Box anchors

[bradscott48]

With desert storm coming up, I need an anchor. I have a 24’ Chaparral and use a “large” box anchor but it doesn’t hold. I can throw it out in the middle of Thompson bay with 50ft of rope, and be at the buoy line in 30 min. It stresses me out and drives me crazy. I just wanna throw it out and crack a beer and not worry. I’m told I don’t need chain? Do I need bigger do I need chain?


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[BUDMAN]

I would have the same problem with my chaparral. I solved the problem by throwing a small box anchor of the back. I had the 252 with dual biminis that acted like sails

 

[Hypnautic]

I think your line is to short.
I run a 100’ in Thompson and can hold fine with a large box.
Bay can average around 30’+ and up to almost 50’ deep. With a longer 100’ line you may be running 65-75’
Also a small or medium size box out the back would stop the spin too

 

[Sherpa]

They say 4-1 scope.. personally I use 25 feet of 3/8 chain. Boat lifts from waves, the chain lifts, then settles. No chain means every “tug” on the rope jerks your anchor a little bit every time in regular bottom soils.. of course this changes if you’re hung up in rocks or stumps, but then risk of anchor is probable..

 

[Boatymcboatface]

I’ve got a small ski boat and couldn’t get a large box anchor to work. Looking forward to the info on this thread.

 

[Rbcconst]

Im with hypnautic. I think your line is to short. I have the large box anchor with a 28’ boat and that sucker holds good, almost to good sometimes. I don’t run a chain but sounds like a good idea. I have a 50’ line for the river and 100’ line for the lake.


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[TPC]

Add 6' to 15’ of heavy chain just like with any anchor.
I know, I know,,, the instructions say no chain needed.

This kid has been using them since day one in the currents of Parker and the chain is the key to success.

Put it out as far as you can. The more horizontal your line the better it'll respond to setting.
Be directly above it to retrieve it.

I do tie a separate small float on the anchor so when that idiot in the COSTCO Bayliner cruises too close to shore - prop cutting everyone's anchor lines you can retrieve yours.
That's why it's essential to have the aft secure too.

Tip:
In Parker after a week you may get enough weed growth in warmer waters months holding/gripping it in place and makes retrieval difficult.
I'll pull it up and reset it every week to avoid this.

 

[franky]

This:

Greatest Anchor IMO

I truly believe that this is the best anchor we have ever used in over 40 years of boat ownership. I had one for years in my 250-S and lost it due to a cut line😐. I tracked down the guy that had them made and bought a bunch. I have a 23# in my 25’ and a 14# in my 20.5’. Best anchor I have ever...

www.riverdavesplace.com

 

[DWC]

I run 10’ of chain. It helps with small waves and a good wind. Sounds like you need way more rope. 50’ in Thompson is way to short. The line is too upright. The anchor won’t work as designed.

 

[HighVoltage329]

The bungie line really helps. Takes the shock from waves from jerking at the anchor.

 

[77charger]

Box anchor is not the magic anchor that grabs all the time. You need 3-1 rope to depth ratio. More is better.

I Have a danforth and a box both have advantages but danforth just grabs better in sand or soft bottoms digs in with every pull. Box works better on rocky. I never used chain either

 

[hallett21]

21 Hallett vector

We keep a danforth with 75ft of rope for the river and a large box anchor with 150ft for the lake.

Proper anchor scope is 7:1. You can get away with 4-5:1 in calmer conditions. But in 30ft of water you should have a minimum of 150ft if not 200ft.

Anchors work by being pulled parallel to the bottom floor. 2:1 or 3:1 is the angle that dislodges an anchor. Chain helps with all of this to an extent but proper scope is the priority.


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[rrrr]

Fifty feet of anchor rode isn't enough to hold a 16' skiff in the river current. You need at least a 5:1 scope, and 7:1 is better. The day will come when your anchor has to hold to keep the boat off of the rocks, and that extra length is not going to magically appear.

Don't use a ratty ass bit of old ski rope. A polypropylene rode doesn't absorb shock, a nylon rode will. Buy a 100' or 150' purpose made ⅜" nylon anchor rode with an eye and thimble on the end. Attach a six to ten foot piece of vinyl coated anchor chain, using a hot dip galvanized shackle, then attach the anchor to the chain using another shackle.

