Anchors in the Bay...

D

Delaware Jim

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I lost my danforth type anchor while transiting from Florida last summer and bought a Delta Plow... it is worthless, as it repeatedly refuses to set/pulls out easily, etc.

Does anyone use a "claw type" (sometime called a "manta ray" type) anchor successfully in the sand/mud Bay bottoms? I have concern it will behave much like the plow. The claw type are significantly less expensive than danforth types, but an anchor that doesn't work isn't any good, either. All feedback is welcome!

Delaware Jim
 
Jim,

I've been using a Bruce anchor on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries for a few years now. This anchor always sets easily and holds firmly in sand, mud and clay (the primary bottoms of the Ches Bay).

The only complaint I have, is how well it digs in, as breaking the anchor free has been difficult. We resorted to tying off on the forward bitt and motor foward to break the anchor free.

The Bruce like the Delta is a simple one piece design, no moving parts to foul, but the weight and design of the Bruce assist with digging in. Should the Bruce break out, it will reset itself.
 
I think the danforth type is the best for this area but I have had good success with the delta. The key is a lot scope or chain or both, but then the "mud in the chain" problem rears it's ugly head.
 
Been using a big Bruce in the Chesapeake for over 15 years with
never a problem. Luck. Dale
 
i grew up boating in the chesapeake. i would say a danforth set 90% of the time. never did any overnight anchoring so i never really worried about trying other types
 
My 22# Delta plow -without any chain- sets more consistantly in the upper Bay than my Fortress FX23 with a 12' chain leader!
I think Jim's been anchoring in the wrong spots!
 
We use a Bruce w/all chain rode for our 34' Californian. Has held well in 35kts. WE also carry a Danforth type as a 2nd anchor. I've had prior experience with that type in our sailboat days. Again good performance & no hassle.
 
I have had very good results with my Delta anchor. 17lbs with 10' of chain. Lots of scope is key because it does not have moving parts like the danforth.
 
My delta with all chain has served me well on the bay.
 
There are only 2 things that make a plow anchor "worthless" The wrong bottom type, ie grass or rocky and improper usage. As others have stated scope is everything. (Applies to all anchor types)
 
Thanks for all the input! to respond to rommer et al, the 37# Delta Plow refused to set 7 times in the ICW between Charleston SC and Norfolk (mostly mud bottoms) and three times in the northern 3rd of the bay. All chain rode and never less than 6:1 scope - most time 7:1 or better.

I think I'll try the claw this season and keep the somewhat too light 37# danforth type as backup. Thanks to all again!

Delaware Jim
 
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