Anchoring a Cruiser

Status
Not open for further replies.
Tmsrb said:
I anchor bow out with a 31' cruiser. I use a Fortress FX-37 danforth style anchor with all chain rode. I always look for a beach that will allow my anchor to be set in a sandy bottom. I also put four anchors out on the beach, two on each side. So far I have not had a problem with this setup and have been in some decent storms. When I first find a beach I will pull all four of my beach anchors and ropes out, I tie one to each stern cleat so they are ready. Then will go and drop the bow anchor around where I think it should be set. I have painted my chain every 10' to kind of give me an idea how deep the anchor is, so if I am dropping the anchor in 20' of water i will let out about 30' then start backing towards the beach. My anchor setup usually sets pretty quick so I will continue backing toward the beach and letting more rode out is I need it. Once it catches I will keep both motors in reverse so the anchor digs in. Once I feel it has set I let out more rode and keep backing towards the beach and when I get close I shut the motors down and put the outdrives in the trailer position then jump of the back with one of the beach anchors or steaks. When i get all four beach anchors buried I will adjust all the lines and secure the the bow anchor rode.

View attachment 5430
View attachment 5431
Click to expand...
Looks like you have some sort of ladder/ramp coming off the swim deck. VERY interested in this setup. I would love to get off the boat in the morning without going up to my waste in chilly water!
TIA
Rob
 
Speedy said:
Unfortunately can’t. New cruiser being delivered directly from Rinker factory in Indiana to Wahweap Marina. Cranes offloading on to marina trailer. Then hopefully keel protection can be installed. Rinker doesn’t install keel protection.
Click to expand...
My recommendation (from personal experience) - use the boat 'as delivered' for a few years, beaching whenever you want to. When you haul out the boat to redo the bottom paint in +/-5 years, have an extra layer of fiberglass put on the keel prior to the anti-foul paint. The glue-on keel guards will not stay on a boat with the weight of yours, especially if applied over a layer of bottom paint.

You will be able to beach hundreds of days on sandy beaches without any noticeable reduction in the gel coat beyond the anti-foul rubbing off and some scratches. You may also find you anchor bow out much more often than you think you will and not even need an extra build-up of fiberglass for many, many years.
 
Bow anchor question.......Rinker comes with 22 pound “plow” style anchor with 130’ of chain. Per Rinker President, “Great design and holding”, but he also added “can special order 35 pound unit if want”.......my inclination is to stay with 22 pound anchor....comments?
 
Speedy said:
Bow anchor question.......Rinker comes with 22 pound “plow” style anchor with 130’ of chain. Per Rinker President, “Great design and holding”, but he also added “can special order 35 pound unit if want”.......my inclination is to stay with 22 pound anchor....comments?
Click to expand...
Arguments for anchor types are like arguing what the best motor oil is - many varied opinions. I'll provide mine.

A Danforth type anchor is a great anchor type for Lake Powell's bottom. For a Danforth anchor, the weight of the anchor is not as important as its size. I use Fortress anchors (https://fortressanchors.com) lessor cost Guardian brand aluminum anchors and they have been great, and being aluminum, they are very light but very strong. So my recommendation is a large Danforth anchor as your primary bow anchor. If staying with the plow type, weight is important - go as big as you can. I've never heard someone say their anchor is too big!

Also, I would have at least 150' of anchor rode (chain and/or line), preferably 200+. Reason: If anchoring in 35 ft of water, a 5:1 scope requires 175'.
 
Last edited:
For Pegasus...thanks for feedback! Very helpful. Chuck mentioned you’d commented on anchor angles, but I couldn’t find it in forum. I’ve got 4 Fortress FX16 anchors for anchoring Rinker boat lines to the beach. My inclination is to set the beach anchors at the 45 vs 32 degree angle for maximum bite. Comments?
 
Speedy said:
For Pegasus...thanks for feedback! Very helpful. Chuck mentioned you’d commented on anchor angles, but I couldn’t find it in forum. I’ve got 4 Fortress FX16 anchors for anchoring Rinker boat lines to the beach. My inclination is to set the beach anchors at the 45 vs 32 degree angle for maximum bite. Comments?
Click to expand...
Yes, 45 degree setting all the time for Lake Powell. Sounds like you have a good anchoring plan in place now. Fantastic!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top