What's the best truly compact anchor line?

[Norman_E]

We've seen webbing reels on pushpits in the Med and it is used to tie the stern to a tree ashore, with the bow anchor out. It shouldn't be used for anchoring it will chafe.

True, but don't think of tying to a tree in Turkey, where you might cop a heavy fine. You should tie to a rock, or in the Gocek bays tie to one of the bollards that have been installed.

 

[LittleSister]

You could buy a good length of webbing,and make your own reel out of some scrap ply and a bolt. Not only would it save money, but you could size the webbing width and length, and the reel, to better fit your needs.

 

[Iliade]

stowage

Who's scared of it?

I just didn't think a big flat reel would be all that easy to stow in a dinghy, compared to a soft bag of chain and warp.

Pete

Bolted to the transom? Or to a bracket in the bows attached to the sole board ... assuming yours has either.

 

[Iliade]

DIY

You could buy a good length of webbing,and make your own reel out of some scrap ply and a bolt. Not only would it save money, but you could size the webbing width and length, and the reel, to better fit your needs.

It is critical that one gets the right sort of webbing: UV stabilised and woven such that a little damage will not cause it to unravel spectacularly. That stuff is pretty pricey, but you are right, a little ingenuity could save a fortune.

 

[Greenheart]

Thanks for all replies.

I'm torn between wanting any minimalist space-saver solution, befitting the limited space in my as-yet unbought dinghy...

...versus the appeal of lying to a serious anchor & warp, rather than a rotten little grapnel & floating line with no catenary.

I expect I'll pick a sharp little plough to stow upright in a small bucket with a few yards of chain and lots of 8mm Anchorplait on top.

Nav lights next......only for long days' sailing, which don't quite end at dusk...did anyone ever fit an all-round white or segmented light to a dinghy masthead? I don't fancy relying on knowing when exactly to shine a flashlight at the sails, in order to be visible.

 

[Kelpie]

I expect I'll pick a sharp little plough to stow upright in a small bucket with a few yards of chain and lots of 8mm Anchorplait on top.

You'll probably find it best if the rope goes on the bottom and the anchor on top

 

[Greenheart]

You'll probably find it best if the rope goes on the bottom and the anchor on top

True. Oh god, that recalls where I started: muddy memories of twisting, tangling anchor line, snagging sail controls and feet.

Note to self: rope in bottom of bucket, under weight of chain & hook.

 

[prv]

Nav lights next......only for long days' sailing, which don't quite end at dusk...did anyone ever fit an all-round white or segmented light to a dinghy masthead? I don't fancy relying on knowing when exactly to shine a flashlight at the sails, in order to be visible.

Would you have a spare halyard, perhaps for a spinnaker or a burgee? You could hoist a wooden batten with an all-round white light taped to it, with the batten acting like the staff of a burgee and holding the light above the masthead. The Pardeys advocated doing this with a strobe light during storms in case one's oil lamps blew out

Pete

 

[Greenheart]

Nice idea, cheers. Easy to maintain and change batteries/bulbs, and no unnecessary weight aloft except when the lamp's in use.