How much anchor chain?

[NormanS]

I would respectfully suggest that 8mm chain is a bit light for your size of boat, if you are going to be doing any serious anchoring. i.e. more than a lunchtime stop. All these years ago, my Folkboat (25ft) had 5/16" (8mm) chain. The size of anchors and chain should not be determined by what you can physically handle, it needs to be of a size and weight that will let you sleep at night. If it means that you need a more powerful windlass, then so be it.

 

[alan_d]

I think the design of your adjustable-weight anchor could be improved by using water ballast instead of the incorporated stone. This would be much more convenient and would save weight in the bow if the water container was only filled at the time of anchoring. If you used an elastic bladder (like a party balloon) you could vary the weight of water ballast depending on the conditions.

Why has nobody thought of this before? /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[Eeyore]

[ QUOTE ]
CQR is designed to fall on its side.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes I know, and I used mine with great success around the East Coast where the bottom is mostly mud or soft sand. However, in the Greek Isles I had a friend dive and watch the anchor as I went astern - it remained on it's side and refused to dig in as it dragged along the sand and weed bottom. The need to re-set on a couple of occasions in Turkey, observing what most other boats had fitted, and the number of CQR's being sold or given away every day, convinced me to change to another anchor! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Herald]

I've got a 35 footer, 15kg CQR with 30 metres of 8mm chain and then 10m of multiplaid spliced onto the chain with a further 40m in the locker.