Pontoon wont stay put!

[SCUMFROG]

I need help. I have a 25 foot premier pontoon, the anchor I have wont hold it. What would hold it and how big should I get. I am also wondering what these water spikes are and will they hold it and were can I get one. I'm going on vacation next week and would like to have a good anchor.

[Wave Runner]

Water spikes are good anchors and a 4 to 6 foot piece of stout chain hooked to the anchor before your anchor rope will make a noticeable difference in your holding capability.

You can probably find a water spike at Gander Mtn or Fleet Farm

[This message has been edited by Wave Runner (edited 07-01-2004).]

[SCUMFROG]

How much do they cost? The wife put me on a budget for this trip. lol.

[Chris Haley]

Another mistake people make with anchoring is not letting enough rope out. A good rule is to have five times the depth you're in out, more depending on how windy.

[SCUMFROG]

I let every inch of rope out I could, and you could feel the thing draging across the buttom. What do these water spikes look like?

[carlcmc]

why chain?

also did you try letting out extra rope (75 foot etc?)

[Wave Runner]

Weight of the chain helps the anchor dig in and the chain acts as a shock absorber for wave action

[Chris Haley]

The chain is also a buffer so that the rubbing action doesn't cut your rope.

[Aquaman01]

An anchor trick that might help you is to put a smaller mushroom or 3 lobed "river" anchor about 3-4 feet up the line from your primary anchor. This will hold your primary anchor horizontal and help it dig in.

Other great anchor pointers can be found on the Catfish and River forums.

Good luck,
Rob

[SCUMFROG]

Thanks for all the help. I'll try the chain first. I've seen this done before. Iv'e never heard of the smaller one up the rode. I just might have to try that also. Thanks again.

[Northlander]

You can also try two anchors. 1 on each side of the front of the boat. I at times do this to hold better and stop swaying in the wind.
Let out 3-4 times the depth in rope. So 10' of water would be 30-40' of rope and at times more in current.
I also suggest a 25# Richter anchor. Pricey but well worth it.

[This message has been edited by Northlander (edited 07-02-2004).]