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Old 07-24-2010, 08:33 PM   #80
Tidahapah
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City: Mooloolaba
Vessel Name: Flora
Vessel Model: Timber southern cray boat
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,859
Choosing the Right Anchor for Your Trawler

Now where do you start.
I used to carry a 75 lb plough as my main , a 45 lb plough as secondary and a 70 lb s/s spade as another spare or stern anchor. Plus a few s/s star reef picks.
The reef picks are on chain and poly rope with a deanchoring bouy.
The main which has now been replaced by a SARCA Excel 40 kg (88 lb) and 100 mts 1/2" tested short link chain.
Except in smaller boats nothing but all chain for this little black dog.
The spade is on chain and nylon rode as it is hardly if ever used.

I changed anchors even though I had never draged with my plough over the last 15 years but often used the 45 lb in tandem when a heavy blow was forecast.
I chose the SARCA Excel purely based on independant tests and still have not used it in anger so don't have any proof that it is a better anchor.
The SARCA owner from whom i purchased did state that if I was not happy he would take it back and refund my money, lets wait and see.

I have had friends who have nearly lost their boats during rough weather at anchorages in the Reef due to rope chaffing.
First thing they did after getting back to port was replace it with all chain.
The pantaloon cleaning etc was all done at sea on the way home.

Thats my 2 c worth

Benn

-- Edited by Tidahapah on Saturday 24th of July 2010 09:39:15 PM

-- Edited by Tidahapah on Saturday 24th of July 2010 09:39:31 PM
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