Anchor/ground tackle for tender/dinghy outhaul?

Robert Wilson

Robert Wilson

Well-Known Member
Joined
23 May 2012
Messages
8,053
Location
Second Coast, Ross-shire, overlooking Gruinard Bay
Visit site
I'm about to create an outhaul of approx 100m for my tender, a 14ft light GRP dinghy. What size/weight fisherman's anchor should I use? Should I incorporate some ground-chain too?
The location is well sheltered, sandy sea-bed and very private (only my boat there).
What does the panel think?
TIA, as usual.
RW
 
Robert Wilson said:
I'm about to create an outhaul of approx 100m for my tender, a 14ft light GRP dinghy. What size/weight fisherman's anchor should I use? Should I incorporate some ground-chain too?
The location is well sheltered, sandy sea-bed and very private (only my boat there).
What does the panel think?
TIA, as usual.
RW
Click to expand...

I'm thinking you'll want a 'Belfast' type of folding fisherman, by Scots designer Ian Nicholson FRINA, and made by Scots firm Tennemast. These have heavy and wide detachable palms, so that one may be used for exactly the purpose you intend, without the other fluke sticking up to cause 'bottom piercing'.

The one I have is about 65lb. in auld money.
 
You will need some ground chain for the usual purpose of keeping the pull on the anchor roughly horizontal. This will not be a problem when pulling the dinghy in or out, but once the dinghy is at its fully-out position the effect of wind and tide might otherwise tend to pull the anchor out.

Do you intend to have the outer block submerged or supported by a buoy?

I have an arrangement of this kind (in Loch Sunart) with a submerged block attached to a 25lb CQR (because I had one) which has proved perfectly adequate. I have discovered that it is useful to have the ground chain long enough to allow the block to be brought to the surface at low water without disturbing the anchor, so that it can be cleared of weed from time to time. I have a swivel at the outer end, but it is important not to have a swivel at the shore end, because if the outgoing and incoming lines become twisted round each other it becomes difficult or impossible to operate.
 
alan_d said:
You will need some ground chain for the usual purpose of keeping the pull on the anchor roughly horizontal. This will not be a problem when pulling the dinghy in or out, but once the dinghy is at its fully-out position the effect of wind and tide might otherwise tend to pull the anchor out.

Do you intend to have the outer block submerged or supported by a buoy?

I have an arrangement of this kind (in Loch Sunart) with a submerged block attached to a 25lb CQR (because I had one) which has proved perfectly adequate. I have discovered that it is useful to have the ground chain long enough to allow the block to be brought to the surface at low water without disturbing the anchor, so that it can be cleared of weed from time to time. I have a swivel at the outer end, but it is important not to have a swivel at the shore end, because if the outgoing and incoming lines become twisted round each other it becomes difficult or impossible to operate.
Click to expand...

I wondered about that. Any advice? Presumably if using chain to help locate the anchor then the outer block will inevitably be submerged? Watcha think?

Definitely shall be able to bring outer block to the surface, and will have two inner blocks, about three metres apart to prevent the twisting problem, so no need for inner swivel. Not using outer swivel, but did think about a similar (but closer) pair of blocks mounted on e.g. a two metre wide plank. Possibly overkill, but it would erradicate the twisting of the chain rolling on the bottom.
Although being sheltered, this shouldn't be a problem.

Thanks for the advice, and to Oldbilbo (as usual!)
 
oldbilbo said:
I'm thinking you'll want a 'Belfast' type of folding fisherman, by Scots designer Ian Nicholson FRINA, and made by Scots firm Tennemast. These have heavy and wide detachable palms, so that one may be used for exactly the purpose you intend, without the other fluke sticking up to cause 'bottom piercing'.

The one I have is about 65lb. in auld money.
Click to expand...

The anchor will always be at least a metre below the boat's bottom so I think (hope) bottom-piercing won't be an issue.
Thanks for the recommendation, I'll try Tennemast (and Ian N)





I wonder how long it might be before one of the "usual culprits" jokes about "bottom-piercing"? :rolleyes:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top