The right anchor..................

[Blackfeather]

At the risk of brewing up a storm...........

A friend (yes really) has a 23ft sportsboat and currently has a Danforth type anchor with some chain but mainly rope. The Danforth just will not dig in and I thiunk they should have a plough type. Most of their anchoring is around Poole so soft sand and mud.

Does the panel agree and, if so, what weight would be appropriate?

 

[Solitaire]

At the risk of brewing up a storm...........

A friend (yes really) has a 23ft sportsboat and currently has a Danforth type anchor with some chain but mainly rope. The Danforth just will not dig in and I thiunk they should have a plough type. Most of their anchoring is around Poole so soft sand and mud.

Does the panel agree and, if so, what weight would be appropriate?

Sounds to me as if it's the weight of anchor and length of chain. The Danforth is a perfectly good anchor and ideal for storing on a 23 ft boat. Rather than go and spend money on a plough, which unless he has a good bow roller will be a sod to store, best invest in more chain. I had a Danforth on my 23 ft Fairline Sprint and never had a problem with holding.

No, I would suggest put more chain on the existing anchor - at least 10 meters. Also ask him how much scope he puts out. It should be at least 5 times depth with chain and warp.

So to answer your question - no I don't agree.

 

[tinkicker0]

On my 20ft sportsboat I have a 7.5kg Danforth and on our silty bottomed river, I have been able to pull the boat upcurrent with it by hauling on the rode, the few times we have used it.

Perhaps he does not have enough chain length?

 

[Blackfeather]

Thanks both. As always, really useful info and we didn't get into an anchor debate!

 

[Searush]

Danforths are great in mud silt & fine sand - it is what they are designed for. BUT, the pull must be near horizontal & to get that you need plenty of chain. I would guess a minimum of 10 mtrs (before the rope), but a lot depends on the depth in which it is deployed.

The method of deployment can be important too, don't just throw it all over the side & expect it to hold. Stop the boat & lower the anchor (preferably by hand) 'til you feel it touch bottom, then as the boat drifts away, slowly pay out your line until you have the required 5x depth scope out & snub it. You may then wish to give the engine a short blast astern as well to be sure, but it probably won't be needed.