Anchor Balls and Lifting Rings?

[swordds]

Anchor balls and lifting rings seem to be commonly used by fishermen with claims that they make single handed retrieval of the anchor much easier. Several YouTubes on using anchor balls. Any experience with these in the sailing community?

[AKJerry]

They work great. We use them all the time in Alaska. Anchor depth where I sail averages between 80-150 feet. Need nothing but a small bouy, one large enough to hold anchor, and a ring. Don’t go for the gimmicky devices, a large ring works best. Get a ring that has an open end that you can slip onto the anchor rode and then clevis or carabiner to the buoy. When ready to leave simply drive away, careful not to run over the line. When the anchor is dragging on the buoy/ring, stop and pull it in. The only weight is the drag of the buoy. Sometimes the anchor doesn’t catch on the ring, so keep constant tension on the line or the anchor may fall back down.