deep.

Having confidence in your anchor is a great thing and takes much of the stress out of mooring at the end of a trip especially when you are tired.

Cheers,

Tom

[Miker]

Thanks Tom,

More investigation required for me I see!