Dinghy Ground Tackle & Anchor

[Funkydrum]

What brands, models, sizes of anchor (weight) and ground tackle (lengths of chain & rode) are you using for your dinghy?



I need some new hardware for our new OC Tender 330 which will spend most of it's time anchored in the sand /grass of the Abacos. She weighs less than 200 lbs with outboard AND a full tank of gas). My hope is to find the unicorn of light weight anchor with some chain and rode.


After quite a bit of CF searching, I've got zip.


Any thoughts?

[Panope]

Best:

https://www.mantusmarine.com/product...BoCO6oQAvD_BwE

[carstenb]

Originally Posted by Panope

Best:

https://www.mantusmarine.com/product...BoCO6oQAvD_BwE

Steve has probably done more anchor testing than anyone on the planet (including all the manufacturers)

If he says this is the best - it is

[rslifkin]

I'm using a cheap 8lb Danforth clone in the dinghy. It's overkill weight-wise (and I'd rather have either the baby Fortress or the Mantus). But it was dirt cheap along with 6 feet of tiny 3/16" chain and 150 feet of 3/8" line (came as a package).

[Shrew]

I use a Mantus 8lb for my 13 ft Boston Whaler, but it weighs 1,100 wet (I won't say how it weighs when two of us are sitting in it). If I had a rib, I'd use the 2.5lb. Excellent anchor.

[Off Trail]

We use a 5 lb Danforth. More than enough so far. 40' of nylon braid. No chain, have used a 6' dyneema leader then just bowline to that. We carry an extra 40' rode and have used it a couple of times to extend the line for snorkeling in deeper water.

In Bahamas it's going to be mostly 1) stern anchor to hold you off a dock, or 2) on, or just a few feet off the beach. For the former, we just hurl the anchor as far aft as possible. A transom cleat is a great addition for this. For the latter, retie to the bow painter and lodge the anchor into the sand.

[team karst]

I use a lewmar claw, made for dinks. Its laughable, do not buy...

[Funkydrum]

If you're using a bit of chain and braided line, what length and size of chain ?

Originally Posted by Panope

Best:

https://www.mantusmarine.com/product...BoCO6oQAvD_BwE

[chris mac]

Originally Posted by Panope

Best:



https://www.mantusmarine.com/product...BoCO6oQAvD_BwE

This is what we use. Quite often our buddy boats will tie to our dingy when we go snorkelling. 3, ten foot ribs, and it held great in most Bahamas locations.
The added benefit is when you have to place the anchor by hand(rocky bottom) I can carry it while snorkelling, with ease since it's so light
It's attached to 1/4" nylon, and no chain. I have added a small weight (as a kellet) about 10' from the anchor, mostly for stern tie at dock

[Funkydrum]

Ordered the Mantus 2.5# kit with bag, rode and point cover. Thanks team !

[Letterkenny]

What do we think of this?
Shoreline Marine #7 Slip Ring Anchor Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BNTZ6P6...Q7Y7HTK0RN1D70

[Panope]

Originally Posted by Funkydrum

If you're using a bit of chain and braided line, what length and size of chain ?

At scopes above about 4:1, the Mantus Dinghy Anchor will set and hold well with no chain. If you need to anchor at shorter scope, a bit chain, say 5' of 1/4", will help the anchor set.


Steve

[thinwater]

Originally Posted by team karst

I use a 2-pound Lewmar Claw, made for dinks. Its laughable, do not buy...

Works well in my kayak for fishing. That's about it.


I started using the Mantus Dinghy Anchor about 10 years ago. Just amazing for the weight. The only real anchor you can get scaled down. (In fact, I'm pretty sure I have "tested" this specific anchor more than even Steve, using it as a surrogate for full size anchors in many tests. I have two, from different generations, and I have modified one. I have also bent them... but only with SEVERE overloads that have nothing to do with reality.)


Great little anchor. Do be warned that the point can be very sharp and needs a guard in an inflatable, or dull it little with a file.

[Panope]

Originally Posted by Letterkenny

What do we think of this?
Shoreline Marine #7 Slip Ring Anchor Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BNTZ6P6...Q7Y7HTK0RN1D70

I tested an anchor that looked very similar and it failed to engage a Sandy Mud bottom.

It has since been hanging from the rafters of my shop. I feel that it is not worth further testing.

If the Mantus Dinghy Anchor is too costly, then I recommend a small (second hand) Bruce or new Claw.

Steve

[Jammer]

I have been using a Fortress Guardian G-7 (4 pounds) with about 6 feet of 3/16" stainless chain and 100 feet of 8 plait nylon rope. The chain and anchor are connected with a stainless connecting link, the kind with four rivet-like cones that you peen over. Then the chain is spliced to the rope. Nothing to come loose or for a guest to leave untied for whatever reason, no sharp wires.



The chain offers some abrasion resistance. I don't count on it for improved holding.