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**noelex 77** · 31-03-2018, 15:24

Many anchor designs use a weighted tip. This creates bulk, which can induce problems with penetration in difficult substrates such as weed. While anchors such as CQR use steel ballast, the better anchors such as Spade use lead. This has a much higher density, which makes a significant difference in water.

Recently depleted uranium has become available at relatively low cost. It is 1.7 times as dense as lead. The waste products of nuclear reactors has to go somewhere and rather than treating this as a waste product, its high density is ideal for anchors.

There is of course the obvious concern of radiation, but radiation sickness is only seen above a threshold radiation dose and most owners do not spend much time at the bow, which limits the concern. One anchor manufacturer suggested the use of depleted uranium would discourage other boat owners from anchoring too close, an obvious benefit.

Stu Jackson · 31-03-2018, 15:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by noelex 77

>>>>>>>>>>>>
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One anchor manufacturer suggested the use of depleted uranium would discourage other boat owners from anchoring too close, an obvious benefit.

Would neighboring boats be able to tell by the glow? Even during daylight?

**Jim Cate** · 31-03-2018, 16:10

G'Day Nolex,

Assuming that you are serious, the hazards associated with U-238 are pretty small. It is an alpha emitter, and a weak one at that. Alpha particles have extremely small penetrating power and can be stopped by a bit of paper... so any form of encapsulation removes this worry. And encapsulation would be needed, for the metal is pretty reactive and would need protection. Uranium of all isotopes has the usual heavy metal toxicity, not all that different from the lead that it would be replacing in the anchor, so that's not much of a worry. And no glow-in-the-dark issues (much beloved by the anti-nuke folks) for there is no Cerenkov radiation associated with alpha decay.

And FWIW, depleted Uranium is in common use as counterweights in many commercial jets, and has been for decades.

So, come on Mantus, come on Spade... lets see some REAL innovation!

Jim

PS John, you really ought to update the blurb that appears under your screen name! Your boat ain't "half built" any longer!

IdoraKeeper · 31-03-2018, 17:26

Now we have seen it all...a radioactive anchor thread:-)

HankOnthewater · 31-03-2018, 17:36

Noelex and Jim seem to know lots but I would have thought that depleted uranium prime use would be for keel ballast (eh, monohulls only). I know next to nothing so I ask my friend/foe Google:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depleted_uranium

After reading all that I think gold might be a better option. Many many years ago I read a book: "the golden keel". At least in fiction, it has been done before.

RaymondR · 31-03-2018, 22:38

The use of DU in everyday items might even help counter some of the scare tactics of the anti-nuclear crowd. We have the crazy situation in Australia that whilst being one of the largest uranium exporters in the world it is politically impossible to exploit nuclear power domestically even though it is one of the safest and cleanest methods of doing so.

Lepke · 31-03-2018, 23:55

I think it would be difficult to sell a product that radiated, no matter how little. Depleted uranium left on battlefields is known to cause problems for locals. I'm not anti-nuclear, but much of the worlds population is.
And if you've bought any equipment in the 30 years, the first several pages of the manual is useless drivel written by under employed lawyers for companies afraid of being sued.

El Pinguino · 01-04-2018, 00:02

I was reading about this just the other day in some scientific journal or other. Written by Loof Lirpa... the noted Norwegian expert on anchors, herring gutting, and recipes for cod's tongue .

Day late for some - day early for others....

pje56 · 01-04-2018, 02:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by El Pinguino

I was reading about this just the other day in some scientific journal or other. Written by Loof Lirpa... the noted Norwegian expert on anchors, herring gutting, and recipes for cod's tongue .

Day late for some - day early for others....

I seem to recall Loof’s recipes were the inspiration for the seminal King Crimson album “Cod’s Tongue in Aspic?”

**GordMay** · 01-04-2018, 02:44

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, pje.

Olddan1943 · 01-04-2018, 03:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stu Jackson

Would neighboring boats be able to tell by the glow? Even during daylight?

How long will it be before Calif outlaws the depleted uranium anchors?
Or the boat will have to have a black flag, warning painted on the side of the hull??

Coffee, once again in Calif, must have a warning label.

Olddan1943 · 01-04-2018, 03:31

Depending upon where you live, April 2 or April 1.

**StuM** · 01-04-2018, 04:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by pje56

I seem to recall Loof’s recipes were the inspiration for the seminal King Crimson album “Cod’s Tongue in Aspic?”

Are you having a Lark?

**Pete7** · 01-04-2018, 05:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Olddan1943

How long will it be before Calif outlaws the depleted uranium anchors?
Or the boat will have to have a black flag, warning painted on the side of the hull??

Coffee, once again in Calif, must have a warning label.

What happens if you arrive in NZ or Australia with a DU anchor, you know what there are like if you arrive with anything remotely edible.

Pete