Anchors are they Really Necessary?

[kevinfry]

I see that a lot of recommend using a chain with an anchor but don't know where to get one or how I would connect it to the anchor. Lastly does anyone know the difference between a mushroom anchor and a grapple anchor?

galvanized shackle.....$1. You'll need a coule Stainless shackles for your anchor trolley too. All at LOWES

[M_Duong60]

I am most likely going to buy a claw style anchor to keep me anchored seeing as it will keep me anchored. In addition I could install a quick release so if it got stuck i could free it easily. Lastly I have seen blueprints online for a homemade drift sock so I could use that when in fast currents and such as stated....although if anyone has had a claw style anchor and is against it please tell me as I am inexperienced in this matter.

[J.A. Veil]

I posted earlier that I rarely use an anchor. But when I do anchor, I want to stay in one place. I built my own anchor from odds and ends I found around the house. I had an old sledge hammer head (estimated 8-10 lbs). I placed a galvanized steel bar through the hole in the sledge hammer and added bolts top and bottom to keep the bar from coming out. The bolts also improve the holding power.



This has held me in place in a strong tidal current near the Rt 50 bridge at Ocean City. It easily works in more gentle currents like Mattawoman, Potomac, or Susquehanna Rivers.

Due to its heavy weight and awkward shape, it does not store easily on board. I have an unused space in front of my starboard side foot rest and can set it there. I wrap the nylon cord around a sealed plastic Gatorade bottle, which serves as a float in case I need to jettison the anchor quickly. The photo below shows the anchor and cord stowed in place plus my makeshift anchor trolly that uses nylon line and a carabiner run through the bow handle and a side handle.

[LoudounFisher]

Here's my rig. Zip tie break-free so I can pull it from the other end if the claw snags under something.