Speaking of dead weight... I normally carry an anchor or some sort on the AI and H18. On the H18 I carry a 3.5 lb folding anchor with 50ft of line and on the AI a 1.5 lb with the same accessories. I like knowing I can hold my position and wait for help if the boat explodes and becaomes a floating pile of debris. Has Anyone found use for an anchor for any reason during a watertribe event?
Wanted vs Needed Equipment
(56 posts) (19 voices)-
CleanSlate
MemberI've been very conflicted about whether to bring an anchor for my tiny class 5 boat (empty boat weighs just barely over 100 lbs). I have elected to take a 4 lb claw anchor on both the EC and the OFC but have left it behind on the shorter challenges and UMs. On the plus side, it would be nice to be able to keep the boat in position off shore in an emergency. On the down side for such a light and small boat, having it over-loaded is also dangerous and having extra lines getting tangled could/would complicate things in a capsise. It all depends on your particular boat. If you do take one, make sure it is one that will actually hold your boat. Otherwise you are adding complexity with no benefit.
Posted 5 years ago # -
ShakyRudder
MemberI do have a 10 lb navy anchor laying around that is useful on the H18 if I plan on getting a good nights sleep at anchor. I think its a little much for the AI.
Not to totally change the topic I also wanted to share a few items I use all the time.
Onyx Dynamic Life Vest
and the NRS Pilot Knife
These two items are not the most expensive on the market but seem to hold their own. The vest does not have as many pockets as the expensive brands but it is comfortable. Also comes with a free rape whistle in case the dolphins get frisky.
The knife is the best I have used so far and the sheath seems pretty secure.Posted 5 years ago # -
danceswithmullet
MemberIMO an anchor should be required. It allows you to call an all stop where you are and you can focus on the problem at hand without worrying about your position. For smaller vessels a folding anchor with parachute cord for line is sufficient. I carry 300 Ft 1/4" braid on a home made spool. I use to keep the line in a milk crate, but ended up with 300Ft of knots. The spool is the key to successful storage of line and you could keep plenty of parachute cord on a Cuban Yo-Yo spool. Now I have yet to find an anchor that will hold with a load on it in Florida Bay. Both the claw and danforth drag in a hard blow in the marl that makes up Florida bay. I usually look for an Island to get into the lee and the anchor does fine in low loads. DWM
Posted 5 years ago # -
Moose
MemberOut of curiousity (and a continuing effort to avoid working), I e-mailed the manufacturer of the Vittles Vault and asked what it was made from and what type of adhesive could be used to attach a handle or whatever to it. Got this reply this morning:
"The Vittles Vaults are made from High Density Polyethylene. Unfortunately there is no adhesive that will adhere to this material."
The plastic welding might work, but it might be pretty thin material to be melting. ymmv.
Regarding anchoring, we have carried an anchor on our TI but have never had to use it. Still, I like having it aboard, because if you ever needed it, you might REALLY be glad you had it (I guess you could carry a passport instead, maybe). We also carry a stake pole, and have used it frequently.
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Posted 5 years ago # -
JoeVanGeaux
MemberMoose wrote:
Out of curiousity (and a continuing effort to avoid working), I e-mailed the manufacturer of the Vittles Vault and asked what it was made from and what type of adhesive could be used to attach a handle or whatever to it. Got this reply this morning:
"The Vittles Vaults are made from High Density Polyethylene. Unfortunately there is no adhesive that will adhere to this material."
Moose, the fellow in the video specifically addresses something he uses for polyethylene, so below is a re-post to link I mentioned previously. (Go to 58 seconds into the video to dodge discussion not related to adhesives.) I want to try this stuff one day.
Posted 5 years ago # -
A simple solution for tethering the Vittles Vault:
I use 550 paracord in a loop around the lid, it just fits in the gap and is plenty secure. In my canoe, it goes in front of my feet with the tether connected near me. When I need it, I just pull it close, then kick it back up front when I'm done.
And yes, the lids are the same Gamma lids that you can purchase and install on a 5 gallon bucket.
Posted 5 years ago # -
BeastOarman
MemberAlong the lines of CWolfe's back scratcher, I carry some dental picks at the ready, hate stuff stuck in my teeth.
DWM, I've heard sandals and boots hold really well in Florida Bay, maybe that is the secret to anchoring there.
Macatawa, nice and simple solution with extra benefits. I like it. Maybe some lower strength material (such as loop of fishing line) where it is tethered to the boat in case of entanglement in a capsize?
