Jodel
Well-Known Member
....would you specify for a canal narrowboat?
What size anchor...
- Thread starter Jodel
- Start date
Clancy Moped
Well-Known Member
Now you've done it?
fredrussell
Well-Known Member
Shopping trolley?
scruff
Well-Known Member
Just a couple of tent pegs ought to do it
Norman_E
Well-Known Member
Why does it need an anchor on a canal? They usually just get tied up. Tent pegs as Scruff says.
Gary Fox
N/A
johnalison
Well-Known Member
I’ve never dared to navigate one of our canals but on the Broads ŵe either used a mud weight, or a rond anchor ashore.
rotrax
Well-Known Member
Narrowboats from hire companies where River access is possible are fitted with nav lights and anchors, as are many private Narrowboats used on Rivers.
I have anchored in the canalised Kennet as the waterway was on red boards due to high flow. I did manage to get a stern line around a tree.
The Danforth is popular.
I have anchored in the canalised Kennet as the waterway was on red boards due to high flow. I did manage to get a stern line around a tree.
The Danforth is popular.
Bodach na mara
Well-Known Member
Ah, back to sanity ( having just been reading the Covid forum.)
Bouba
Well-Known Member
There’s no evidence that anchor has ever been in the water. Perhaps it has other uses. TV reception ?
Neeves
Well-Known Member
In common with previous posts I think I'd favour shore lines. I've never been on a narrow boat but the idea of anchoring out in the middle of the canal raises issues other than which anchor - methinks.
Jonathan
Jonathan
prv
Well-Known Member
You can't practically anchor in a normal canal - you'd just drift into the bank. But as others said, ditchcrawlers occasionally transit rivers where an anchor could be useful in the event of engine failure - and narrowboat engines overheating and failing when they get above idle for the first time ever thanks to a brisk current is a known thing (a bit like filters blocking due to stirred up sediment on the post-purchase delivery voyage). I understand for some of these transits the inland authorities say that an anchor is mandatory.
The point here isn't that the narrowboat has an anchor, it's that the anchor is improbably large.
I wonder if the owner, being unfamiliar with the subject, looked up a table based on length and bought something sized for a 70-foot sailing yacht with all its windage in seagoing conditions, because his ambulatory tin shed (low windage on calm inland water) is also 70 feet long?
Pete
Neeves
Well-Known Member
Or it was cheap on eBay?
I confess I was intrigued by the swivel. It reinforces my view of swivels that many are bought and attached - because they saw one on another boat and thought it was essential gear. They have obviously talked to people on Cruisers Forum and follow the adage - 'your anchor is not big enough until people laugh at its size'.
It simp[ly underlines that many people are a bit like sheep (or as I mention, wanting to think the best of everyone - it was cheap and came as a package).
Jonathan
Mr Cassandra
Well-Known Member
It's not the make of your anchor .it's the snubber what is important. Those waves in canals ,not for the feint hearted.
Rhylsailer99
Well-Known Member
During lockdown I watched a few barge channels and witnessed them navigating through strong tidal waters. So a good anchor might be needed I'm guessing.
rotrax
Well-Known Member
See post # 8.
Anchor usually for River use.
Many canals use parts of Rivers or are canalised rivers with some flow. Some river authorities insist on Hire craft being equiped with an anchor.
Pete7
Well-Known Member
Cheap shot Johnathan Neeves.
Just because some people don't follow your belief in micro anchors doesn't mean they are wrong.
Neeves
Well-Known Member
Cheap shot - seemed very apt to me.
Just because people buy big anchors does not mean they are not wasting their money.
Show me the data.
You cannot show me the data, because there is none - so why do people act like sheep? Why do people, like you?, continue the mantra of 'buy big' when there is no evidence to support the statement.
There is no suggestion of buying micro anchors (that is a stupid and incorrect statement put about by people who cannot support their ideas) - simply buy the anchor recommended by the anchor maker for your size of yacht - if you misinterpret that as a micro anchor - I'd like to see your reasoning. Very many people follow the recommendation of the anchor makers - their yachts do not end up on the beach.
I have no problem with people supporting anchor makers in the lifestyle to which they wish to become accustomed. But promoting a baseless idea is silly.
Jonathan
Pete7
Well-Known Member
Well, if that is a characteristic you are happy to be known for, then fine. Personally I think commenting negatively about ordinary sailors on another forum, rather poor form.
As for anchors, you have been telling folk the Epsilon was going to be a top performer. Hmm, damp squid more like. I saw one this afternoon in the marina on a 31ft yacht. Gosh have you seen the 10kg version? looks like one of those toy anchors people can pull through a sand pit at a boat show. I did check and according to the recommendations it's the right size for the boat, just looks ridiculously small. Though thinking about it, you're an admirer of micro anchoring so might be thrilled. Do buy one and let us know your thoughts, Like the CQR you rated as good when it dragged all over the place in the PS tests.
Pete
Neeves
Well-Known Member
Personally I think it bad form to, deliberately, twist words and misquote, for example suggesting that one follows anchor makers recommendation being twisted into recommending use of micro anchors. But some people do have to find a pet hate and air it - without reason.
I think if you check carefully Pete you will find that I have been suggesting that anyone who needs an anchor should wait as the Epsilon has all the right credentials. I have suggested waiting until reviews come back - I have not been saying it is the perfect anchor. I think there is a difference, too subtle perhaps, in suggesting waiting for a few real life experiences (which we have not yet had) than suggesting its going to be THE answer.
I would continue to suggest - if you don't need a new anchor, wait. Epsilon has all the credentials - see how those who have bought the anchor comment and then make a decision.
Current testing of the anchor is largely by some form of yaw tests (which owners of Rocna anchors seem to discount). Remove the yaw and reverse pull tests of the Epsilon and there is little on which to base performance. No holding capacity - which is the basis on which most bought a Rocna - and they would say - has served them well.
I might also caution anyone basing a decision on how an anchor performs on how it looks. I recall Noelex repeatedly knocking convex anchors - look at the anchor now at the top of Panope's list, Excel, and the anchor at the bottom, Rocna. Quite a contradiction. I believe Jimmy Green will receive their first shipment of Excels soon, or they may already have arrived.
By the way Pete - I am still waiting for you to provide the data that supports the idea that big anchors are better than those of the recommended size. You will be suggesting next big anchors are better at short scope. Surely you have the evidence or did you just follow the loud noises without thought. I suspect you don't have any evidence - so your comment are only subjective.
But we can all jump to the wrong conclusions - show me I am wrong, embarrass me, by reporting the data. I am more than happy to eat humble pie.
Take care, stay safe
Jonathan
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