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Anchoring in a sportfish

Discussion in 'General Sportfish Discussion' started by zen, Jan 14, 2020.

  1. zen

    zen Member

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    I'm looking at a sportfish in the 60ft range that we will cruise and fish.

    Almost every one I've looked at has an undersized windlass and definitely an undersized anchor for frequent overnight anchoring. Is there a reason for this other than aesthetics and most owners don't anchor? Will I be OK if I beef up the windlass, use all chain and get the biggest anchor that can fit (preferably a rocna).

    The vessel we like doesn't have a bow pulpit, but it does have an anchor under the bow and a windlass in a hatch. Not ideal but I can live with it (I think).
  2. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Most Sportfish do not anchor, as in ever. I would go with a mix of chain and rope because you don't want too much weight in the bow generally. What depth do you plan on anchoring in? Keep in mind SF generally don't have the windage of MY's of the same size but can weigh the same or more.
  3. Beau

    Beau Senior Member

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    Our Post has a very adequate anchor and windlass. I have 50' of chain and 3/4" 3 strand nylon rode at least 150' but don't recall the exact length. We used to do a lot of gunk holing and rafting overnights mostly with a 50' and 45' on either side and I was the anchor boat, We did very well. With a fluke type anchor you need to be watchful on a tide turn. Plow anchors apparently do better on the turn. What kind of boats have you been looking at?
  4. zen

    zen Member

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    Anchoring would be in the Bahamas, so I'd say 15-25ft depth at most times.

    Capt J - my previous boat had 200ft of chain, this sportfish has a mix of chain and rope but it'll have a dinghy and davit on the bow so I guess I should pay close attention to the weight. Do they not anchor because owners prefer to be at the dock or for some design/structural reason? I can't recall ever seeing one anchored out in a few years of Bahamas cruising. Now I'm wondering if it'll broadcast "steal my fishing gear" to see an anchored SF.

    Beau - would be a plow type anchor, preferably Rocna which I'm not even sure will fit, that's another concern. Just Hatteras and Viking models, 60-64ft. I like some of the Post models but probably need a bit bigger. The Carolina SF are even more extreme, no bow rails, no pulpits and no davits.
  5. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    No anchoring is just a preference. I wouldn't put that much chain......maybe 60' of chain and a good 300'+ of rope...…..The Hatteras are much better riding than the Viking 64' . The Viking 64' rolls quite a bit and pounds.....The 59' GT/60' GT/63' GT are all very good riding SF.
  6. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    We anchor a lot although not with a sportfish. Heading back home from the Exumas to maimi tomorrow, been here since dec 24 and we have been on the hook the whole time except two nights.

    200’ of chain isn’t going to make a difference on a 60 footer. Weight is your friend when anchoring especially in tidal anchorages in the Bahamas where you want the anchor to reset. The drag of the chain on the bottom ensures the anchor doesn’t get yanked out of the bottom.

    I am a big fan of the Bruce / Claw. Been using them for 12 or 13 years all along the east coast and Bahamas. I can count on the fingers of one hand the number of set failures in all these years. It has held us between the Majors thru the Derecho of jan 2016 (70kts for 4 hours)

    On a 60 footer the 110 pounder should work pretty well

    if you like anchoring, you will not be happy with a bow roller to stow the anchor.
  7. zen

    zen Member

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    Capt J - Viking 64 is on my list and one is my top choice. Unfortunately not as many Hatt 60/64 available, hopefully some inventory will come on close to the Miami show.

    Pascal - can you expand on your last comment about the bow roller? Do you mean as opposed to a bow pulpit in terms of visibility, access or something else? I could see it being difficult to get the anchor all the way in since you can't see it without looking down into the hatch. And it would be a real main to "jiggle" into place if something gets kinked.
  8. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Hard to explain without seeing a picture of the windlass set up. There are a number of stainless steel, roller and frames that can be installed on the edge of the bow. Doesn’t have to be a full pulpit.

