This article (www.sail-world.com/cruising/usa/Weedy-seabed-could-have-caused-boat-disaster/93636) makes one wary of anchoring over weed.

I too have experienced cases where I held fine over weed on sand for a couple of days, then suddenly lost grip. Obviously changing wind/swell conditions contributed, but I'm wondering if my anchoring technique or type of anchor also need improvement. I have a plow anchor, which is supposed to be good in weed and sand, which is typically what I encounter.

Short of diving down each and every time and visually inspecting one's anchor, what else would help (apart from finding another more protected spot)?



PS Support my Movember effort at http://mobro.co/anoble

scruzin said...
I think I need an anchor that can cope better with changes in wind direction. Fishermans and plows (ploughs) don't seem to re-grab well from what I've read.

How are you finding the Manson Supreme? It looks like a very nice anchor...

It's bullet proof but i doubt it will pull out off bommies and rocks had some trouble finding sand in a few places along the outer Great Barrier Reef.

But really the best is the S.A made marsh anchor I posted the link before. That will hold in the sand,weed,mud etc even when the tide changes. The fisherman and locals in South oz recommend them highly and I used mine all around tassie and up until central Qld. I cried when I lost mine due to gear failure.

Yes I would say down south of glenelg maybe just near Brighton looking towards seacliff maybe.

There are plenty of articles and videos available on anchoring. This is one of the better.

www.alberg37.org/Project%20DB/2006AnchorTest/2006%20IndependentAnchorTest.pdf

There are also patterns and dimensions for making "wooden" mock ups of the best anchors to ensure they fit your yacht!

Ultra's are available in Australia but are a little past the expensive side.
http://www.ultraanchors.com/ultra_anchors.html


Remember, modern anchors are the most common item stolen off boats!

The only problem with the Manson I find is the flat plate which the main body is constructed. It creates two problems. One it seams to wear out nylon anchor rollers on the bow. The other is when it reaches the roller it tends to jam before the final retrieval over the roller. The good thing about the old marsh anchor was that the main body was made from solid shaft and there was no up and down position for the anchor so I could retrieve the anchor from the cockpit and never have to go forward to help it over the rollers.

In all my years of sailing and cruising I have never set the anchor with reverse gear, I have only dragged once or twice in 45knts due to a undersized CQR imitation which was my spare after loosing my primary. The only time I may go astern is if I was in a hurry to get ashore for some reason..
I prefer to lay the chain out on the sea floor and then let the boat weight,wind and tide slowly dig the pick in. I have seen boaties ploughing up the sea floor using the reverse method often finding them selfs not in the position they intended to be in the first place.

MorningBird said...
I think with all anchors it best to avoid anchoring on a lee shore.

Well that is an understatement of the obvious for most of us here John, but thanks for mentioning it.

I'll keep it in mind for when I eventually unlock myself from land.

I envy you your forthcoming voyage to Lord Howe Island. Cheers.