Consequences of a too big Anchor - Rocna

[CharlzO]

Rode of chain... Just remember, that's going to far outweigh the anchor itself when you need to move things around. I borrowed one from my brother, and he has 30-40 feet of chain before the rope. And that in itself makes it a pain both in terms of weight and awkwardness when I have to move it around anywhere. Granted, I don't have a locker, so I have to move it either from the stern storage, or from under the V-birth. But even though it doesn't sound like a lot of footage, it adds up quickly in those terms. Just something to think about. Well that, and I don't know if I'd want full-on chain rubbing back and forth against my rail if my both swings or anything of the sort.

[STG]

I upgraded to a 70lb CQR for piece of mind. I have a 35' sailboat with 5' of freeboard and I do not have a windlass.

As you asked, the downside is the retrieval. I have had to anchor in 75 ft of water, and at those times, that means hauling the anchor and 80 ft of chain. I am a pretty big guy, but it is still not fun. I am over 50, but do not think being 25 would make it any more fun. (Maybe a little easier).

Still, I would not want a smaller one. I sleep well. I am however in the market for a good windlass.

[Cheechako]

I can think of some:
Inability to enjoy getting up in the middle of the night to the anchor alarm being one.

[DoubleWhisky]

20 kG Rocna is in the matter of fact high latitudes anchor for Your boat. You will surely sleep well
Retrieving can be - however - some problem. Rocna has a huge fluke area and tend to dig deep under load. Next thing - in anything but sand You will be retrieving a good load of bottom substrate with the anchor (probably the weakest point of concave - rollbar designs), substantially adding to the load. I really do suggest to consider a simple windlass - Your back is irreplacable!

[sailorboy1]

my middle aged overweight post heart attack body has pulled up my 60# Manson Supreme and 25' of 5/16 anchor by hand alone a few times when the windlass stopped working, and if I couldn't done it I could have hooked it line and used my winch

you do have to use the boat to break out the anchor first, like you suppose to do anyway

[Adventurebound]

I am basing my anchor system strength based on tables supplied by Stu. My 21 footer in a 60 knot wind pulls about 900 kg. New chain, rope, links should be rated for double that- 1800 kg pull plus another 1000 kg for weakening with age. So I would be looking at a system that can hold about 3000 kg. new. The variable is the holding power of the anchor in whatever it has dug into. No one has mentioned using your engine to reduce the strain on your anchoring system. Sounds logical to me.

[ShaunJ]

Like most sailors, I go one size bigger than recomended. I would think if you are raising it manually, you would need to make sure you can handle the weight.

[downunder]

A 20kg Rocna sounds just right for you.

Just plan long term and save up for an anchor winch.

Anchor winches like anchors for cruising in out of way places and durability need to be adequate or oversize.

Good sized anchor for your vessel.

Cheers

[Celestialsailor]

Originally Posted by Orchidius

Boat is a 30ft hunk of steel weighing in at 6,5 metric tonnes (14500lbs). There is no windlass, but I'm in good physical shape and can easily lift it dry.

That's great that you're in shape but why ruin your back at 23? With a few hundred bucks, you can find an old S/L windlass. Be smart.

[Orchidius]

Thanks for the input all of you, I feel much better and more confident about my decision now

I won't be getting an anchor windlass, but finances aren't the main issue. On my particular boat it would be a humongous task to fit one. There's a roller furler, cutter stay, samson post, anchor/chain (no anchor locker) on the foredeck. That and the fact that fitting one would involve ripping up the entire forepeak interior to fit backing plates.

And the fact I don't truly need one anyway I might reconsider after a few years, but for now I'm good.

[Sea Frog]

Originally Posted by Stu Jackson

Anchor System Sizing Tables (Reply #6) Ground Tackle & Anchor System Sizing TABLES & Swivels

Hmmm, looks like the site is dead? All pages open to "You have reached a page that is either non-existant or in error!"...

[Adventurebound]

Originally Posted by Sea Frog

Hmmm, looks like the site is dead? All pages open to "You have reached a page that is either non-existant or in error!"...

I recently got in. Computers are notorious liers.

[pbiJim]

Originally Posted by HopCar

"Consequences of a too big anchor - Rocna"

Back surgery before you're thirty?
Not really joking, anchors are awkward damn things to handle.

I was just going to say "back ache", but HopCar's response is probably a better description.

Smashed feet & holes in decks are other undesirable possibilities.

[Jon Neely]

I would get a manual windlass, you can go as big as you want then.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[Blue Crab]

Originally Posted by Adventurebound

... No one has mentioned using your engine to reduce the strain on your anchoring system. Sounds logical to me.

Au contraire Cap. I'd say there was a lengthy discussion of this point within the last month, and many more earlier.