On Tue, 22 Jun 2010 06:24:55 -0400, W1TEF
wrote:

That was going to be my next solution. I've never had much luck
trying to snag a hunk of chain on the bottom though even at 40 feet. I
also thought we were talking deeper than 40 feet.

It doesn't really matter how deep the water is since you don't need to
snag the chain on the bottom. The idea is to grab the chain near the
bow roller with a chain hook or rolling hitch, then pull the chain
horizontally toward the rear of the boat using a mechanical advantage.
If you run out of purchase before the anchor is up, tie off the chain,
reset the hook near the bow roller, repeat as needed.