Difference between revisions of "What's the best anchor for my C34?"

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== '''What's the best anchor for my C34?''' ==
 
== '''What's the best anchor for my C34?''' ==
  
''Here are a collection of posts from the Message Board:''
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''Here is a collection of posts from the Message Board:''
  
  

Revision as of 04:33, 4 January 2009

What's the best anchor for my C34?

Here is a collection of posts from the Message Board:


We currently have two Danforths on our 34. One is about 25 lbs. and is our primary on the bow for all anchoring. We also have a smaller one, about 15#, which is stowed in the cockpit locker, and which we have used to kedge off (it can be thrown) and as a stern anchor while anchoring in narrow channel in a swamp. I almost considered buying a CQR35 that was on sale for a very good price ($125), but hesitated too long and lost it. However, later experience with a CQR35 in deep mud convinced me that I was just saved from a bad mistake. CQRs can really drag far in mud. OTOH, a Bruce 33 worked extremely well in the same conditions. If I were to upgrade from current state, first purchase would be Bruce 33, followed by CQR35, then by much larger Danforth-type. I did see the ultimate anchor toy at Annapolis last year - a solid titanium Danforth-type anchor. About as expensive, on a holding weight basis, as a regular hi-test Danforth. The biggest consideration is the type of bottom you are anchoring in. If soft mud, then Danforth. Other bottoms require other solutions.(Ralph Caruso)

I have an '86 #107. The larger hi-tensile Danforth has never let me down. I have spoken to many Catalina 34 owners and the 25 LB CQR is not heavy enough. Ron Hill, the tech talk editor, had a great article a few years back on installing an anchor roller. I followed his instructions and it works very well. I also purchased the lighter Danforth with a flexible shaft. I believe it weighs only about 13 lbs.-easy to haul and much more holding power.But this was the only anchor that dragged in a lot of years. (Lee Perloff)

After years of struggling with Danforth anchors including Fortress, I decided to do a major upgrade to my ground tackle. I added a 35 lb. Delta (it looks big in the store, but not on the bow). I choose the Delta over the CQR because of the shaft length. It is a better fit because the shaft will not cover the anchor locker. To modify the roller. I removed the existing stem fitting. Cut off one of the rollers and welded a Windline 26" roller to the stem fitting (part URM-3 in the Westmarine catalog). The anchor cleat was remounted behind the anchor locker and 2 chocks were added for docking. The holding power in sand and mud has been amazing. In SF bay I am subject to current shifts and strong wind. The holding thus far with 40' of chain has been absolute (David Aucella).

I have a 1997 C34 Mk II, #1366 with the following anchors: A Max 16 (36#) stored on the bow roller, with 3 feet of chain and 200 feet of rope. I also have a Danforth, deep-set, hi-tensile T-2500 (13#) with 6 feet of chain and 200 feet of rope stored in the anchor locker. The Max is similar to a Bruce, but with a more shovel type appearance. Detailed info on the Max can be found at www.creativemarine.com. It is not cheap ($380), but I believe it is a great anchor. It fits on the bow roller supplied with the new C34. At a recent raft-up of 8 C34s from fleet 12 in the Chesapeake, 3 of us had the Max anchor. My new C34 came with a Maxwell 500 rope-only windlass mounted horizontally at the back end of the anchor locker. There is 3 1/2 feet from the bow roller to the windlass. That is why I only have 3 feet of chain; so that I can use the windlass. (Louis Berman)