Anchor upgrade?

dtodd55 · June 2020

I'm new to owning a Rinker, 270 fiesta vee, and I'm located on Lake Ontario. Love the boat and layout so far as I figure things out. This site is awesome, I've read lots of great posts so far, I have a question.

2nd time out on the boat, I anchored in a busy anchorage and could not get the anchor to set in the sandy bottom, 6 feet depth, it was moderately windy. I tried lowering it, securing it, and backing off, but couldn't get it to set. I previously had a 30' sailboat and I would drop the anchor and it pretty much set itself every time. That is apparently not the case on the Rinker.

I think my anchoring set up on the Rinker is all stock, 14 lbs delta anchor, 4' of 1/4 inch chain, 100' of 9/16 rode.

Question for the group, what is my best move to improve my anchoring situation? Bigger delta or different anchor? Bigger and/or more chain? Or, do anchor and chain have nothing to do with it, it's just all in the technique? Any other tips on anchoring this boat?

Thanks!

LaRea · June 2020

Welcome to the forum!

More chain ... definitely more chain. A few people here have given rave reviews of Mantus anchors, and you might consider that too. But first replace your 4' with 30' of chain and you should see a huge difference.

Oh, wait - do you have a windlass? Hauling chain by hand can be a chore.

Willhound · June 2020

Welcome @dtodd55. And great boat!
The 270 with it's high bow and shorter stance can be tough in wind sometimes. I find that if people walk to the aft part of the boat it lifts the bow and affects the anchor set. Using a bridle on the rode set close to the water helps in this regard. More chain will help. I switched to 50 feet of chain and 150 feet of rope and the chain helps immensely. The stock delta anchor is tough to get a bite in sand I also find. You could go heavier but harder on the windlass. I'd try the chain first and anchor after.

Willhound · June 2020

You don't say what year 270 you have but assuming up to mid 2000's (and maybe even beyond) and with the stock Horizon 600 windlass uts rated at max between 18 to 21 lbs anchor weight if I'm reading the attached from the manual correctly. Will also help you find the right size chain for the gypsy you have. The number for the gypsy is stamped on it.

Aqua_Aura · June 2020

Definitely more chain. I have a 280 and just guessing I think I have atleast 15' of chain. Sounds like you have previous experience so I am also assuming you know to put out the proper ratio for depth to rode.

aero3113 · June 2020

Always let out 7-10 times the depth. If you’re in tidal waters, you need to account for that also.

Black_Diamond · June 2020

+++ on more chain. A bigger anchor should not be needed. I’m 30’ of chain 250’ rode. I have been anchored out in 8’ waves and it held in sand with the delta anchor. (Long story). The correct scope as noted is critical too. Your 270 surely moves a whole lot more than the sailboat!

Dream_Inn · June 2020

I agree with BD, more chain. I do not think a larger anchor is needed. Also make sure that while you are setting it that you are not pulling too quickly in reverse.

Oh, and welcome to the forum!

dtodd55 · June 2020

Thanks all, very helpful. I suspected more chain, I'm going to put 30' of 5/16 " on, and pay attention to appropriate scope. I'm a 2004, I should have mentioned no windlass. I always swore my next boat would have a windlass, but I haven't committed to the $1000+ at this point. I gathered from this site that the Lewmar pro series H700 or H1000 would be the one to go with.