Totally agree on Danforth anchors, had more than one fail (in the early days of anchoring) even in sand when shifting with the tide or wind. Good only in conjunction as a stern hook in conjunction with a good anchor as mentioned by the author. Also feel the same way about Bruce and knockoffs. No use for one. Disagree on paper charts. I still love'em, never figured out how to work them 'lectrical chart plotters....have yet to set a waypoint and getting so old and beat up I likely never will.
Okay, it is time to stop picking on Danforth anchors. They have their place. They are excellent to hand set above the tide line on a beach. They are excellent as stern anchors to keep you from swinging on your primary hook. Because of their light weight, you can swim with one and hand set it free diving in an appropriate spot as an additional bow anchor. The key to properly setting the Danforth is using the correctly sized chain and rope rode so the flukes dig in properly before letting out additional scope. If the shank is parallel to the bottom, the flukes aren’t at the proper angle to grab or properly set. I can’t tell you how many folks I’ve witnessed over the years with 10,20, 30 feet or more of chain on their lightweight anchor when 3 or 4 feet are called for. And don’t forget the “hi-tensile” versions that actually had some springing action in their shanks that encouraged the anchor to hold as the boat’s position shifted. By the way, my primary anchor is a Rocna but I encourage you to STOW a Danforth.
I love my Rocna anchor and my paper charts although I mainly use the charts to daydream at home:)
Totally agree on Danforth anchors, had more than one fail (in the early days of anchoring) even in sand when shifting with the tide or wind. Good only in conjunction as a stern hook in conjunction with a good anchor as mentioned by the author. Also feel the same way about Bruce and knockoffs. No use for one. Disagree on paper charts. I still love'em, never figured out how to work them 'lectrical chart plotters....have yet to set a waypoint and getting so old and beat up I likely never will.
Oops, I got conjunctionitis there, sorry.
Okay, it is time to stop picking on Danforth anchors. They have their place. They are excellent to hand set above the tide line on a beach. They are excellent as stern anchors to keep you from swinging on your primary hook. Because of their light weight, you can swim with one and hand set it free diving in an appropriate spot as an additional bow anchor. The key to properly setting the Danforth is using the correctly sized chain and rope rode so the flukes dig in properly before letting out additional scope. If the shank is parallel to the bottom, the flukes aren’t at the proper angle to grab or properly set. I can’t tell you how many folks I’ve witnessed over the years with 10,20, 30 feet or more of chain on their lightweight anchor when 3 or 4 feet are called for. And don’t forget the “hi-tensile” versions that actually had some springing action in their shanks that encouraged the anchor to hold as the boat’s position shifted. By the way, my primary anchor is a Rocna but I encourage you to STOW a Danforth.