    I can’t imagine anchoring without being able to control the boat from the flybridge, even worst raising anchor if it s blowing.

    unless you have a full type strong mate ...
  9. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    After seeing one coming out of the Miami boat show last year run at cruise and almost eject the captain about 1/2 a dozen times by Port Everglades in a 5' beam sea, no thanks. I was running right next to him at 32 knots in a 45' Sportfish and the ride was considerably better and comfortable on what I was on.
  10. zen

    zen Member

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    Pascal - here are some pics. I will probably end up getting a yacht controller to help with docking and anchoring. In the past on a non-flybridge boat, I usually came out to the bow to bring the anchor up after we got it unset and most of the way in. I *might* be able to that again, but obviously a longer trek down to the bow. I don't run with a mate, just 2 and we are nimble getting around. One of my concerns with the sportfish is they are geared towards a bigger crew as opposed to a couple. I'm not opposed to a mate for a fish heavy trip, but for cruising we definitely prefer to go by ourselves.

    Screen Shot 2020-01-14 at 8.59.05 PM.png Screen Shot 2020-01-14 at 9.00.20 PM.png
  11. zen

    zen Member

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    Capt J - destroying yet another boat target! I kid and as always truly appreciate your input and experience. That doesn't sound good. I know one person with a Viking 64 and they seem OK with it, but it is for sale now that I think about it. The Viking models I'm targeting are 2006-2012 60, 61 and 64. Any thoughts on the 60 or 61? Hatt would be 60 and 64.
  12. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    The older 61's were pretty good running boats, but I believe newer hull designs would be better. I ran a 2006 61' with C32 1650hp with mezzanine deck/tower. It did 34 knots at 80%, ran good in everything except a direct head sea, then you were slowing down. The 60' Hatteras is a very good running boat...…..63' is good too.
  13. DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    I have a 54’ Sportfish and anchor all the time. We routinely anchor in 300’ for Halibut and anchor in 75’ to 100’ for overnighting. I use a 75# cqr knockoff plow style and it works well for me. I have 100’ of chain and 600’ of rope. I increased to a larger Maxwell windlass.
  14. Beau

    Beau Senior Member

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    Last edited: Jan 14, 2020
  15. Beau

    Beau Senior Member

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    I don't know what I did with my phat finger above, but I can't seem to undo it so I'm reposting.... Most Carolinian models, I agree, will not show an anchor - I think Jarret's fit that category. If you come up to the NE you will see sportfish anchored all over the place even 60 something Viking. At 30 tons, I was just using our post as an example. The nylon rode will help relieve the chain "thump", or you can use a snub line. Also less chain lightens the load forward. If you have enough wind to stretch 50 feet of chain link to link, you'll want to be sitting at your helm with the engines warmed or re-anchor in a lee. If you're anchoring in those kind of conditions, you may want to learn about those anchor line weights, I forget what they are called. Someone here will remind me.

    We loved our time gunking, swimming, fishing, exploring, relaxing, reading, eating, drinking and sleeping... well just about the whole thing - did I mention the steak, wine and conversation! We had plenty of fresh water for unrestricted use for 3 days without a watermaker, as well as a large black water tank. You get up in the morning with your bathing suit at hand, and the smell of bacon - beautiful

    We recommend the practice without reservation!
    Last edited: Jan 14, 2020
  16. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Looks like there is a roller already built in. All set
  17. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    It s been blowing 20/25 here in the Exumas for the last week. Finally eased up yesterday. I was close to shore (200’) at Bog Majors (Staniel) with a 120’ of chain in 8’ of water. Bar tight! No worries. The 176lbs Bruce held perfectly (84,lazzara)

    sometimes you have no choice... having the right ground tackle for a good blow is a must
  18. rtrafford

    rtrafford Senior Member

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    Good to know on the Bruce. Had issues in similar conditions with a plow and lots of chain. My math mind wants to think that the plow likes to have a little lift to help reset on shifting tides. Not sure. Just not confident in the setup.
  19. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    I've had just about any anchor work fine in most conditions, provided it is appropriately sized and has plenty of chain and scope out. Fortress are the only ones that I would never trust. I've had plows reset with current changes and 180 degree swings, but never really dragged anywhere. I almost always put out 10x scope with all chain......
  20. zen

    zen Member

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    I would guess there is a 44lb anchor currently in place. Is it feasible to get this up to 88 or 110lbs with a bigger windlass? Who would I go to (south FL) in order to confirm that a larger anchor can fit and be structurally sound with regards to the bow and anchor locker while banging around at 30knots?