4th Edition


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The anchors

Looking for the perfect anchor for your boat? You should familiarize yourself with the basic characteristics of different types of anchors in order to choose the one that best suits your needs. In this edition of Captain's Logbook, we will make an overview of the factors to consider when buying your anchor.
These factors must take into account the environmental conditions (weather and type of seabed), the size of your boat and the weight of the anchor.
 
The operation of the anchor

The anchor is intended to keep the boat in place away from the waves and rocks, clinging to the seabed. On sandy or muddy seabed, the anchor hollows the surface, creating a suction through the depression and weight thereby providing holding strength. When it comes to hard or rocky bottoms, anchor clings to the salient elements on the seabed.  


Features to consider

There are many types of anchors but there are nevertheless characteristics common to consider during your research.
  • A good holding capacity (retention) in all types of background: algae, rocks, sand or mud
  • Easy and quick to cling to some seabed in all conditions
  • Robust construction.
  • Easy release and effort required during recovery (winding).
  • Easy storage on deck - Compact
  • The amount of chain required to maximize its effectiveness

The size and weight of the anchor

There is an urban legend that the heavier an anchor is, the better it is. The physical size proves it a better indicator of the anchor holding capacity rather than its weight. (Some anchors weighing only 5 pounds can hold over 1000 pounds!)  
Check anchors sizes offered by the manufacturer of anchors in relation to the size of your boat, the location (type of seabed, stream strength) you dock where you and your habits   Navigation: throw your anchor usually for two hours or two weeks, in a lake or the Atlantic Ocean? The last thing you need when bad weather comes, it is inadequate anchor.

What materials choose?

Three options are available: galvanized steel, stainless steel and lightweight aluminum. Most boaters choose a galvanized anchor for reasons of cost. Several anchor models are available coated with a protective layer of vinyl.   This layer will add to the look of your anchor and will fit perfectly with the colors of your boat while protecting it from scratches during assembly.

Type anchors

The following list shows the anchor of the most popular models currently on the market

SES74538Marine anchor (Kedge) : Anchor Navy is the best-known anchor model. The Kedge (horizontal top bar) folds flat against the shaft for easy storage, making it a good option for small boats. Anchor The Marine Anchor is functional in rocky bottoms, and easily penetrates through algae
SES74570_1-BMushroom Anchor : The mushroom anchor is equipped with a base (bowl shaped) that provides a broad power to retain effectibely in the mud and algae. The discharge openings in the base allow for easy removal, draining water and mud quickly.
SES74542_1-BRiver Anchor : The River Anchor is designed specifically for the powerful currents of river or drift. The recording action of the three individual blades provides a strong holding force, while the flow through the openings facilitates its recovery.
SES74552_1-BGrapnel (utility) : Grapnel anchors or utilities have four arms that fold easily, making it compact and easy to store. This anchor style is ideal for small boats and dinghies since there are no sharp blades that could damage delicate surfaces of the boat.
FORFX-Flat anchor : The Flat Anchor (Danforth, fluke) works by his jas-header system and not its weight, using two strips for hanging and firmly into the seabed. This is one of the best models in the sand or gravel, burying literally out of sight when it is lowered. 
MANGV13_1-BThe specialty anchor models There are several models other than those explained above. The following models are the most popular among specialized anchors: Plow, Bruce, Delta, Kingston, Fortress CQR all have their fans each and are easily available in stores. Recently Mantus the manufacturer has raised the bar with regard to the quality and performance of an anchor. To give you an overview of its impressive capabilities, we invite you to view a sample video, created by the manufacturer Mantus anchors Anchors. Click here to see the video clip.
 
The importance of the chain

Adding a chain length is essential for the proper functioning of your anchor Here are the main reasons.:
  • A chain length adds weight to your anchor. This allows the anchor to sit well in the seabed, as provided in the design of the anchor in particular
  • One foot (12 "or 30cm) chain 5/16" (8mm) is approximately equivalent to one pound (450g). This weight may vary depending on the size and the channel grade.
  • A good chain length will cushion the blows on the anchor when your boat is exposed to waves or the wake of another boat, the anchor will not seek to dislodge each movement of the ship.
For those who like to sleep on board a boat at anchor, the chain serves to damp the tension between   the anchor and the rope avoiding sudden wind blows gets up during the night.

Tip: use two anchors styles

For greater anchor security, you should ideally use a second anchor; one of each type: flat anchor and anchor plow. The type of bottom (mud, seaweed, sand, coral or rock) dictates the choice of different anchors, as well as the size and drift of the boat, the wind conditions and the status of water. Some anchoring situations also require the simultaneous use of more than one anchor.
 
You may sometimes need to two anchors at a crowded anchorage, one at the bow and one at the stern of the vessel to limit swing. Two anchors attached to the front at an angle of 60 ° are another good way to improve security against sway and drift, and allow you to shorten the cables and use less space. Face of severe weather conditions, where only one anchor may not be sufficient, the use of a second anchor will prove essential for maintaining the position of the boat. Remember, when the wind speed doubles, the pressure on the boat (and the anchoring system ground) quadruple.
 
In a future edition of Captain's Logbook, we will share with you the best anchoring techniques adapted to different conditions.

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