There should be an attachment point in your anchor locker for the bitter end of the rode. If you properly train the rope when stowing it in the locker instead of just cramming it into the hole, the rode will stay neat and untangled.

I prefer to use Fortress brand FX-7 Danforth type anchors. They're lightweight, and will hold in just about any conditions. Box anchors are heavy and hard to stow.

Read and understand how it works. I've never had an anchor pull out when using a properly sized and configured anchor, chain, and rode.

Fortress FX-7 & FX-11 - Fortress Anchors

fortressanchors.com

Anchoring Your Boat: All About Scope

When it comes to scope, there's no two ways about it: more is almost always better. More scope means less vertical strain on the boat anchor thereby decreasing the chances of unsetting the boat anchor. We generally recommend a scope ratio of 5:1 minimum, but ideally 7:1 or even more (especially...

www.anchoring.com

Selecting an Anchor Rode | West Marine

West Marine is committed to outfitting your life on the water. With over 250 store locations, 100,000 products in stock, and knowledgeable Associates, trust West Marine for your boating, sailing, fishing, or paddling needs. Shop with confidence - get free shipping to home or stores + price match...

www.westmarine.com

.

 

[Desert Whaler]

Fifty feet of anchor rode isn't enough to hold a 16' skiff in the river current. You need at least a 5:1 scope, and 7:1 is better. The day will come when your anchor has to hold to keep the boat off of the rocks, and that extra length is not going to magically appear.

Don't use a ratty ass bit of old ski rope. A polypropylene rode doesn't absorb shock, a nylon rode will. Buy a 100' or 150' purpose made ⅜" nylon anchor rode with an eye and thimble on the end. Attach a six to ten foot piece of vinyl coated anchor chain, using a hot dip galvanized shackle, then attach the anchor to the chain using another shackle.

There should be an attachment point in your anchor locker for the bitter end of the rode. If you properly train the rope when stowing it in the locker instead of just cramming it into the hole, the rode will stay neat and untangled.

I prefer to use Fortress brand FX-7 Danforth type anchors. They're lightweight, and will hold in just about any conditions. Box anchors are heavy and hard to stow.

Read and understand how it works. I've never had an anchor pull out when using a properly sized and configured anchor, chain, and rode.

Fortress FX-7 & FX-11 - Fortress Anchors

fortressanchors.com

Anchoring Your Boat: All About Scope

When it comes to scope, there's no two ways about it: more is almost always better. More scope means less vertical strain on the boat anchor thereby decreasing the chances of unsetting the boat anchor. We generally recommend a scope ratio of 5:1 minimum, but ideally 7:1 or even more (especially...

www.anchoring.com

Selecting an Anchor Rode | West Marine

West Marine is committed to outfitting your life on the water. With over 250 store locations, 100,000 products in stock, and knowledgeable Associates, trust West Marine for your boating, sailing, fishing, or paddling needs. Shop with confidence - get free shipping to home or stores + price match...

www.westmarine.com

.

Agreed.

 

[sintax]

the guys are right on the money here. Every time i've seen someone complain about their anchor its due to improper use. The right mount of line is the key, and chain only makes that combo work better.

You can head down to Spankys in Parker and get some very nice lines made up that will work for you. explain to them what your conditions are like and they'll get you squared away.

 

[Rondog4405]

With desert storm coming up, I need an anchor. I have a 24’ Chaparral and use a “large” box anchor but it doesn’t hold. I can throw it out in the middle of Thompson bay with 50ft of rope, and be at the buoy line in 30 min. It stresses me out and drives me crazy. I just wanna throw it out and crack a beer and not worry. I’m told I don’t need chain? Do I need bigger do I need chain?


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I'll take it off your hands

 

[HALLETT BOY]

Right about this time every year a Box Anchor thread pops up . Welcome to the 2FF school of marketing and selling in today’s volatile market !

