How do you rig your Mediterranean anchor hook?

[Bonno]

I recently purchased a Med anchor hook to help free crossed anchor lines that occasionally occurs when Med mooring.

I'm looking for some feedback as to what others have done with regard line length and size. The top hole is around 16mm, and the other is about 14mm.

[paulajayne]

MoorTool.com - Ankerhaken - Anchor trip hook - Kettenfanghaken - Chain hook

Should help.

[Bonno]

Thanks for the link Paulajayne, but unfortunately it doesn't really answer my question. But a nice nice video of how it works....

[Hydra]

I would think the length of both lines should exceed the maximum depth intended for anchoring: if the anchor is fouled, you want to be able to catch the fouling chain without having to lift it much.

Regarding line size and material, I would select 8 or 10mm with Dyneema core and polyester cover: you want a lot of strength but minimum stretch, to avoid whiplash if the hook slips. The polyester cover is for making knots easier and reducing the buoyancy.

Alain

[Palarran]

5 meters each. I have the exact same hook. Doesn't matter much for the lower hole on the size. The top hole I'd put as big of a line through as you can because it helps in holding onto it. Long is good because sometimes you might have to tie off the top line or the boat might move back and forth a little, strength doesn't matter at all really. Works great.

I also watched the video and don't think it happens like that very often. Usually your anchor is right at the surface and you can see their chain. One other point, if you know you have someone else's chain hooked on your anchor, don't try to motor off it like it's going to magically come unhooked. It won't. Also, if you can, bring your boat closer to the bow of the other boat before lifting the chain all the way up so you don't break their anchor out.

[Bonno]

Originally Posted by Hydra

I would think the length of both lines should exceed the maximum depth intended for anchoring: if the anchor is fouled, you want to be able to catch the fouling chain without having to lift it much.

Regarding line size and material, I would select 8 or 10mm with Dyneema core and polyester cover: you want a lot of strength but minimum stretch, to avoid whiplash if the hook slips. The polyester cover is for making knots easier and reducing the buoyancy.

Alain

Thanks Alain, that's a great help, thanks for your assistance!

Originally Posted by Palarran

5 meters each. I have the exact same hook. Doesn't matter much for the lower hole on the size. The top hole I'd put as big of a line through as you can because it helps in holding onto it. Long is good because sometimes you might have to tie off the top line or the boat might move back and forth a little, strength doesn't matter at all really. Works great.

I also watched the video and don't think it happens like that very often. Usually your anchor is right at the surface and you can see their chain. One other point, if you know you have someone else's chain hooked on your anchor, don't try to motor off it like it's going to magically come unhooked. It won't. Also, if you can, bring your boat closer to the bow of the other boat before lifting the chain all the way up so you don't break their anchor out.

Cheers Palarran, I was also thinking between 5-8 meters, thanks for the feedback!

[Hydra]

Sometimes, your anchor is fouled by something heavier than yacht anchor chain.

Alain

[Palarran]

Originally Posted by Hydra

Sometimes, your anchor is fouled by something heavier than yacht anchor chain.

Alain

I can't ever see that being the case. Do you have a for-instance?

[estarzinger]

Originally Posted by Palarran

I can't ever see that being the case. Do you have a for-instance?

Yea, once ship chain (in a Maine anchorage) and once a sunken ship mooring ground chain (South Georgia)

[Palarran]

And an anchor chain hook got them off your anchor? I'm assuming the tip of your anchor grabbed each so unless you can grab the roll bar of a new gen anchor I can't see it helping.