Hi, do you use the 10kg on your boat, thinking I will get a Rocna as I’ve been using a Danforth and was planning to upgrade to a better anchor. I have a 2359 trophy 5200 lbs dry, just not sure on pulpits space for the 10 kg. The 6 kg looked like a good fit in the pulpit. Big difference in e weight range between the 6 kg and 10kg, 4000 lbs to 15 ooo lbs. I have lots of chain. Thoughts if the 6 would do the job?
You say you have “lots” of chain....if you have chain at least the length of your boat, based on the Rocna chart a 6 kg anchor is well within specification.
My approach to the anchor/chain / rode combo is: one size does not fit all. How long is the boat? How heavy is the boat? How does it ride? Are you anchoring on mud, sand or kelp?
Yes, Rocnas are expensive but for the type of boat camping I do, I look at it as an insurance policy on me and my boat. Also, I have a boat that has a very “tender” ride (squirrelly).....I can’t stack a pile of chain in the anchor locker because it would make the boat ride even more squirelly. (Promote bow-steer)
So I use a modest length of chain, then over-size a bit on the anchor. I also keep in the back of my mind .....if my electric windlass craps out....can I haul my anchor package by hand? Hauling 100 feet of chain is low on my list, especially with multiple herniated discs in my back
Getting back to anchors: Over the last two decades, I have been through 3 boats, each of which I actively used for boat-camping. The first two I bought pre-owned and they both came with Bruce anchors. The third I bought pre-owned with a Lewmar anchor. (Basically a Bruce design). Meanwhile, I had multiple occasions with the Bruce anchors when both my boats almost ended up on the beach. When I bought my third boat with the Lewmar, I stripped it off the day I bought the boat and stuck a Rocna on the pulpit.
Dragging Bruce anchors....Same story....big wind, tight anchorages, and last but not least.....anchoring around kelp. This is just my opinion so take it for what it’s worth but....Bruce anchors don’t seem to stick in kelp like the Rocna anchors do. For me and the type of places I boat-camp, that warrants the cost of admission by going Rocna
But again, I don’t use piles of chain. Guys that do might tell you that Bruce or Deltas anchors are great anchors. And they’re probably also using 5:1 or more scope with way more chain then I use. I don’t use that approach because often times, I can’t based on the size and depth of the anchorage and needing to stay put in that hidey-hole to keep out of the weather
And I’m always alone. I’ve spent my entire fishing career social distancing...ha ha....And when it’s blowing in the morning and you’re up on the bow trying to bust a quick move before the boat ends up on the rocks, i want to get the anchor stowed quick. Just dealing with the snubber and the bridle to start hauling the anchor takes up valuable time. (If you go electric windlass you HAVE to use a snubber and a bridle) .
Yes, I know sticking an extra weight on the rode like a cannonball works wonders on keeping the chain and anchor in place but do you want to deal with clipping one on and off the chain when it’s blowing and you have to deal with the ball once it’s back up on the deck? I shiver thinking about the simple act of just getting from the bow of my boat back to the wheelhouse carrying a big chunk of lead once it’s unclipped
So it comes down to: rig up your anchor kit so you can sleep at night with complete confidence, knowing that you’ll wake up in the same spot you started out the night before, and knowing you can get out of that spot the next morning with a minimum amount of fuss, and if necessary, be able to do it safely, even while solo