 

[HB2Havasu]

A 50' length of rope is going to break your box anchor off its setting in anything deeper than 15' of water. The more horizontal you can keep your rope the better the teeth will remain planted in the soil. (Reverse this to pull the box anchor onboard by getting rope vertical) I use an anchor buddy with mine. It allows the bungee to stretch when you get a rogue wake so it doesn't yank the box anchor out of the ground. Plus I can anchor 10'-20' offshore and pull my boat to shore to get back onboard. Saves the boat bottom from getting chewed up. Use a minimum of a 4/1 ratio of rope to water depth! That is the key!!!

 

[mjc]

I have small box anchor to get rid of if somebody wants one. Doing my best 2FF to help out.

 

[J DUNN]

Agreed. It really is all about scope. You can use a long A$$ rope but you get the same effect with a lot less rope by using chain. West Marine online has some great tools for helping you figure out size of anchor, chain, rope and length of each. I'd say your anchor is fine. A depth gauge is helpful so you know how much extra line to put out but you can also mark your rope every 25' so you know how deep your anchor is.

We do a relaxed Sunday lunch float in a new cove every year at Powell. I have 300' anchor rope and a 150'. I use the large box anchor (27' Cobalt) and sometimes have had to drop 180' just to hit bottom so the 300' has come in handy. I love it when my 16yo jacked son turns to me to pull the anchor in when he's only got 50' in. That's when I show him what TRUE GRIT is as I jack up the last 100'+ hand over hand and he's like, how did you do that? I reply, I'm a man son, that's all you need to know. lol.

Scope, it's all about scope.

Fifty feet of anchor rode isn't enough to hold a 16' skiff in the river current. You need at least a 5:1 scope, and 7:1 is better. The day will come when your anchor has to hold to keep the boat off of the rocks, and that extra length is not going to magically appear.

Don't use a ratty ass bit of old ski rope. A polypropylene rode doesn't absorb shock, a nylon rode will. Buy a 100' or 150' purpose made ⅜" nylon anchor rode with an eye and thimble on the end. Attach a six to ten foot piece of vinyl coated anchor chain, using a hot dip galvanized shackle, then attach the anchor to the chain using another shackle.

There should be an attachment point in your anchor locker for the bitter end of the rode. If you properly train the rope when stowing it in the locker instead of just cramming it into the hole, the rode will stay neat and untangled.

I prefer to use Fortress brand FX-7 Danforth type anchors. They're lightweight, and will hold in just about any conditions. Box anchors are heavy and hard to stow.

Read and understand how it works. I've never had an anchor pull out when using a properly sized and configured anchor, chain, and rode.

Fortress FX-7 & FX-11 - Fortress Anchors

fortressanchors.com

Anchoring Your Boat: All About Scope

When it comes to scope, there's no two ways about it: more is almost always better. More scope means less vertical strain on the boat anchor thereby decreasing the chances of unsetting the boat anchor. We generally recommend a scope ratio of 5:1 minimum, but ideally 7:1 or even more (especially...

www.anchoring.com

Selecting an Anchor Rode | West Marine

West Marine is committed to outfitting your life on the water. With over 250 store locations, 100,000 products in stock, and knowledgeable Associates, trust West Marine for your boating, sailing, fishing, or paddling needs. Shop with confidence - get free shipping to home or stores + price match...

www.westmarine.com

.

 

[RiverDave]

I agree more rope is needed..

I will freely admit that my “scope” isn’t anywhere near 7:1 or he’ll even 4:1 when I use them.. lol. I’m a pull up and throw it out kinda guy.. so the line is usually at a way steeper angle than it should be.. lol. Generally speaking though the only time I use them is when conditions are really forgiving..

I have found the box anchor to work really well though when used correctly

 

[TPC]

Stainless Steel Box Anchor I’m giving to RD on his birthday

 

[4Waters]

Stainless Steel Box Anchor I’m giving to RD on his birthday

View attachment 987078

Not going to be a surprise now

 

[TPC]

MFSOB it's heavy.
RD will probably be proud and display it on his coffee table.
I was trying to get RDSUX engraved on it but the girl told me she "doesn't do any work that's suggestive."

 

[throttle]

Not going to be a surprise now

His bday isn’t till October, he will have forgotten by then.


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[77charger]

21 Hallett vector

We keep a danforth with 75ft of rope for the river and a large box anchor with 150ft for the lake.

