Anchor Retrieval devices

[steined]

Has anyone tried any of them?

http://www.duskyonline.com/anchor-retrieval.html

http://www.amazon.com/AnchorLift-An...d=1402370086&sr=8-3&keywords=anchor+retrieval

Intriguing, but I am not sure if I can spare the room for a buoy...

Thoughts?

 

[Andy S]

Luckily I have never had an issue with retrieving my anchor. I am with you, I can image where I would store the buoy.

 

[0627Devildog]

The buoy is inflatable with a simple hand pump. You could store it deflated along with the pump (and take up considerably less space) and only deploy in the event of retrieval. I used one onnce on my SeaRay 225 Weekender.

 

[itsdgm]

I've never seen a system like that. Interesting. I do have a buoy similar to that that I use as a marker for my anchor line.

I'd have to see exactly how the system would work, but having all that line around a jet pump would make me nervous. I'd be afraid that it would end up in one of my pumps.

 

[jdonalds]

I do have an anchor buoy. It fits fine in my forward starboard storage. It's not for an anchor recovery system though, just to hold onto my anchor line with the anchor on the bottom when I'm away for a while.

The Richter anchor has an assist built in to help with retrieval. I'm sure it won't always work but then nothing is full proof. http://www.richteranchors.com/products/

I've only had trouble retrieving an anchor a couple of times years ago, always with a Danforth. No more Danforth anchors for me. Way too often I had trouble getting a Danforth to set, then there were these times that I had trouble retrieving them. My solution was to spin the boat in a circle around the anchor until I worked it loose.

 

[Gym]

I'm with @itsdgm on the first system about the line getting too close to the pumps on retrieval. Not too sure how the second system works but seems like more trouble than just hauling the anchor by hand. When I get so old I can't haul it by hand I'll either get a winch or sell the boat.

 

[Murf'n'surf]

These are good back ups to your windlass if it failed and your anchor/chain was too heavy to pull up by hand. No need for this on our boats, maybe when you get in the 30' + range with a nice heavy anchor and an old sailor!

 

[Magic]

I have a 15 year old anchor boy who retrieves our anchor when its necessary, or just for fun. He is self storing, but sure eats a lot........ Not sure if he is worth the cost of ownership, but he does have other redeeming qualities..... =)

 

[Gym]

These are good back ups to your windlass if it failed and your anchor/chain was too heavy to pull up by hand. No need for this on our boats, maybe when you get in the 30' + range with a nice heavy anchor and an old sailor!

Then I'd rather get a young beautiful second mate to give me a hand...or two.

 

[txav8r]

Then I'd rather get a young beautiful second mate to give me a hand...or two.

I am pretty sure my first mate isn't going to let me have a second mate...but the idea is intriguing!

I wanted to comment on how best to retrieve your box anchor. Because of the design of a box anchor, and how it works, you can "feel" what it is doing pretty easy, just like fishing! And retrieval can be pretty easy too if you fish the anchor back up. Fishing it can eliminate the chance you snag something when retrieving. Consider that your anchor is out a distance from the boat. Rather than digging it in more or dragging it (getting more mud in the flukes), just lightly pull your boat to the anchor and directly above it without causing it to move or dig in. Then you can feel the control arm (also referred to as the control bar or tow bar or tow arm...is your "chain" and no actual chain is used with a box anchor), a 5/8" x 12" long steel rod that has the shackle on one end connected to the tow point on the box, and the ring on the other end where your anchor shackle connects your anchor line to the control bar. Once you are hovering over the anchor and the line is pretty much straight below you, you can "feel" the control bar lift as you "fish" the line. You can also feel the anchor stand onto its end before you feel all of its weight on the end of the line. At this point, you know you are lifting the anchor directly straight up and not risking dragging or pulling it into nearby structure, and snagging it. I actually will drop my anchor in when setting it the same way, that gives me a chance to turn the anchor directly opposing my drift and "lay" the anchor down in an optimum position. As I drift away from the anchor, I can then feel the control arm continue to lift as I pull a little harder occasionally. Once I have enough anchor line (rode) out, the bar will stop lifting and the rope sage will be the only thing that a harder tug will feel. I know I then have enough line out to prevent movement of the boat from lifting the control arm.

These characteristics are what make a box anchor great.

 

[KXCam22]

My anchor bouy is a red dog retrieval float used for training dogs to retrieve (red?) ducks. Nice and small. I laughed when the wife brought it home but it works very well. Cam.

 

[RobbieO]

I just purchased an anchor retrieval buoy because I have a bad back. Anyone have good experiences with one of these? Watched some Youtube videos and looks pretty good. I will also incorporate an anchor buddy with my main anchor line when near the shore.