Which anchors should I keep?

[GILow]

Originally Posted by Ann T. Cate

If money is no object with this project, keeping the old plow in the bilge will not hurt, but it is almighty heavy, and with the passage of the years, will be harder to move.

That's the rub really. It is so darn heavy. At least I can bring it topside in two pieces, but I can barely move it around now, and it a pretty big missile in a rollover. Id have to figure out how to strap it down safely. The way it was stored in the bow was a disaster waiting to happen.

I am getting the impression that these older designs are not really worth their weight anymore, and it would just be better to stock up on some more modern stuff. We are hardly a racing boat, but it all adds up.

Fascinated by how positive everyone has been about the Danforth. I assumed it would be poo-poohed by now, but clearly it's place stored at the stern rail is the right thing from what is being said here.

Matt

[Don C L]

Where I am, small anchorages, sometimes windy or with swell, often kelp, I am always anchored with two anchors (Danforths), usually bow and stern but occasionally Bahamian mooring. I sleep very well. If you know you are not going to be swinging around the anchor, the Danforth will always be a good choice IMHO. If you are one hook, then, yes one of the new generation is a good choice. Any anchor can get fouled in kelp, so I always check how the anchors are set by pulling one against the other.

[GILow]

Originally Posted by Don C L

Where I am, small anchorages, sometimes windy or with swell, often kelp, I am always anchored with two anchors (Danforths), usually bow and stern but occasionally Bahamian mooring. I sleep very well. If you know you are not going to be swinging around the anchor, the Danforth will always be a good choice IMHO. If you are one hook, then, yes one of the new generation is a good choice. Any anchor can get fouled in kelp, so I always check how the anchors are set by pulling one against the other.

You have convinced me, I shall no longer look askance at the Danforth on the stern. I confess I thought it was a bit of a toy, but clearly not.

[Factor]

Its working out then, you have the best anchor for where you are (the Marsh) a fair stern anchor (the danforth - which can be changed to a good big fortress in due course) and I think you can talk to Rex about a good excel or super sarca. Lifes good.

the CQR is silly to keep, IMHO, to big to manhandle and less than wonderful to anchor with - dice it. Use the space to carry something sensible like wine.

[GILow]

Originally Posted by Factor

Use the space to carry something sensible like wine.

[Mithril Bham]

Keep Danforth. I have had good luck with plows in some very heavy conditions with correct scope and chain. Keep one spare in case you lose an anchor. Agree with your concern of metal fatigue. Get rid of it.

[reed1v]

Originally Posted by Don C L

Not really a fan of the plow, or plough, after I had one drag when things got windy and a swell moved in. The big heavy plough dragged but the (lighter) Danforth H-35 on the stern ended up holding the 10 tons (Downeast 38) from going anywhere. To be fair the plough may have been fouled on some kelp, hard to know for sure, it was dark and stormy and I wasn't able to investigate. But I have never had an issue with Danforths so, though I like the new generation, I say hang on to the Danforth, especially if it is hi-tensile. And if locals are using the stockless, follow their lead!

And we are fans of the Scottish made CQR plow. Saved us many times when a true Danforth just skipped along a rocky or coral bottom. A real plow will also dig deeper and deeper till its totally buried. There are plows and then there are plows. We found the genuine CQR to hold way better than some of the newer plows, especially the stainless ones.

[Dauntlessny]

In spite of all the opinions everyone has. All of them good; I would actually do nothing.

Keep the setup as you have it and figure out what works over time or not.

I also had a plow with a bent shank about 15 degrees. Everyone said to replace or straighten. I did neither, but did use other anchors. End story is that the plow was OK.

[Don C L]

Originally Posted by reed1v

And we are fans of the Scottish made CQR plow. Saved us many times when a true Danforth just skipped along a rocky or coral bottom. A real plow will also dig deeper and deeper till its totally buried. There are plows and then there are plows. We found the genuine CQR to hold way better than some of the newer plows, especially the stainless ones.

For rocks and coral I agree. I put a buoy and trip line if I anchor in rocks though. That has saved my anchor and rode a couple of times.

[Mithril Bham]

Danforth good in sand. Plough good in hard mud. Every time I've dragged it was my fault (not enough scope or choosing wrong bottom) rather than the anchor's fault. Anchored in force 10 with swell many times with plough with no problem as long as enough scope and chain.

[JPA Cate]

GILow's plow is not a CQR. His has a removable pin. The only sensible place for it would be if he had a double bow roller, and could keep it secure there, and ready to use. However, I'll be quite interested to learn what weight Sarca is recommended for use as a storm anchor for his boat, she's fairly heavy for her size.

[roland stockham]

Sounds to me like a nearly ideal setup, a decent lightweight 'lunch hook' in the Sacra a full weight CQR (but check it is the genuine drop forged model not a cast copy) and a spike anchor. Agree with you that if possible it is worth carrying a stockless, specialist but nothing gets through weed as well and they will hold until they break in rocks. If you are going to change anything maybe think about extending the rode sound a bit light for storm anchoring on a high windage boat your size. Extra length and weight in the rode will be more effective than different anchors.

[GILow]

Sounds like my plow is not a CQR from Ann's comment. It was listed in the survey inventory simply as a plow anchor, and it does not have any of the embossed lettering I see in pictures of genuine CQR anchors.

A good point about the current sarca being a good "lunch hook". It is nice and light. But as I mentioned earlier, at least one size smaller than recommended by anchor right. The next model in the range meets and exceeds our displacement by only one ton, which, given our windage, is probably not enough of a safety margin. I will call Rex as I am sure he would know enough about Swansons to be able to make a good recommendation.

I do stress, the stockless is all I will use here in the gulf st Vincent for the next four years. I would be mad to do otherwise given the advice I have been given. This is all about planning for the trip around Oz, the Pacific and (maybe) NZ.




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[Wotname]

Originally Posted by GILow

....
I do stress, the stockless is all I will use here in the gulf st Vincent for the next four years. I would be mad to do otherwise given the advice I have been given. This is all about planning for the trip around Oz, the Pacific and (maybe) NZ.




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Keep planning but do not purchase anything at least for the 3.5 years!

By then, there could be newer anchors or better built ones or better information available.

And FWIW, NEVER buy electronic stuff until you actually need it - but you prolly already know that

[GILow]

Originally Posted by Wotname

Keep planning but do not purchase anything at least for the 3.5 years!



By then, there could be newer anchors or better built ones or better information available.



And FWIW, NEVER buy electronic stuff until you actually need it - but you prolly already know that

Are you STILL there!?

But yes, the title of this thread was about what I should keep, not what should I buy. I shall take your advice and keep that in mind.

Have a great trip to port Davey. I am insanely jealous!


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