Posted 5 years ago # -
ShakyRudder
MemberThinking about weight restrictions and holding power Fortress comes to mind. I have the FX-7 model and use it all the time on a 20ft powerboat. It only weighs 4lb but holds like no other anchor I have used. It is a little bulky in size but only weighs .5 lbs more than a small folding claw. It may be overkill and look crazy on an AI or TI but the more I think about it this anchor has never failed me. I use it primarily in florida bay all summer every year.
Posted 5 years ago # -
PrivateHam
MemberShakyRudder, I use the same anchor on my TI and loved it. Only issue is, if you don't have enough chain, it can actually rise up and plane along the top of the water if the wind is blowing you fast enough. I would hate to think of the anchor losing grip while sleeping. If you started moving fast enough before it reset, you could be in for a long drift.
Posted 5 years ago # -
ShakyRudder
MemberVery true about the chain I did not factor that into the weight scenario. I do have 4 feet of stainless chain on the anchor. I will have to weigh it up and see how it compares to the other anchor options. I am skeptical about the lightweight folding claw anchors. The are great in rocky areas but in sand or soft bottom they are no help. I think I need a bigger boat.
Posted 5 years ago # -
Karank
MemberI only use chain when weight is not important. Certainly not in a Challange. Chain can withstand years of abrasion and the weight can substitute for a lote mor rode. I have a minim of 200' of nylon. Based on the rule of 6/1 that is only good for 33' depth. With a W wind the Gulf gets that deep rather quick. I use a small danforth.
Posted 5 years ago # -
ShakyRudder
MemberI pulled the scale out and compared the anchor options. The fortress is the winner. Even with the chain it still weighs less than the traditional anchors including the navy style anchor. I will have to get lots more anchor line. Everyone seems to carry quite a bit. I guess you can never have too much it may come in handy for something else along the way. Also trying to reduce weight in the paddle department. Have some spare carbon fiber and I'am thinking of building my spare paddle out of some carbon rod blank material. The blade design will be interesting to test out. I am sure it will not look like a fancy production model but hopefully I don't have to claim the kid down the street made it either.
Posted 5 years ago # -
Swoody126
MemberMacatawa wrote:
A simple solution for tethering the Vittles Vault:
I use 550 paracord in a loop around the lid, it just fits in the gap and is plenty secure. ...
And yes, the lids are the same Gamma lids that you can purchase and install on a 5 gallon bucket.
w/o having to backtrack thru this forum, has ZING-IT been discussed, as an extremely light weight/super strong replacement for PARACORD?
1.75mm ZING-IT has a breaking strength nearing 500# and the stuff is super easy to splice w/ a sharp knife & just a piece of florest wire(fine safety wire ought to work just as well
made by our old friend SAMSON and available thru the usual marine sources, like REDDEN MARINE & incl DAMAZON & FLEABAY
just a ponderment
Posted 5 years ago # -
Re anchors, has enyone considerd sea serface ancors? After comershal testing of designs for youse on ice brakers bound for Antartica we found that a flater mushroom shaped parashute worked 100% beter than a traditional admaralty cone shaped anchor, thay take up buger all space i have a 3 ft diamiter one for my kayak, and run it of 15 mtr of flotijg line, which just hapens to be my tow line , if your runing a sea anchor deploy of the bow , if you deploy of the stern you can put undue backword preshure on your rudder, in a direction ther not designed to have preshure on the only time iv yoused it is for fishing and a resque senario with four rafted sea kayaks to form a platform to have an air lift from .
I cant travel without a set of dry worm thermals , i hate being cold when im of the waterPosted 5 years ago # -
MarlinBrando
MemberFeks, I have been contemplating adding a sea anchor to my boat. Having been trapped in one squall before, and considering the other forum about the dauphin island race PLUS every story I have heard about squalls and severe weather at sea... I have decided to add a sea anchor to my boat
Posted 5 years ago # -
SwampMonkee
Memberhttp://www.jordanseriesdrogue.com/
Check out the Jordan Series Drogue. Easy to deploy and retrieve and variable holding power, zlow down or stop.
Posted 5 years ago # -
MarlinBrando
MemberFeks, would love to see your design and build for the diy sea anchor.
How many people here still navigate by chart? I do and I'm on the look out for a damn fine combination binocular compass rangfinder. Old one wasn't as waterproof as advertised and I want something solid
Posted 5 years ago # -
MarlinBrando
MemberKinda interested that no one has said this one. But I thought back to my water survival training and remembered trash bags. 55 gallon 2mil trash bags. They make a poncho, a canopy, if your in the water simply slip into the trash bag it WILL help you keep warm
Posted 5 years ago #
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