I'm looking to buy some chain for my anchor and was wondering what size is recommended, 1/4" or 5/16". Also the release chain on the anchor looks thinner than 1/4", should I replace that also or would it be strong enough for the Columbia. I bought the anchor at GI Joes.

Thx,

ErnDog

what type anchor?

What size anchor?

What size boat?

herm

I use 10 feet of 1/4" chain on my 26lb. EZ Marine Anchor. Remember to hook it up at the bottom, with a break away at the top. That way if you hang it up, it will break free and rise inverted.

Either is going to be fine. The purpose for chain isn't strength, it's weight, so that the pull on the anchor is more horizontal than vertical. I think the common recommendations for 10 feet of chain are excessive. I use about 3 feet, for a 19 foot inboard sled, and after the end is connected to the anchor, there is only about a foot and a half above the anchor. The only reason I use any is to provide the connection to the anchor and breakaway. If you have plenty of rope, say 150 feet, chain is unnecessary. DOn't stress about the chain, make sure that you've got the right anchor. I'm not familiar with the EZ anchor, but if it's one of the rocking chair designs, you should be fine.

It sounds like it already has a piece of chain on it. If that is the case, I'd try it without additional chain, first.

I inquired about a chain anchor some time back and got a lot of replys not to use them. It's bad for the beds, I was told and disrupts the stream bed. The duck

Duck this isn't a chain anchor...like some use on DB's.... it's a section added to a Rake anchor, to make sure it tipps over and the tines dig in so the anchor holds.....I use a 4' section.... These are mainly used on the big C
or where theirs a sand or silty river bottom.

Next question.... on your Rake or rocking chain
type anchors, are you using 2 or 4 tines?

I see alot of people use 4 tines but I have 2 and have had no problem anchoring anywhere on the Columbia.Including Bonneville.With my 20" Predator
My anchor is probablya little heavier than most and I keep my tines at an angle and fairly sharp.Instead of rounde.
I have seen a lot of the store boughten anchors that use 1/4 by 1-1/2" flatstock for their tines.A lot I have seen used are bent.I use 3/8 by 2" I gaurantee it wont bend

I use a 3-4 foot section of chain on mine. With a heavier boat like yours/mine you need it to stick. Couple of feet should do it! Are you heading down this weekend?

I think they recommend at least 1/3 the length of your boat. More is better and less can be a problem in high current or long line conditions. I'd use as much as you can afford and make sure it doesn't rust (get real anchor chain).

In my sled, I used 15' of chain and in my 24' glass boat I use 30'. The idea is to get your anchor over and have it stay there. The chain has to be laying on the bottom. It will sail on you if you use too little.

Thx guys for all the info, much appreciated. looks like I will be doing 8 to 10 ft 1/4". Found it at BW for 2.19 a foot, galvanized.

Hey FS75, do not know yet. How about you. I'll give you a call tonight or tomorrow.

Fish on,

ErnDog

You can get the plastic coated stuff at West Marine.Sure saves on the side of the boat

what do you use for breakaway ties at the top of the anchor?

Escapee, I use med 3 to 4 inch zip ties. Strong enough to hold, but will break when needed.

ErnDog

Chapman's piloting (boaters bible) recommends 1/2 the length of your boat in feet of chain for anchoring.

I'm a firm believer in "more is better" (so is my wife ) especially when it comes to anchoring in an emergency situation (been there, done that)

Zip ties are actually rated for breaking strength. Two 50 lb ties give you about 100 lbs of breaking strenght. It all depends on the size of your boat and it's pulling power. Use fewer ties for a small boat, and more for a larger boat.