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Anchor and line length for a fibreglass hull

Printed From: The Fishing Website
Category: Saltwater Fishing
Forum Name: Newbies Corner
Forum Description: If you're new to fishing this is the place to ask any questions about getting started ...
URL: https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=137870
Printed Date: 01 Feb 2026 at 10:03am


Topic: Anchor and line length for a fibreglass hull
Posted By: Nicholo
Subject: Anchor and line length for a fibreglass hull
Date Posted: 03 Oct 2023 at 9:10pm
Hi all!

I'm a boating newbie and doing up and old 1970's Fi-glass Fireball passed down from my pops. It's 4.6m in length, I can't remember other dimensions though. Relatively shallow 'V' hull I think.

I'll be bringing it out around Wellington mostly, in the harbour, and around the east coast - think Puk bay, boom rock... I'll probably take it down south and cruise the sounds near Picton.

I was wondering if you guys might have some suggestions as to what sort of gear I'll need in terms of line and anchorage.

What sort of depths am I looking at in these parts/what have people been managing with?

Do I need dock line? What sort of line do I need?

These sorts of questions go through my head and there is so much generic information out there, it would be great to get some information from the boating vets here in Wellington.

Thanks a bunch!


Replies:
Posted By: BotStomper
Date Posted: 06 Oct 2023 at 1:42pm
I would say pick up a Kewene anchor in size 2, maybe 6m of short link chain, and then 60-100m of warp. Honestly on the west coast (Mana side - Puk Bay etc) it's rare that you would anchor in more than 40m as the tide will make it very hard to fish effectively. There is a lot of very productive ground in 10-30m on that coast, and you often don't need to travel far at all for decent fishing.

If you fish the south coast at all, consider swapping the anchor out for a grapnel on those days, as it is very easy to get your anchor stuck out there with the combination of big tides and lots of foul ground.

You'll want a dock line. Get a 7m-8m one, so you can have one end tied to each end of the boat which gives you much better control; being able to haul the stern around is very helpful at places like the Mana Bridges where you may be retrieving the boat with a side current. Unless you're good at splicing I would say spend the money and get one of the ones with a pre-formed loop in the end for simplicity.

Posted By: shaneg
Date Posted: 16 Oct 2023 at 11:10pm
Good advice above.
Wind against tide, with tide going on to reef and structure, we use a light grapnel stored in a bin in cockpit, we attach/run off a back stern cleat. Good way to catch fish when other boats bow anchoring are fishing the wrong way. Old trick but one people seldom employ, light grapnel pulls out easy when wish to reposition or leave after taking a  full bin. And saves snagging your main anchor which in my case is also a Kewene with built in trip.

Posted By: Mc Tool
Date Posted: 23 Oct 2023 at 10:09am
I use a small elcheapo grapple  mostly coz if it sticks you just yank on it  till it straightens out and breaks free , and one thing to consider  especially if your hauling up  from 40m  is the size  of anchor rope , small dia coarse rope is hard on wet hands . I use 12mm rope , which is over kill strength wise  but its easier to work with than 8  or 10mm. 

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I wish I was young again .... Id be heaps smarter than this time

Posted By: OneFishMoreOrLsss
Date Posted: 04 Nov 2023 at 1:52pm
Just finished looking into this so here is my download (for a 22ft but... )

Rockna design - generally seen as best.
Chain - its the thing that actually does the work. the more the better.
Rope. 8, or 10 plait poly rope makes ideal anchor rode, as it is easy to handle, and stows in less space.
How much ? General advice is x4 the depth. the free nav maps will give you a ball park depth.. or aim for an angle of 45 degrees/
Gloves if hauling up by hand and let your legs do the work on pulling it up otherwise you will do your back in.


NZ specific advice from the guy that designed the rockna.
https://www.petersmith.net.nz/boat-anchors/anchoring-in-2007.php" rel="nofollow - https://www.petersmith.net.nz/boat-anchors/anchoring-in-2007.php



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