I watched a youtube video today of a guy testing out a really large Rocna type Anchor. He was on about a 28 footer and there was a hurricane coming so he decided he'd anchor in a bay , pull out his massive anchor that was stowed. In order for him to stow it and man handle it , it came apart into 2/3 sections.
He then proceed to assemble it and he ran 2 30mm ropes - like mooring lines through the two leads off the bow , either side of the bow roller.
He sat in about 50/60 knots. and didnt budge. the boat swung around a bit with wind shifts , but that anchor did not move.
I really like the idea of this but searching for such an anchor yeilded no results so far.
Any ideas what kind or where you can get something like this. ?
Im thinking about 40kgs, but it needs to be stowable in a small yacht, so maybe two or three parts

Ummm, 40kg anchor and 30mm line on a 28'er? Not something you's likely keep onboard...

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Jethrow said..
Ummm, 40kg anchor and 30mm line on a 28'er? Not something you's likely keep onboard...

well some serious, prepared people do. I have room for it. alternative is 100's of metres of anchor rope to tie yourself to shore/trees in a big blow.
I like this idea of a large anchor that can be assembled on the boat instead. Im not sure how much 30mm rope he had. possibly overkill there but still - a large anchor that can be disassembled is appealing to me.

Have a look at the Mantus range Sector...

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Datawiz said..
Have a look at the Mantus range Sector...

Bingo. Thank you! Exactly what im after. No need to get all that rope now :)

I'm only commenting because I bought a length of 30mm silver line to possibly use as trailing warps on my cat. It's been under my house since I bought it because it would approximately take up the space of a person if laid on a bunk. Two of them is obviously 2 bunks. I can't remember how long it is but probably not longer that 25m.

Edit: actually maybe you'd fit both on a bunk but it's still a large piece of rope

www.anchorright.com.au/products/sarca-excel-alloy-anchor/

Great Anchor....they disassemble, but are pricey!!

I've got 2 x 60mtr 25-30mm dock lines looking for a new home if you go that way!!

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Jethrow said..
I'm only commenting because I bought a length of 30mm silver line to possibly use as trailing warps on my cat. It's been under my house since I bought it because it would approximately take up the space of a person if laid on a bunk. Two of them is obviously 2 bunks. I can't remember how long it is but probably not longer that 25m.

Edit: actually maybe you'd fit both on a bunk but it's still a large piece of rope

Tis def a conundrum with all that rope. I was going to buy possibly 3/400m of 12mm nylon rope, but instead id carry one of those big mantus Anchors that assemble and easy to stow. 30kg Anchor. $1000. good bit of insurance for a 25 foot travelling boat.

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Cabron said..
www.anchorright.com.au/products/sarca-excel-alloy-anchor/

Great Anchor....they disassemble, but are pricey!!

I've got 2 x 60mtr 25-30mm dock lines looking for a new home if you go that way!!

thanks for that. no price on the website. Enquiry page...
And id be interested in 60m of that rope!
pm me for prices if you could!
thank you

A couple of issues here... Risk factors in a cyclone (hurricane) involve flood debris - logs, a buildup of debris on your anchor rope, being hit by other boats, and changing wind direction, as much as your own anchoring gear. There are a lot of posts here and YouTube etc about options for weathering a cyclone.
If you're going to get a big deconstructable anchor for a smallish boat, consider a Fortress.
fortressanchors.com/
Multiple uses and they pack well.

A couple of issues here... Risk factors in a cyclone (hurricane) involve flood debris - logs, a buildup of debris on your anchor rope, being hit by other boats, and changing wind direction, as much as your own anchoring gear. There are a lot of posts here and YouTube etc about options for weathering a cyclone.
If you're going to get a big deconstructable anchor for a smallish boat, consider a Fortress.
fortressanchors.com/
Multiple uses and they pack well.

My vote would be something you could use at other times as a stern anchor or kedge. Light but high holding - a fortress seems good.

If you go aground somewhere and need to get off urgently then grabbing an easy to put together lightweight anchor and running (literally) swimming (with a lifejacket on the anchor as well) or rowing and anchor out on rope can get your boat off better than waiting for some to tow you.

