I own an Eastside Drifter fiberglass boat. It's 18.5 feet long and mass wide. I have trouble anchoring up in any current at all. I do have a 35lb anchor also. I will probably put a new coat of paint on her this spring. Will that and a good wax job help? Any other suggestions other than get a new boat? Thank you for your help in advance.

Steelhd101 it really depends on what type of anchor you have (ex) is it a pyrimad anchor because I also had the same problem (with that type of anchor), I actually built a new 45Lb anchor with flat bar welded on the bottom sticking out from the sides about 5" this works well. They also sell anchors simlar that work just as well if not better. I might also add that the more anchor line you let out the better you will hold, you might know this already though.

just some advice

101--Although your boat is larger than my 16' FishRite, and you probably float somewhat different water, this might help...

Try using a smaller diameter anchor rope. I use a 3/8 in rope with a 35lb. pyramid type anchor. The smaller dia. obviously lessens the drag of the current pulling on the rope. More drag on the rope will reduce the holding ability of your anchor, whichever design you choose. The smaller diameter also is easier for me to pull through the pulley system.

Also, the suggestion of paying out more anchor line will help dramatically...good suggestion.

YoungManRiver
Klamath River CA

Check the balance of your boat any weight forward of center will cause the rear to rise and the nose the drop allowing the water to push against the bottom of your boat not allowing it to get the needed hydrostatic lift it gets when properly balanced. Big difference. Matt

Hi If we are going to talk anchors there are a few terms we will need to use.You are probably aware of these but some might not be.
The line or chain connecting your anchor to the vessel is a RHOAD
The length of line between the anchor stock and your vessel you employ is the SCOPE.
The Shape of the curve of your rhoad is a CATENARY
A rope rhoad has a scope reqirment of 1/6
A chain rhoad has a scope reqirement of 1/3
ie for each foot of water depth you requirw 3'of chain and 6' of rope
These values will give a catenary which ensures maximum holding power of the anchor.
Solution to your problem go to 1/4"chain ie the diameter of the bar stock forming your links.
One type of anchor which will hold in any typoe of bottom from rock to mud is the Northill It was used to anchor flying boats You would need a Northill 5 you might find one at a war surplus outlet. This is a folding pattern achor which stows well when not in use.

Best advise go with a pyramid anchor and play out more line. You shouldn't have a problem if COHO can anchor his tank in the water that anyone should be able to :p :p

Tight lines

Kevin

Thank you everyone. I do have a pyramid anchor.I do have what I think is a 1/2" rope though. I do know to let out more rope helps. However, most of the weight in my boat is well above the centerline. I will try a smaller anchor rope and see if I can move some of my weight back. Thanks for your help.

With your boat, 2 or 3 people, gear. etc, a 35 pound anchor is none too big. I have a couple of anchors, one 30 and one 45, they both live on my trailer, brackets on each rear corner, chain welded on to padlock anchor to trailer, then depending on the drift/water I pick the anchor du jour. Also how much rope do you have, just replaced mine last year and went to 65 feet which is way more than enough. But then remember to watch the angle of the dangle of the rooter unless you are using chain then it's the angle of the bangle.

When you adjust the weight in the boat you should notice that the boat is easier to row. It should sit right on the rocker (center). When drifting along, it should only take a couple of pulls to stop the boat, breaking the surface tension of the water. Then it should take little effort, i.e., short stokes, to stay in place. Hard to row is hard to hold.

Don't try to anchor in water that is too fast for your set-up. Move to the side, find a seam, or anchor farther up stream away from the fast water.

I'll bet a combination of weight distribution and anchor line scope will cure your problems. If she still won't hold, add some chain to your anchor or between your anchor and rope (I know, it won't go through the pulleys worth a dam).

A stuck anchor in fast water can be a real bummer. Be careful what you ask your boat to do.

Good luck.