also getting new anchor rope and been advised nylon because (a) dosent float (b) easier on hands pulling it up (c) small amount of stretch

I use a nylon warp for my main anchor, just a lot easier to handle and all the rest. I have a spare anchor on board that I keep for emergencies but also use for anchoring the stern to the beach when I am there for lunch and whatnot, I have polyprop on this one a. because it is cheap, b, because the floating is actually advantageous for this use, it draws the punters attention to it when they are walking near the boat so they dont get caught up and trip.

cosmo wrote: depending on the size rope you after burnsco have some excellant deals going for card holders at moment 8mm x 50m nylon $49

yep i got my burnsco card so will check that out. i've seen some low-stretch sinking polyprop (i think its polyprop from memory) on trademe.

also i did a day skippers course down at the local coastguard the other weekend & the recommendation for warp length is 5 x the depth of water you are anchoring in, which seems to be a bit of overkill to me?

I decided to go for Polyester so I can use it as a tow rope to pull the trailer out of the tide without the risk of creating a dangerous slingshot if I went Nylon.

Clutch, the 5X depth is the minimum recommendation for a secure anchorage, like if you are staying overnight in bay or wanting to sit out a blow. If it is fishing you can use some anchors at 3X depth without to many problems. Plough and Danforth anchors like having a bit more rope so they can dig into the mud whereas a grapnel on rocks can hook with the 1.5X the depth rode.
So the best thing to do is determine the size of the boat and what you want to do when anchored, then picl your anchor and go from there.
I have a 9 metre launch, weights 5.5 tonne loaded, when anchored for the night in mud I use 5X depth length of rode(rope & chain) and a 35 lb manson plough. Anchoring on a deep rocky reef I use 1.5 to 2X depth rode with a grapnel. Anchored on my favourite worm bed in 27 metres I use a plough and about 2.5X depth rode. I trust that helps.
Remember to pick the right anchor for the right bottom, I have dived for many plough type anchors stuck in rocky reefs.
Go for Nylon, the stretch is ideal.

Clutch wrote: junketer wrote: cosmo wrote: depending on the size rope you after burnsco have some excellant deals going for card holders at moment 8mm x 50m nylon $49 yep i got my burnsco card so will check that out. i've seen some low-stretch sinking polyprop (i think its polyprop from memory) on trademe. also i did a day skippers course down at the local coastguard the other weekend & the recommendation for warp length is 5 x the depth of water you are anchoring in, which seems to be a bit of overkill to me? it is overkill

thanks for the advice guys. i have now purchased some 8mm x 100m nylon anchor warp.

Lethal,

Our CG unit can confirm from bitter experience that a Jet unit isn't fussy and is quite happy to digest a Polyester Rope as well. We can also confirm that it is capable of stalling a very sizeable diesel engine too. Where and when is normally at Murphy's discretion!

Don18025 wrote: Clutch, the 5X depth is the minimum recommendation for a secure anchorage, like if you are staying overnight in bay or wanting to sit out a blow. If it is fishing you can use some anchors at 3X depth without to many problems. Plough and Danforth anchors like having a bit more rope so they can dig into the mud whereas a grapnel on rocks can hook with the 1.5X the depth rode. So the best thing to do is determine the size of the boat and what you want to do when anchored, then picl your anchor and go from there. I have a 9 metre launch, weights 5.5 tonne loaded, when anchored for the night in mud I use 5X depth length of rode(rope & chain) and a 35 lb manson plough. Anchoring on a deep rocky reef I use 1.5 to 2X depth rode with a grapnel. Anchored on my favourite worm bed in 27 metres I use a plough and about 2.5X depth rode. I trust that helps. Remember to pick the right anchor for the right bottom, I have dived for many plough type anchors stuck in rocky reefs. Go for Nylon, the stretch is ideal.

Good advice, thanks Don and Cosmo