We ended up on a sandbar in the Gold Coast once in a full gale. Bceause we draw little, I ran the kedge out about 70 metres (danforth with 100m of 14m for 11.6 metre cat). Then I spent the next hour winching us back off - with messengers from the sheet winches led to the anchor rode. First one side then the other - alternating sheet winches.

Even though it was a full gale we pulled ourselves off easily and with no damage. I certainly do not want someone coming to help in those situations - I want to get myself off calmly and gently. So I always sail with a roll of 14mm nylon and a nice high power danforth. It will do duty as a storm anchor if needed but don't make it too big to put in the dinghy and row out when you really need to get off the bottom.

Getting a high holding power anchor out should be the first thing you do when you realise you are truly stuck.

I would suggest nothing larger than 15 kg for your primary anchor. My Ultra SS replica is 13 kilos and holds a Currawong in 50 knots easily. Choose a Rocna, Spade etc. It's the surface area of the blade that holds the boat not the weight. An aluminium version of a Spade [or copy] about 10 kilos would do. About 5 meters of chain and as much rope as you have room for. Back up anchor consider an aluminium Fortress and buy the size that fits broken down below easily. You may never need it but a second bit of chain and rope stored low down in the bilge is good insurance. This is only a small boat and it will not appreciate too much weight in the ends.

Thanks alot for these great replies and info.
i currently have a 27 pound CQR. Its always been great. Left the boat in Iluka for 2 weeks, and it was blowing over 30 knots alot there. Same in mooloolaba where it was 35 knots and we never moved. Great Sandys had to Anchor in 35 knots, totally fine. So shes a good one.
The only time i dragged was when i anchored in Berrys Bay Sydney. I found out why. So much crap on the bottom. 40 knots came through from the south...
The other time was in Curembene Creek but this was also my fault as id tried to fore and aft anchor. Although id done this before with success in the kepples to keep the boat stern, or bow to swell, it was a different story in the creek where the current and the wind at the time was really strong.
The boat kept rotating, therefore twisting around each anchor rode, making the holding weaker every time.
Had i just anchored a bit west(up creek) of the Myola boat ramp out of the way or people using ramp, with just that 27 pounder im sure she would not have dragged.
In understand the dangers of being aboard at anchor during a storm. I was reading about people who died as large vessels broke their moorings/anchors and mowed down smaller boats. I guess youd have some warning though and the point would be to anchor the boat somewhere to try and save it. Obviously hoping this never happens, but my mind constantly ticks over with " worst case scenarios " and trying to nut out solutions.
I really like the kedging idea also and a lighter anchor to be able to row this away makes sense.
Maybe i should buy a really good anchor thats a bit heavier than my CQR and keep the CQR as well.
I currently have 3 anchors onboard always.

Of course, the classic old admiralty pattern anchor can be disassembled for stowage, and is pretty good on a rocky bottom.

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Yara said..
Of course, the classic old admiralty pattern anchor can be disassembled for stowage, and is pretty good on a rocky bottom.

Yeah, a dismantable admiralty pattern anchor with a couple of broad sharp spades welded onto the picks would be a pretty good bit of gear to have.

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Sectorsteve said..
Thanks alot for these great replies and info.
i currently have a 27 pound CQR. Its always been great. Left the boat in Iluka for 2 weeks, and it was blowing over 30 knots alot there. Same in mooloolaba where it was 35 knots and we never moved. Great Sandys had to Anchor in 35 knots, totally fine. So shes a good one.
The only time i dragged was when i anchored in Berrys Bay Sydney. I found out why. So much crap on the bottom. 40 knots came through from the south...
The other time was in Curembene Creek but this was also my fault as id tried to fore and aft anchor. Although id done this before with success in the kepples to keep the boat stern, or bow to swell, it was a different story in the creek where the current and the wind at the time was really strong.
The boat kept rotating, therefore twisting around each anchor rode, making the holding weaker every time.
Had i just anchored a bit west(up creek) of the Myola boat ramp out of the way or people using ramp, with just that 27 pounder im sure she would not have dragged.
In understand the dangers of being aboard at anchor during a storm. I was reading about people who died as large vessels broke their moorings/anchors and mowed down smaller boats. I guess youd have some warning though and the point would be to anchor the boat somewhere to try and save it. Obviously hoping this never happens, but my mind constantly ticks over with " worst case scenarios " and trying to nut out solutions.
I really like the kedging idea also and a lighter anchor to be able to row this away makes sense.
Maybe i should buy a really good anchor thats a bit heavier than my CQR and keep the CQR as well.
I currently have 3 anchors onboard always.

