Best anchor for TE28... Size/Type?

[kyramarin]

I need to choose an anchor for our TE28 and was hoping to get advice from some current owners...

Been leaning towards a Delta Plow 14lb. or possible a 22lb. Delta, but the 22lb. appears like it may be too big.

I've used Danforth type anchors in the past with good results, but on a much lighter boat with less profile.

We're in Southern California - anchoring mostly in sandy, shallow (15-30 feet) basins for overnighters and while fishing/spearing off the local kelp beds (80-100 feet) in sandy or slightly rocky bottoms.

Most anchor manufacturers make size recommendations based on the length of boat... should I move up a notch as Albins are usually a bit heavier than the ave boat?

Thanks!
Chad
'Kyra Marin'

[Richard]

I originally purchased a 22 lb Delta but it would not fit through the loop in my bow roller so I dropped to a 14lb which is advertised to hold up to a 31ft boat. So far the 14 lb Delta has worked fine but I have not had my 28TE long enough to test it in really bad weather. There is an earlier string on anchors that you might find helpful.

[chiefrcd]

I love my Delta 14 and use it daily when fishing. I would however recommend that you check with the locals and see what hold best in the bottom areas where you anchor. I'm usually in mud/sand with little or no vegetation or rock.... I also use about 30' of chain which really makes a difference.

[SpaceCoaster]

I use a Fortress FX-16 which is oversized for the 28TE but we raft quite a bit and usually have one or two other boats hanging on the same hook. Before the FX-16 I would drag anchor whenever wind kicked up a little.

The fortress is the best anchor I've used for this area (Central FL). It holds like a momma and is super-light to boot. As Chief mentioned, I recommend you check w/the locals to see if anyone's had experience w/the various anchors. I think local conditions have a lot to do with how the anchor will perform.

[Mariner]

Local conditions are the largest determining factor when it comes to anchor selection. Up here, Bruce and plow anchors are the most functional, given our deep waters, confined anchorages, and muddy bottoms.

However, based on what you're saying, a danforth style anchor might make a lot of sense. They are great in sand. They need a lot of scope to hold properly, but if you're anchoring in shallow water, that's usually doable. They are immensely popular in Florida and along the gulf coast, as well as among the river boating set. Fortress anchors are excellent lightweight versions of this venerable design. They hold very well when set, but if they come loose, you may as well be dragging a block of styrofoam.

[Denis]

When I bought my 28 Albin, I purchased a 22lb Delta for her. I wrote to the company that made the anchor to make sure it was not too large for the boat and they assured me it would work perfectly. I made a taller hoop on the anchor roller so that it would accomodate the larger Delta. I also attached 30' of chain and away I went. I have dragged anchor in the past with a Danforth and I did not want to experience that again. So far this anchor has worked perfectly for me. Denis

[Pitou]

I run the 22 lb. Delta with 30 ft. of chain as well. Pretty much sandy bottoms my way with a bit of rock. She hasn't failed me yet.

[Mariner]

There is no such thing an an anchor that is too big for a boat. There are just anchors that are too big for the windlass or crew.

I have an 11# claw on my 13' Boston Whaler. It would ride out a hurricane on that thing.

[Denis]

I was just a little worried that the boat would not pull hard enough on the anchor to properly set it. It sounds foolish when I say it but it made sense at the time.

[Mike Loper]

Hi Chad...originally I also purchased a 22lb. Delta but also found it wouldn't fit through the loop in the bow roller assy. I now have a 14 lb. Delta. If this is the Chad I've met here in San Diego, you've seen the setup. The 14 lb. Delta I have works well for me.

[mhanna]

Being new to anchoring the 28 I used my older 14lb Delta and assumed it was enough. Im sure it would work in the bay, but this past weekend I was fishing FI inlet and had to reset 4 times because the 14lb was dragging.
I think it was set ok, there is only a sandy bottom, but the 4-5 knot current was enough to let it drag. It never broke free, I just kept drifting back (I have 20ft of chain and had a fair amount of line out)
I know they say the 14lb is good for a 31ft boat but I am now going to upgrade to something else. I will have to see about making a new loop for the pulpit for the delta 22 or try the old danforth.
On another note, I dont remember where I was reading it but do I need to put the boat in-gear when doing this to keep the shaft from spinning and burning ? This would put even more strain on the anchor...

Matt