"Al D" wrote in message
...
On Wed, 07 Jun 2006 23:10:00 +0100, Al D wrote:

Thanks for the guidance. Yes, I am aware of the chain concept. I'm not
sure how much chain and what weight though. The grab anchor weighs
about 3 kg.

In bad conditions you need even more scope and
possibly a kellet added to the gear. Knots in an anchor rode are a
complete
no-no, as even the best knots reduce strength by at least 50%

That's new to me. I will definitely buy a single length of rope then.
150 mtrs should do it. Any auggestions about the minimum tensile
strength would be helpful.

I really think you need a whole new plan, if being blown out to sea in
your 14
foot canoe is a worry for you.

Well, it's not a big worry, but I feel it's not a bad idea to carry
some sort of defense against such possibilities.

Canoes do not do well at anchor, especially in poor conditions and high
winds.

I'm sure you are right. But it's probably better to drop anchor near
the shore rather than get blown further out to sea where the
conditions are possibly worse, and I become harder to find, don't you
think? The canoe might capsize, but it'll stay afloat with its air
bags, and I'll be attached to it still. This is all unlikely to
happen, but it's not imposssible; therefore I feel it makes sense to
carry this added safety measure. But if you still think I need to
rethink I'd be glad to hear your reasoning.

PS. It seems useful to carry an anchor on a canoe for several reasons
- mostly for use in shallow waters. Obviously, with a long rode, the
anchor becomes useful in deeper water. My main concern is deciding
what type of rope to use. (I.e., the thinnest that would be considered
adequate).

Al D


One thick enough to handle without cuttingyour hands.