I would weld the swivel of the CQR at an attractive angle and convert it into a garden ornament! Buy a modern high holding anchor about 12 kg, something you can lug about one handed on the foredeck.

Take a wander over to Callala and check out the 65 foot cutter. Note the Rocna on the bow and the Fortress set vertically on the stern. The owner has circumnavigated on a smaller boat, 54' and is very experienced. We all probably read his articles in yachting magazines years ago. Oversizing anchors is not a good idea.

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Ramona said..

Sectorsteve said..
Thanks alot for these great replies and info.
i currently have a 27 pound CQR. Its always been great. Left the boat in Iluka for 2 weeks, and it was blowing over 30 knots alot there. Same in mooloolaba where it was 35 knots and we never moved. Great Sandys had to Anchor in 35 knots, totally fine. So shes a good one.
The only time i dragged was when i anchored in Berrys Bay Sydney. I found out why. So much crap on the bottom. 40 knots came through from the south...
The other time was in Curembene Creek but this was also my fault as id tried to fore and aft anchor. Although id done this before with success in the kepples to keep the boat stern, or bow to swell, it was a different story in the creek where the current and the wind at the time was really strong.
The boat kept rotating, therefore twisting around each anchor rode, making the holding weaker every time.
Had i just anchored a bit west(up creek) of the Myola boat ramp out of the way or people using ramp, with just that 27 pounder im sure she would not have dragged.
In understand the dangers of being aboard at anchor during a storm. I was reading about people who died as large vessels broke their moorings/anchors and mowed down smaller boats. I guess youd have some warning though and the point would be to anchor the boat somewhere to try and save it. Obviously hoping this never happens, but my mind constantly ticks over with " worst case scenarios " and trying to nut out solutions.
I really like the kedging idea also and a lighter anchor to be able to row this away makes sense.
Maybe i should buy a really good anchor thats a bit heavier than my CQR and keep the CQR as well.
I currently have 3 anchors onboard always.

I would weld the swivel of the CQR at an attractive angle and convert it into a garden ornament! Buy a modern high holding anchor about 12 kg, something you can lug about one handed on the foredeck.

Take a wander over to Callala and check out the 65 foot cutter. Note the Rocna on the bow and the Fortress set vertically on the stern. The owner has circumnavigated on a smaller boat, 54' and is very experienced. We all probably read his articles in yachting magazines years ago. Oversizing anchors is not a good idea.

why isnt it a good idea?
Some people say it is. it seems that weight and chain help keep the boat there. im still not sold on these designs and lightweight anchors. id love to know i really would because id love to take a lighter anchor. But i can handle my 27 pounder with one hand no worries. thanks to Sir G for that one :)

All the manufacturers have recommended sizes for their anchors. Plenty of regulations to govern the size of anchors as well. Also what other owners use too for similar vessels.

Maybe change the topic to 'Which Anchor and weight'.... as I'm in the process of finding a new one.... check the online videos watching the top brands set.
Amazing to see the differences
Was about to buy a Manson Plough.... then seeing it compared to CQR plough... I thought would be the same... no chance, then compare to the ones with the roll bar... their amazing...all of the big brands...but I'm concerned the roll bar will foul with my mooring line, then I saw the Sarca Excel.... I think I found it.... now gotta save the pennies... looks like a plough, but works differently. R&D vs metal welded together... big difference

What surprised me, general anchor search would say a 27lb-35lb plough for my yacht, while Manson website say 47lb plough.... I'm confused, so Cold Gal painted the current, now waiting for a Rocna or Sarca to come available.

