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Capt.Alex · 10-10-2013, 07:16

Let me start off by saying I have already made up my mind as to what type of anchor I am buying and do not want to debate the merits of one style over another....again. I want a Rocna. The problem is, what size. I always lean toward bigger is better, but at what point is it overkill? I own a 46' Hylas that displaces 27,777 pounds per the spec sheet. Lets say 30,000 loaded for cruising. The Rocna sizing chart recommends the 33kg (73lb) for a 46' boat up to 44,000 lbs. Any reason why I should not go up to the 40kg (88lb) size, assuming my bow roller will accommodate it? I have an electric windlass and all chain. It will be replacing a 65lb CQR that came with the boat. This will be my primary anchor, as well as the largest on the boat. I will carry a delta and a fortress as well but neither this large. In storm conditions I will have to rely primarily on the Rocna. Has anyone with an electric windlass ever said "This anchor is too big"?

Paul L · 10-10-2013, 07:21

You don't say where you plan to anchor. Assuming you are cruising with the boat, if it were me I'd go for the 88lb. Make sure the rest the anchor system is appropriately rated - windlass, chain, shackles.

robert sailor · 10-10-2013, 07:22

Never seen a winch too big and never seen an anchor too big! Me personally I like big anchors and I'd probably go up one size

**noelex 77** · 10-10-2013, 07:30

If your boat can handle it I am firmly in the bigger is better camp. 40kg is not excessive for your sized boat.
What sized anchor winch (and chain)do you have?

The weight of the anchor is quite small compared to the total weight of the chain and the winch needs to capable of retrieving the anchor from deep water so another 15kg usually makes very little difference.

MARC D · 10-10-2013, 07:56

When I shopped for my anchor, Rocna sizing chart indicates 20 kg for my boat but I was tempted to go to 25 kg. Before buying, I sent an e-mail to the designer, Peter, and he was strongly against the heavier anchor for my boat (12 000 lb). I must say I'm pleased with my decision, after almost 500 nights at anchor, never dragged and the 20 kg model is a perfect fit for bow, chain, windlass.

Just my two cents...

Marc

Mike OReilly · 10-10-2013, 08:10

Our boat is 37-foot, 28,000#, so we're a bit of an odd-ball. After studying their recommendation charts, and talking with people, I settled on a Rocna 25kg (55lb) which we've used for the past few years. So far it's been perfect for us. Has held in some pretty ugly stuff (50+knots), never dragged (yet), and has only failed to set immediately a small handful of times.

I might consider going up the next level, but so far our 25kg has performed flawlessly.

Capt.Alex · 10-10-2013, 08:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul L

You don't say where you plan to anchor. Assuming you are cruising with the boat, if it were me I'd go for the 88lb. Make sure the rest the anchor system is appropriately rated - windlass, chain, shackles.

I plan to cruise full time. U.S. East coast, Bahamas, Carribbean, Cental America, SoPac etc.

Capt.Alex · 10-10-2013, 08:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by noelex 77

If your boat can handle it I am firmly in the bigger is better camp. 40kg is not excessive for your sized boat.
What sized anchor winch (and chain)do you have?

The weight of the anchor is quite small compared to the total weight of the chain and the winch needs to capable of retrieving the anchor from deep water so another 15kg usually makes very little difference.

I plan to keep the chain and winch, which are original to the boat. I agree, the weight of the anchor itself is marginal compared to the weight of the chain.

Is it possible that the bigger anchor will be significantly more troublesome to break free from the bottom?

MARC D · 10-10-2013, 08:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Capt.Alex

Is it possible that the bigger anchor will be significantly more troublesome to break free from the bottom?

That's a real good question for Rocna's people!

**noelex 77** · 10-10-2013, 08:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Capt.Alex

I plan to keep the chain and winch, which are original to the boat. I agree, the weight of the anchor itself is marginal compared to the weight of the chain.

I assumed this.
The reason for asking was more to determine how much reserve capacity your winch had left. For example if you had a 100m (300 feet) of 12 mm chain and a 2500 lb (or less) anchor winch you would have to be cautious on increasing the weight of your anchor excessively. On the other hand if you have a larger winch and 10 mm chain you have far more reserve capacity.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Capt.Alex

Is it possible that the bigger anchor will be significantly more troublesome to break free from the bottom?

The new generation anchors are significantly harder to break out and you will have to alter your technique.
However all it needs is some patience. At 1:1 it will break out no matter how big it is. This is not a practical problem I would worry about. You are not going anywhere.
The only time it causes a annoying difficulty is if your anchor is under another boat. Lesser anchors can usually be dragged out when necessary on a shortish scope without causing conflict. With a large new generation anchor you may have to get the other boat to pull up some anchor chain so you can break your anchor out.
If you are mucking about a couple of meters from their stern with the chain bar taut even an uncooperative neighbour will oblige before you even ask.

Capt.Alex · 10-10-2013, 08:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by noelex 77

I assumed this.
The reason for asking was more to determine how much reserve capacity your winch had left. For example if you had a 100m (300 feet) of 12 mm chain and a 2500 lb (or less) anchor winch you would have to be cautious on increasing the weight of your anchor. On the other hand if you have a larger winch and 10 mm chain you have far more reserve capacity.

The new generation anchors are significantly harder to break out and you will have to alter your technique.
However all it needs is some patience. At 1:1 it will break out no matter how big it is. This is not a practical problem I would worry about.
The only time it causes a annoying difficulty is if your anchor is under another boat. Lesser anchors can usually be dragged out when necessary on a shortish scope without causing conflict. With a large new generation anchor you may have to get the other boat to pull up some anchor chain so you can break your anchor out.
If you are mucking about a couple of meters from their stern even an uncooperative neighbour is usually keen to oblige.

Good Point!