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Most problems with anchors is that there is not enough rope put out to get the proper angle for it to dig in or that there is no chain on the lead. Most experts recommend multiplying every 9 feet of boat length by 1/8” to determine the ideal anchor line length. You also need to account for depth; for every one foot of depth you should have seven feet of rode put out. Most boats have about 150 to 200 feet of anchor rope to give you enough line for any situation.
@Babin Farms ...... I use the simple calculation of seven feet of rode for every foot of depth starting at my bow. That has always worked for me. If really windy I let out a few more feet. I don't like carrying chain in the locker of my 2020 SX195 for rear of damaging the gelcoat so I carry a 10 pound diving weight (in a stern locker) that I can affix with velcro to the rode (about 5 feet from the anchor) if there are a lot of wakes or waves and this works great.
@Babin Farms ...... I use the simple calculation of seven feet of rode for every foot of depth starting at my bow. That has always worked for me. If really windy I let out a few more feet. I don't like carrying chain in the locker of my 2020 SX195 for rear of damaging the gelcoat so I carry a 10 pound diving weight (in a stern locker) that I can affix with velcro to the rode (about 5 feet from the anchor) if there are a lot of wakes or waves and this works great.
3 feet might add 10 lbs. The purpose of the chain is to (1) get the anchor to the bottom, (2) keep the bar on the floor to help make sure the blades can dig. I bought black coated chain to protect the boat from bangs and scratches.
Had a friend who went deep sea fishing. The standard amount of chain was not heavy enough and the anchor floated. The length of the rope used floated the anchor. He added 30 feet of chain and never had an issue again.
I swear by the 6 feet (min) cause when the Florida afternoon thunder storms hit and the wind starts howling, the added weight helps keep the bar on the bottom. Found out the hard way; live and learn.
Fortress is a solid anchor - I use around 10' of chain on it to reduce the scope needed, but I also deal with strong currents and often, a pretty stiff wind. It hasn't let go once in the two years I've had it.
Folks, the Mantus anchor is the way to go. After experiencing first hand how good Mantus anchors hold, I am a believer. We have several videos on our website listed below in my signature showing how they well they hold. If anyone has any questions please let me know.
I use the Mantus. Actually now I have 3 since I just got one as another gift, which I haven't opened yet........ Wish people would ask me before buying me things I don't need...... So that will be sold sooner rather than later. Never have an issue with them. I keep one up front and one in the back.
I have the 8lbs used for sale in the classifieds. Holds great most of the time, but in certain mud in my area it doesn't set well. I think the mud is too soft to self right when it arrives to the bottom upside down.
The 13lb is a beast and holds on anything. I have replaced the 8lbs with a FX-4 and that has proven to be both light and have great holding. I have the 13lbs also on the boat as a second anchor.
Used to have a 20Lbs coated navy anchor. Solid and instant hold, but big big swells would unset it. If weight and size was no object I would use only the 13lbs Mantus, as it holds the best and sets immediately, but it is a bear, and it does not fit in the anchor locker. The Fortress FX-4 does fit the locker after my modifications and holds very very well too.
I’d go with the slide box anchor for your muddy bottom. It will hold like Velcro and it a true toss it and forget it type anchor meaning no back down and no chain rode required. Best part aside from it holding really good is that it can fold up and be stowed anywhere on the boat. All these people getting these massive anchors for these relatively light boats is just not needed IMO. Of course your lake bottoms and size of lake may vary and require such a massive anchor but for muddy bottom the slide box holds like a champ even in very rough or windy conditions.
