Anchor Weight?

[dadshamp]

Just bought an 18ft ProCraft Pike Hunter with a 115. Looking to purchase Minn Kota DeckHand Electric Anchor Lift for it. Is a 20 lb anchor sufficient for a boat this size or do I need to look at the 40 lb Deckhand?

Thanks!

------------------
"Fear No Fish"

[BLUESHARP]

I would buy the 40lb Deckhand.I bought last years model,a 36lb Deckhand.It had trouble pulling a 28lb river anchor,so I went with a 20lb river anchor and now it works fine.Last years model came with 60`of rope,I managed to get 70`on.This years model comes with 100`of rope.I also took a magic marker and marked rope a few feet before anchor meets davit,so you can slow winch down,also at end of rope,so there are a few wraps of rope around reel. I would like to add that I have a 18` fiberglass boat.Here is some food for thought.I cut drilled small hole in top plate on bow,mounted anchor cranker to underside of molded seat.Now you can`t see Deckhand,also leaves me room to mount trolling motor.Hope this helps!!!

[Borch]

I've stayed away from the deckhands and simuliar products as they generally don't hold enough rope. Give me a 150' of rope and I can get a 20-30 lb anchor to hold under nearly every condition. To me 70 ft of rope isn't(altoough 100 ft is getting there) enough under windy conditions unless your anchoring in 10ft of water or less.

Borch

[Northlander]

I had one on my old boat and it was handy but the anchor would at times hit my boat and scar up my paint. It also used a lot of battery if used a lot like I do in the spring on river current. It was way slow down and up as well. As stated above you cant get a lot of rope on them and its usually thin. I prefer to use a 28# anchor in current and 20 in lakes. Ill also use 2 anchors to cut down on swaying around in windy conditions. Usually both off the front with nose into current or wind.

[Borch]

Yes, if you put them both up front about 30-50 yards apart they really cut down on the swinging back and forth.

Lots of tricks for anchoring out there.

Borch

[dadshamp]

Thanks guys. I have a bad neck and shoulder. Thats why I was asking about them. I may just go with an hand winch type and be sure it comes safely into the boat each time.

These forums are great. I'm getting loads of advice and info from everyone. Thanks a million guys!!!

Jim

[BLUESHARP]

Borch,you are right.I can only use it in the right condtions.I do carry a back up navy anchor.

[JWB475]

There is a nice anchor winch in the classifieds for sale!!!!