Redfish Jim wrote:Anybody know anything about chene anchors? Saw one at Boater's World the other day.
Here's what "they" say: (1) has a slip ring set-up where the thing won't get caught on rocks; (2) no need for chain; (3) only need 2:1 rode (vs 7:1); (4) superior holding power. Best of all, only $25 and a heck of a lot smaller anchor than my current one which takes up too much space and gets stuck on the rocks. Gonna lose it one day.
The chene anchor sounds too good to be true but would be perfect if they at least come close to working as advertised.
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Never used the Chene but have used slip ring anchors. If you have a light boat and are concerned about rocks or wrecks hanging you up, you can use a slip ring anchor to help free the anchor. However, the rings tend to slip when dropped to set the anchor and they are hard to set well. They take a lot of fiddling. Mostly I think they were designed for fresh water applications in rocky territory, but they should work anywhere.
A better solution for a smaller profile anchor can be found at the marine supply in Medart (RMS Marine Supply) - its a galvanized C-claw anchor. They are smaller, heavier, and set instantly like a rock in shallow water without chain, although I use chain on mine because I go offshore. They have two rigging holes, so that you tie the anchor rode (or attach the chain) at the head of the anchor and then use plastic tie wraps to fasten the rode or the chain to the shank. Similar to the concept of the slip ring, but sets immediately and works much better.
If you have a smallish boat the best way to stow them is to coil your anchor rode in a 5 gallon bucket, secure the bitter end of the rode to the bucket handle with a stainless fastener, and place a small foam float on the bitter end area (this saves the day if you let the anchor go over the side and forget to tie it off to a cleat first!). Stick the anchor shank first into the bucket - it works like a charm and organizes your boat without taking up regular deck storage, which is usually a premium on a small boat. The bucket protects the deck and the gelcoat. Add a chain and you can anchor anywhere. If you get stuck you carefully motor up the anchor line at a slight angle from dead on to avoid catching the rode in the prop, and the boat will break the tie wraps and you just pull it out. In a storm when you don't want breakaway just fasten the chain to the shank with a stainless or galvanized screw fastener.
The fancy version is shown below, original design but premium materials. You don't need that. Buy the cheap version in Medart at RMS.
EJ