Proper anchor scope is 7:1. You can get away with 4-5:1 in calmer conditions. But in 30ft of water you should have a minimum of 150ft if not 200ft.

Anchors work by being pulled parallel to the bottom floor. 2:1 or 3:1 is the angle that dislodges an anchor. Chain helps with all of this to an extent but proper scope is the priority.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I use 4-1 minimum but will use more if it’s shallow and have lot of rope my danforth held at powell in 54 mph gust by end of week that anchor was so buried I had to drive out to pull it loose.
No way a box anchor digs in like that.

 

[spectra75]

I use 4-1 minimum but will use more if it’s shallow and have lot of rope my danforth held at powell in 54 mph gust by end of week that anchor was so buried I had to drive out to pull it loose.
No way a box anchor digs in like that.

Use 1 foot of heavy galvanized chain for every foot of boat length. A navy anchor And good anchor rope. It sinks. Tie a float near your attachment to the bow eye.

 

[77charger]

Use 1 foot of heavy galvanized chain for every foot of boat length. A navy anchor And good anchor rope. It sinks. Tie a float near your attachment to the bow eye.

Never used chain in the lakes and never had a problem with anchors setting.Just used alot of rope.

 

[spectra75]

Never used chain in the lakes and never had a problem with anchors setting.Just used alot of rope.

Never used chain in the lakes and never had a problem with anchors setting.Just used alot of rope.

I hear ya. Look up anchor rode. when the wind kicks up while camping and you’re securing tents, easy ups, inflatables, etc. the last thing you need to worry about is your boats anchor breaking loose.

 

[RiverDave]

View attachment 987081 Stainless Steel Box Anchor I’m giving to RD on his birthday

View attachment 987078

I already have one.. lol. I have the polished sand spike too.

 

[MeCasa16]

If anyone has never been, I recommend a trip to the box anchor store in Havasu. Enjoy a drink or 3 with the guy in there while he sets you up with a new anchor. It’s kind of a trip. You feel like you are walking into someone’s house, but it’s a store. There is a pool table and drinks are flowing. The whole experience was surreal.

 

[BajaMike]

I can’t believe how many guys think “I’m in 20 feet of water, I need 20 feet of anchor line”. It doesn’t work that way.

 

[RiverDave]

If anyone has never been, I recommend a trip to the box anchor store in Havasu. Enjoy a drink or 3 with the guy in there while he sets you up with a new anchor. It’s kind of a trip. You feel like you are walking into someone’s house, but it’s a store. There is a pool table and drinks are flowing. The whole experience was surreal.

it is very cool

 

[TPC]

I already have one.. lol. I have the polished sand spike too.

Stainless Steel?

 

[mjc]

Stainless Steel?

my birthdays is sunday you can give it to me instead.

 

[Ace in the Hole]

If anyone has never been, I recommend a trip to the box anchor store in Havasu. Enjoy a drink or 3 with the guy in there while he sets you up with a new anchor. It’s kind of a trip. You feel like you are walking into someone’s house, but it’s a store. There is a pool table and drinks are flowing. The whole experience was surreal.

I sent my retired mom to pick up my anchors when I ordered them, she had a good laugh about it. They were super good people to deal with over the phone and they set things up exactly like I wanted (bag colors, grip color on my spike, powder coat colors etc). Super cool people.

 

[H20 Toie]

I can’t believe how many guys think “I’m in 20 feet of water, I need 20 feet of anchor line”. It doesn’t work that way.

What? but thats so easy to remember. if you start doing math it is really a pain when you are lit. just like typing

 

[BajaMike]

What? but thats so easy to remember. if you start doing math it is really a pain when you are lit. just like typing

You are too funny. It’s difficult math to multiply times 2 or 3. LOL.

 

[4Waters]

You are too funny. It’s difficult math to multiply times 2 or 3. LOL.

We're a bunch of deplorable's, remember

 

[RiverDave]

Stainless Steel?

polished stainless on both..

My buddy went into my Hallett once and grabbed my slide anchor out of the front and when he pulled it out of the bag he said “of course it is polished stainless.. Fuckin Dave...”. Lol.