sea anchor

[tony t]

whats your opinion on sea anchors / drogue ?
how many on here carry one ?
is there a any particular type for a rib length of rope etc

tony t

[jambo]

Hi Tony if you are meaning anchors for use in open waters or mooring areas, I carry two main one being 15kg Plough with 5m 10mm chain then about 30ft of rope to cover all eventualities. I also carry a 9kg folding grapple which I keep for shallow water or as a drogue if required. I really would not go out without them in the west of scotland. Hope this helps.

[Screaming04]

I think he means something like this. http://www.alltackle.com/sea_anchors.htm

I've often thought about getting one as well.

[SeaSkills]

Yes, I carry a sea anchor and use it regularly . Nylon mesh construction, diameter about 80cms, and about 20m of line - although we often deploy it on a short line (about 5m) if we just want to hold head to wind and waves while we stop for a chat/debrief.

[m chappelow]

i carry a small one , in reality the longer the line the better depending on the wave pattern and its best fitted with a swivel if possible ,

[martini]

I've got one onboard, never used it but then I can never sit still long enough. But if I ever found myself in a situation ie broken down waiting for a tow etc I'd be sure glad to have it, not just for comfort and stability but it could also vastly increase the amount of time you have before getting washed up on a lee shore.

The sea anchor I bought (can't remember the name) came in different sizes and had recommendations on the packet as to boat length for each etc

[tony t]

after coming across this it made me think about getting one

not that i want to be out in seas like this (reminds me of IOM cruise last year)

[capus]

Sorry double post!

[capus]

I hav'got two onboard, the main one 6 kgs. 10 meters chain + 30 meters rope, spare 4.5 kgs. 5 meters chain + 20 rope.
I use it every time but, you know, here in Italy we like to lie in the sun!

The common rule is 1:5 (1 meter deep 5 meters line) but depends by wind and waves

[phoenixpete]

Originally Posted by tony t

after coming across this it made me think about getting one

not that i want to be out in seas like this (reminds me of IOM cruise last year)

I see they deployed a drogue but I couldn't see if they recovered it or just let it go?
Probably difficult to recover in those seas mind.

Pete.