One of the good things about the newish generation type anchors is if you slightly oversize them, by going up a size for your boat, they are so light in comparison to the ploughs that they can be your everyday primary and your storm anchor in one, you'll sleep well every night for the same effort or less than hauling the plough.
The spanner in the works is you like your cqr so I don't know, but I agree it's more important to keep weight down on a small boat, than carrying around a giant anchor you'll likely never use.

The chain has as much or more bearing on the anchors holding capacity than the weight of the anchor. While the extra holding capacity of the newer spade anchors is undoubted, the primary bower on my boat is a 30 lb CQR and has been for 35 years. The 40m X 10mm chain rode I'm sure is reason for its success. I imagine a 33ft ketch spray offers more windage than a toppy, not to mention all the wetted area 10t displacement offers to currents and wave action.
Ofcourse the chain comes at the cost of added weight, with the big apple bow of the spray it's of little concern but with lighter vessels a spurling pipe could be used to conduct the chain to more appropriate part of the ship. And 10mm proably a bit of overkill for a 4 or 5 ton boat I recon

I am happy for you Steve!

A case of Cooper's, money well spent!

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woko said..
The chain has as much or more bearing on the anchors holding capacity than the weight of the anchor. While the extra holding capacity of the newer spade anchors is undoubted, the primary bower on my boat is a 30 lb CQR and has been for 35 years. The 40m X 10mm chain rode I'm sure is reason for its success. I imagine a 33ft ketch spray offers more windage than a toppy, not to mention all the wetted area 10t displacement offers to currents and wave action.
Ofcourse the chain comes at the cost of added weight, with the big apple bow of the spray it's of little concern but with lighter vessels a spurling pipe could be used to conduct the chain to more appropriate part of the ship. And 10mm proably a bit of overkill for a 4 or 5 ton boat I recon

I reduced the chain on my anchor to about 4 metres. Weighted point and sharp leading edges of the SS Ultra replica would probably hold the boat with out any chain. Few months ago I anchored a 45 footer in the river with a CQR and full anchor rode and it was going to plow for ever!
I have an Amel 54 on the mooring next to mine. These are all built and fitted out exactly the same and all come with 30kg Bugel [Wasi] anchors. It looks tiny on the bow but they obviously hold these very large cruisers all around the globe. The Bugel has been around for a long time and was the first of the spade type anchors. They are also very easy to replicate!

I have used a fortress many a time. They are great. Light and pull apart to stow away in a bag.Used with a length of chain then warp. I have literally had to dive and dig it out.
Practice putting it together and deploying from the dinghy on calm days so when you have to do it in the dark in a blow you know what you are doing. I keep the chain in a heavy canvas bag.

have you been watching sailing Uma?

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Andrew68 said..

have you been watching sailing Uma?

Dropped the sails but left the Dodger up!

amazing the dodger hung in !!

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Ramona said..

woko said..
The chain has as much or more bearing on the anchors holding capacity than the weight of the anchor. While the extra holding capacity of the newer spade anchors is undoubted, the primary bower on my boat is a 30 lb CQR and has been for 35 years. The 40m X 10mm chain rode I'm sure is reason for its success. I imagine a 33ft ketch spray offers more windage than a toppy, not to mention all the wetted area 10t displacement offers to currents and wave action.
Ofcourse the chain comes at the cost of added weight, with the big apple bow of the spray it's of little concern but with lighter vessels a spurling pipe could be used to conduct the chain to more appropriate part of the ship. And 10mm proably a bit of overkill for a 4 or 5 ton boat I recon

I reduced the chain on my anchor to about 4 metres. Weighted point and sharp leading edges of the SS Ultra replica would probably hold the boat with out any chain. Few months ago I anchored a 45 footer in the river with a CQR and full anchor rode and it was going to plow for ever!
I have an Amel 54 on the mooring next to mine. These are all built and fitted out exactly the same and all come with 30kg Bugel [Wasi] anchors. It looks tiny on the bow but they obviously hold these very large cruisers all around the globe. The Bugel has been around for a long time and was the first of the spade type anchors. They are also very easy to replicate!

I totally agree the newer spade types are loads better. I thort the op was looking for a easily stowed large anchor to compliment his CQR, more chain is the obvious answer. And another beauty of chain is the ease of retrieveal even with a manual windlass, no need to tail out the rope, just turn the handle