[Bruce3966]

I never really thought about this but after reading some articles I thought I should ask. I have always used Danforth anchors but maybe that's just not the right type for the Great Lakes (specifically Lake Huron). This would be for my Precision 165 (maybe 1000 lbs with gear).

 

[Markwesti]

Hey Bruce , get a umm . Click here and Liz will get you one .Latitude 38 - 'Lectronic Latitude

 

[miatapaul]

Well there are lots of anchor threads that would keep you reading for a long long time. But on a boat that small I don't know that you would really ever need much more than a lunch hook. Do you overnight in it in protected areas at all? Danforth anchors seem to be best suited to mud bottoms, if that is what you are facing you should be ok. Are you having problems?

 

[Bruce3966]

Well there are lots of anchor threads that would keep you reading for a long long time. But on a boat that small I don't know that you would really ever need much more than a lunch hook. Do you overnight in it in protected areas at all? Danforth anchors seem to be best suited to mud bottoms, if that is what you are facing you should be ok. Are you having problems?

No issues yet. Just purchasing the boat and know I will need one so I thought I would be proactive and ask. I will be spending the night in it and hopefully on Lake Huron somewhere so I need something.

 

[MikeOReilly]

You'll mostly be dealing with sand, gravel, mud and clay bottoms for most of the Great Lakes. Although you may also encounter weedy areas in the warmer parts. A danforth is not bad for the softer, clear bottoms, but if that is your primary (bower) then I'd also want to carry a plow of some sort (preferably a Bruce) for the harder grounds.

If you are purchasing a new anchor, I'd get a spade-style anchor (Rocna, Manson, Spade, Mantus, etc.). That's a pretty small boat, but I would get the largest "new generation" anchor you can reasonably manage. You'll sleep well that way.

 

[blt2ski]

For a boat that size, a 10-15 lb anchor with 20-30' of 1/4" chain and 1/2" 3 strand would be more than ample. Smaller yet if you were not spending the night, having to deal with the t-storms than can roll thru that area during the day or night somewhat frequently.....

I have issues with danforth styles setting and resetting with tides here in Puget Sound. So for me, the bruce/claw, fastset, manson, spade styles are prefered.

I have a 7.5KG/16.5 lb true bruce, along with a 9 lb fastset. I have been in winds to 15 knots with my 28' on deck/7000 lbs sailboat, and into the low 30's with the bruce. Very happy with both, both have there why I have them reasons.

marty

 

[Group9]

You know, despite all of the vigorous debates here on anchors, when I look at the boats in our harbor, especially the commercial fishermen, and work boats, most seem to have Danforths on them. And, you don't here a lot of stories about people dragging and losing their boats.

For daysailor/weekenders, in most places, a Danforth is really probably all you need, in reality. Just look at what the commercial boats are using. They don't keep things that don't work, anchors included.

(Yes, there. I said it. Now, let me have it!)

 

[MikeOReilly]

I think it really depends on the bottom Group9. For a sand, firm mud type bottom with little or no rocks, thick weeds or other debris, then it's hard to beat a good Danforth or Fortress for that matter. But for other harder, chunkier or obstructed bottoms, a good plow works much better. I used to routinely deploy both (one or the other) depending on the bottom I was anchoring in while on the Great Lakes.

Since moving to a Rocna I almost never deploy anything else. In my opinion (flame vest on) the new style anchors cover pretty much the same range of bottoms as my Danforth/CQR used to. But I still carry a large Danforth, a Bruce, a large (storm) Fortresss, in addition to my Rocna which is my bower.

Your comment about commercial fishermen all using Danforths is no doubt true. I'll have to observe what our Great Lakes boats carry. However, if I may be so bold, these boats are likely not anchoring very much. They're working, or they're in port. I bet their anchors are more for show to meet legal requirements.

 

[eherlihy]

I am not going to jump into the fray of which is best. And because I have never sailed in the great lakes, I don't know what's best for you. I will add, however, that an anchor is the best insurance you can get, and you only have to pay for it once. Don't cheap out on the anchor!

 

[miatapaul]

I think if it were me I would just get the smallest new generation anchor (Spade/Mantis/Roncna/Manson) that they make with a bit of chain and call it a day. Heck I think that little Mantis they sell as a paperweight might even work ;-) . On a small boat like this I don't think you are going to be out in really bad stuff so I would go small. If there is no anchor that comes with the boat, then just get one of the new styles. If it has a Danforth just use it as it will likely work fine.

Not that the boat is supper small, just that it is going to be more like beach camping, so you are not going to be out if the forecast is bad so just go small.

 

[Group9]

I think it really depends on the bottom Group9. For a sand, firm mud type bottom with little or no rocks, thick weeds or other debris, then it's hard to beat a good Danforth or Fortress for that matter. But for other harder, chunkier or obstructed bottoms, a good plow works much better. I used to routinely deploy both (one or the other) depending on the bottom I was anchoring in while on the Great Lakes.

Since moving to a Rocna I almost never deploy anything else. In my opinion (flame vest on) the new style anchors cover pretty much the same range of bottoms as my Danforth/CQR used to. But I still carry a large Danforth, a Bruce, a large (storm) Fortresss, in addition to my Rocna which is my bower.

Your comment about commercial fishermen all using Danforths is no doubt true. I'll have to observe what our Great Lakes boats carry. However, if I may be so bold, these boats are likely not anchoring very much. They're working, or they're in port. I bet their anchors are more for show to meet legal requirements.

And, truthfully, I mostly used a Danforth when I was only anchoring in my area. But, when I headed down to the Bahamas, I added a Manson Supreme to go with the CQR I already had (and a Bruce I never really used at all).

But, if I was still just day sailing and weekending, I wouldn't have bought it.

 

[Waterrat]

Danforth with 20 foot of chain and three strand is more then adequate. In fact it may be too much weight depending on your expectations and usage. You have a 700 pound boat with less then a 2 foot draft. You should have no problem finding excellent well protected anchorages in shallow water with zero tide. Weather wise in the Great Lakes fast moving thunderstorms don't generally hit at night they come during the afternoon. Nights during typical cruising season are more likely to be calm. With a 700 pound boat and less then 2 foot draft if needed pull into the cattails toss the hook and sleep well. Enjoy your new boat and there are many many great destination to cruise in the Great Lakes especially with a boat that travels at 60 mph to windward.

 

[Bruce3966]

Danforth with 20 foot of chain and three strand is more then adequate. In fact it may be too much weight depending on your expectations and usage. You have a 700 pound boat with less then a 2 foot draft. You should have no problem finding excellent well protected anchorages in shallow water with zero tide. Weather wise in the Great Lakes fast moving thunderstorms don't generally hit at night they come during the afternoon. Nights during typical cruising season are more likely to be calm. With a 700 pound boat and less then 2 foot draft if needed pull into the cattails toss the hook and sleep well. Enjoy your new boat and there are many many great destination to cruise in the Great Lakes especially with a boat that travels at 60 mph to windward.

Thats a good one...60mph to windward.