by GreenLake » Tue Aug 12, 2014 7:46 pm
Bob,
Your boat should have a lipped fairlead to starboard of the forestay. This is to be used with the horn cleat that should be on the middle of the foredeck. A typical anchor would be a "Danforth" or similar, something that folds flat for storage. A 9# would be a good size, even though the official recommendation only goes to 5#.
Usually you'd also put a bit of chain on the anchor, that helps make sure the pull is more horizontal, and by its weight adds to the holding power. If you are anchoring for a picnic (using he anchor as "lunch hook") or using the anchor as security after you've beached your boat you may get away with less. In any case, on the boat side, the anchor rode would typically be rope. There are various recommended ratios between length of rode and depth. How critical this is depends on how much wind & current you expect, how long you will be at anchor and whether you will be able to watch and rescue your boat should it drag anchor. For lunch hook use, 4:1 might be enough ?, for peace of mind 7:1 ?. You'll find lots of recommendations online.
Make sure you really "set" your anchor, by motoring backwards, or drifting into it with some speed. I have rescued someone else's boat, where the anchor had wrapped itself in the chain (possibly already when the anchor was deployed) and as wind and currents kicked up the boat was merrily dragging a useless (and not very heavy -- he used a 5# Danforth) across the Bay...
The bow eye is not a good place to connect an anchor. I have seen bow eyes snap without warning, the foredeck cleat will be more secure. (If in doubt or if you plan to be at anchor for extended periods, you might check the backing plate under the cleat, and if necessary reinforce things a bit).
You may have seen bigger boats carry their anchor at the front, that's not the way in a boat like a DS. You would stored it folded, in the cuddy, near the mast (where all heavy items should be stored).
~ green ~ lake ~ ~