anchor chain rope sizeing links info

[blt2ski]

Not sure what the topic will get from folks. BUT< I am looking at maybe trying to make my current anchor/chain/rope road a bit smaller and lighter in the anchor locker. Currently I have a 7.5KG/16.5lb Bruce, with 18' of 1/4" chain, and 250' of 1/2 3 strand rope.

My goal, Not sure what this all weighs, but lets say 50 lbs. I should weigh it as it is here at home. What I would like to do is drop this in half or a bit less. The above setup will probably be the main anchor when cruising. What I am trying to figure out, is what is absolute minimum I might need, and meet race requirements in the anchor locker. IE get rid of some weight on the bow for better performance etc!

I realize for most of you, more is better, I would agree for the most part too, but............I'm thinking maybe keep the above setup below at keel level, minimum lunch hook type setup in the bow, for emergency or light winds, tide is pushing me back wards, set anchor until the wind pops back up, or something to stop/slow me down in windier conditions until I can get big anchor up from below.

I would like to find a site that has a enter boat length, disp, ground I'm anchoring in, wind/tide to deal with, to try and come up with min sizeing for this type of application. I realize, what I have will not me thru a katrina, nor do I expect this smaller stuff to do the same either! If it is that windy, I'm in my slip! or a marina here in puget sound!

marty

[mitiempo]

Marty
You already have just about the minimum weight for an anchor system for your size boat. The 3 strand is pretty light so you can't save much there, 18' of 1/4" is not much and it's pretty light as well. 12 pound Danforth Hi-Tensile would save a few pounds though.

[blt2ski]

Brian,

I did find the specs for the hi-tensil. A 5 lb is good to 31' in 20 knot winds with 4' of IIRC 1/4" chain, might be 5/16". Then it is good to 24' of boat in 60 knot winds. The 12lb is good to 31' in 60 knot winds with 4', might be 6' of chain, and 42' in 20 knot winds.

If I were to use the 5 lb, that would save 11+ lbs of anchor, go to 6-8' of chain, another .75lbs per foot with 1/4" or about 7-8 lbs, then 250' of 3/8 nylon braid line........quite possibly 20'ish lbs total off the bow.............Something to kick around anyhow! Now to figure out if the Danforth will work reasonably well in the sand to round cobble rock bottoms we have around here!

I'm also thinking 30' of 5/16" chain would be better for the bruce vs 18' of the 1/4 for general anchor useage around here. ala overnight trips etc, where one wants "max holding" power. I have not had any issues with the current setup.......

As I mentioned above, I'm looking for something on the minimal lb size, the 5lb may work.........and still meet race spec needs. The bruce for the hold on a weekend/winder day........

Marty

[klem]

The best holding power to weight ratio that I know of comes with the fortress anchors. If the only use of this is to anchor at the starting line every now and then when there is no wind, you really don't need much. If you are not too worried about chafe, you could completely do away with the chain and use just the 1/2" line. Do you need 250' of line to anchor where you race? Would 150' still give you a 4:1 scope?

The only trouble with doing this is that if you ever need the anchor in an emergency situation, it will not work that well. Even having the bruce onboard, you won't be able to get it out fast enough.

[zz4gta]

Why is you're current anchor in the bow? Thats where the beer goes for your foredeck crew.

Getting a smaller anchor would help, but putting it down below as low as you can get it in the center of the boat is even better. No weight in bow or stern, no matter what. Sail fast.

[sailingdog]

It would help if you said what kind of boat you have as well as what anchor you're using.

[mitiempo]

Doesn't everybody know it's a Jeanneau Arcadia? 30'

[MJBrown]

Check Fortress for their recommendations on anchor and chain length for your boat. Had one on the last boat a 36' Benny. Since I didn't have a windlass I can attest to the light weight. BTW I believe they only call for a short length of chain.

[RXBOT]

Can't the race committe tell you the minimum that has to aboard for the race. Leave the cruising gear ashore when racing.

[sailingdog]

Apparently not... and doesn't answer what anchor he's using...

Originally Posted by mitiempo

Doesn't everybody know it's a Jeanneau Arcadia? 30'