Anchors for RIBs

athens andy · 30 May 2009, 09:34

Can anyone advise the best anchor type/ weight for a 6.26m North star RIB, with a 175hp Evinrude? At the moment, I have a 5kg Grapnel anchor which never seems to engage properly. I'm based in Greece and most of my boating is done in the Aegean.

Many thanks

Andy

big guy · 30 May 2009, 10:25

Hi Andy

Really depends on the type of sea bed where you anchor. A grapnel might be OK if it is rocky, but will not be much good on sand. I use a 5kg bruce which holds well in most conditions - that size should do fine but if you want extra security a 7.5kg might be better - again depends on the weather conditions where you are anchoring. A short length of chain between the anchor and warp increases holding power. There are many types of "plough" anchor of that sort - CQR being the best known - but I like the Bruce as it is a one piece anchor which sits well in the boat when moving at speed.

Hope that helps!

codprawn · 30 May 2009, 12:28

I like the Bruce but a 6kg Delta is even better. Better because it doesn't have open flukes where a rock can get lodged and it seems to set better. It's basically a CQR without the silly hinge.

Use it with a length of chain - say 6m and plenty of rope.

jambo · 30 May 2009, 15:06

Hi Andy
I use exactly the same as Coldprawn and do all my cruising in the West of scotland and the delta holds on everything I have come across. The best thing about a rib is that it does not have much windage and therefore you really do not need as much ironmongery attached to the rope.
Hope this helps.

J

Pete7 · 30 May 2009, 21:53

Andy, we replaced the CQR on the yacht with a genuine Delta, much better. One thing I did notice was that although both anchors are the same weight the Delta has a bigger blade area. We chose the Delta because it was cost effective and comes out well in the various anchor reviews. If money isn't an option then Rocna, Mansom extreme or Spade are 3 more expensive options on the same theme. The RNLI use Deltas btw.

Just be aware that the original pattent has now expired on the Delta design so cheap Chinese copies are also available. The quality of the galv leaves a lot to be desired.

Pete

alystra · 30 May 2009, 23:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by jambo

Hi Andy
I use exactly the same as Coldprawn and do all my cruising in the West of scotland and the delta holds on everything I have come across. The best thing about a rib is that it does not have much windage and therefore you really do not need as much ironmongery attached to the rope.
Hope this helps.

J

I concur with the both of them Andy. Genuine Delta. I'm just up the road (sea) from Jambo. Mine's never failed and I anchor in some pretty strong winds and wild places - and the windage on Moon Raker with the tent up is substantial.

athens andy · 31 May 2009, 07:24

Thanks to all of you for your suggestions. Final question, I need to buy this on line as cost of goods in Greece is usually well above other parts of Europe. Any suggestions for the best online store? I'm in the UK frequently, so I'll probably have it sent there and lug it back to Greece on the plane!

Many thanks

Andy

codprawn · 31 May 2009, 16:22

http://www.boatgeardirect.co.uk/id14.html

I have both the genuine and a copy Delta. The copy is as rough as old boots BUT it is 1/3 the price and does the same job!!!

Rodan · 31 May 2009, 20:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by codprawn

http://www.boatgeardirect.co.uk/id14.html

I have both the genuine and a copy Delta. The copy is as rough as old boots BUT it is 1/3 the price and does the same job!!!

Snap - the copy is a great piece of kit for the money, that and a few m of chain has held mine fast in many a strong tide and never budged, also relatively easy to break out and lift. boat gear direct were good too - nice service.