What a flooking waste of time

[Nick_H]

So come on, own up, who was it reccomended the flook flying anchor on here? I bought one and decided to try and use it as a kedge yesterday to keep the bows into the waves as it was a bit lumpy. It flies OK, in fact its very clever, but its the second word in "flying anchor" that proves to be its downfall. It doesn't hold at all, even in sand with no weed. I thought it had fallen off as it retrieves so easily.

So its final flight was a flight to freedom, as there was no rope attached. Actually it was worth the eleven quid as my lad thought it was hysterical watching it fly away from the boat, maybe it should be sold as a toy not as an anchor.

 

[Chris_d]

It was Gludy I think, I've never tried mine, but it looks good in the rear locker ready for action /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[rickp]

I've used mine in the past in Whitecliff bay where it certainly dug in well enough that I had to get the dinghy over it to lift it.

We were playing with Hurricane's in Havre Gosselin, Sark - it certainly flew well but as we were on a buoy we didn't let it dig in. Mine doesn't fly as well as Hurricane's - I think because I have too heavy a warp on it.

Rick

 

[mjf]

Yes I too think it was gludy - I have one but not used it yet.

I keep forgetting its O/B. Will test it now you have reminded me I have one.

 

[Hurricane]

Ahh yes - but think how cheap it was!!!
And that £11 included the carriage as well if I remember.
Got to be worth it - just for the ammusement.
I've still got mine so yet to set it off without the line attached - bet it flies well without a line tho'

 

[Wiggo]

Guilty as charged. Though I swear by mine, particularly in sand. It was a deal more than 11 quid though. How big was yours?

 

[jfm]

Your anchor size need should be same as mine - I bought a €30 boring danforth from the chandlery on the left hand side as you walk up to Lyvio and 3m of chain, and some string. I think it is their second-smallest size, maybe 5kg. It works fine for keeping bow into swell and I haul it up on the stern winches. To set it (after first setting the main anchor) I take it out in the tender, or use the engines to nudge the arse of the boat upwind then just chuck it in. Also works as a tender anchor

 

[Nick_H]

[ QUOTE ]
...... it certainly dug in well enough that I had to get the dinghy over it to lift it....... I think because I have too heavy a warp on it....

Rick

[/ QUOTE ]

Well therein lies the dilemna, it needs lightweight warp to fly, but needs lots of chain to set, or a much longer rode than the angle of flight allows, did you drop it from a dinghy cos that kind of defeats the purpose? Anyway its all incidental now as mine has made its final flight and is probably dragging along the bottom of the med in a gentle curent as we speak

 

[Wiggo]

No, no! It needs light warp only and about 7-10 x scope. It flies at a very shallow angle (as you saw) and you set it by pulling the warp slowly to open up the hinge bit, then give it a steady pull to set it...

 

[rickp]

No, didn't dinghy it out - just let it fly. Incidental as you say, but happy with ours and how it held on the occasions we've used it. I wouldn't trust it as a main anchor (I carry a Fortress as a spare 'main' just in case) - but to kedge, its been fine for me.

Rick