When is an Oversized Anchor too Much?

[musterpoint]

Hi folks,
new to boat ownership, not so new to sailing. We have just bought our first sailboat (2003 Beneteau 50). It's an ex-charter boat and we're looking to upgrade the basic kit it came with.
We're looking at the Mantus anchors, and am reliably informed we should oversize what's recommended for my boat. However their range jumps from 121lb to 175lb with nothing in between.
We have the Falkon 1500w windlass and 10mm chain.

My question is if the windlass' rated working load is 330lb, and the chain is 1.5lb/ft am I overloading the windlass if I go with the 175lb?

We're planning on taking the kids on a Caribbean cruise and I'd like to be able to sleep at night knowing we've got the largest anchor the boat can handle.

Any thoughts?

Thanks...

[ranger58sb]

My basic answer is that it's too heavy if I can't manually lift it back aboard when the windlass fails.

-Chris

[Stu Jackson]

Here is some input info for you to work it out. Use these tables and compare them to the holding power of the anchor from the manufacturer's website.

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

[RTB]

The weights you are looking at seem unreasonable for a 50' boat. Manson Supreme sizing shows 80# for 50-60'. It is a great anchor BTW!

Manson Supreme recommended sizing chart

Ralph
New home | sailing away with R & B

[thinwater]

Only 14 tons. What did it come with? If the charter idiots didn't drag onto a beach, I'm inclined to think you may be OK now. But a 75-80# modern anchor should do. An 88" Rocna is already very conservative.

Do you know what will fit the existing roller? refitting the roller, depending on whether it is integrated into the forestay, can be major.

No matter what you have, if you don't check the set you may be on hard pan or have hooked a tire.

---

And saying "I want the biggest anchor my boat can handle" is a chuckle. I'm pretty sure wit the right windlass you could swing 500 pounds. You need the right size.

And don't forget a kedge.

[Cheechako]

I too think you are sizing too big. My heavy 47 footer had a 55 lb anchor. Like you I was in a dilemma as the next size up went to I think 75 lbs. I bought one, took it to the boat and then decided to take it back.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

I too think you are sizing too big. My heavy 47 footer had a 55 lb anchor. Like you I was in a dilemma as the next size up went to I think 75 lbs. I bought one, took it to the boat and then decided to take it back.

Similar problem. I have been using a 45 lb Rocna (original NZ Rocna) on my 42' and think it just a bit too small and wanted to go up 10 lbs to a 55 lb Mantus but they only have 45 and 65. The 65 I think is slightly big but better slightly too big than slightly too small.

So yes, 175 lbs for a 50' boat I think is way too big. Maybe 85-100 lbs tops.

I can't go along with the biggest anchor I can haul in by hand. That might work for smaller boats but once you get a bit larger you have to get the anchor you need to keep from dragging.

[Stumble]

The biggest I can pull up by hand is pretty big. Don't forget you can always run a line to a winch to help pull it up.

[sailorboy1]

I also think around 80lbs for modern anchor is right size for a 50' boat.

But far was your question of the windlass, yes if it is rated for 330lb it should be fine unless you are going to drip it in more than 100' of water.

And as far as when is an oversize too much; it is when the bow of the boat is pointing down from the weight.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

And as far as when is an oversize too much; it is when the bow of the boat is pointing down from the weight.

When the boot stripe at the bow is more than 2" under water then the anchor is too big.

[Jd1]

Active Captain had a Mantus special from Defender in today's newsletter.
Here is the relevant stuff:

Manson Supreme 35#: $299.99 (Regularly: $374.99, List: $576.40) Manson Supreme 45#: $379.99 (Regularly: $474.99, List: $724.65) Manson Supreme 60#: $531.99 (Regularly: $664.99, List: $1,020.95) Manson Supreme 80#: $699.99 (Regularly: $874.99, List: $1,394.70) Special ends: July 29, 2014 Get the special price and learn more at: ActiveCaptain Product of the Week

[a64pilot]

This is the anchor deal, too small for me, but surely somebody wants a little "bling" on the bow?
http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?...771&id=2509854

[a64pilot]

Anyone know if one of these roll bar anchors will work on the bow sprit of an Island Packet?
I'd hate to buy one and have it not fit.

[JPA Cate]

To the OP,

A while back, DoubleWhisky started a thread wherein he developed a formula that included both displacement of boat, length, and an estimate of windage to come up with the ideal size/weight of anchor. If you click on his screen name, you can see what threads he started, and get to it that way.

Ann

P.S. 12 tonne vessel, 60# Manson Supreme, dragged once, soft mud ~60 knot wind. Reanchored.

[DoubleWhisky]

By Mantus sizing tool the proper size is in this case 105 lb as a "storm anchor" or 85 lb as a "cruising anchor"
Rocna recommendation is for 88 lb.

I think 85 lb Mantus should be O.K. for anything other than named storm for 50 ft, 16 tons boat