Rick,

A method I've found useful is "tripping" the anchor loose.

It's pretty simple..... if, when you set the anchor, you backed down to the
South..... to trip the anchor motor across it heading due North. Proceed
slowly so you can take up rode as you approach the anchor (don't want the rode
in your wheel). As you pass over the anchor take a couple of turns around an
after cleat with the rode. Continue to apply moderate throttle while heading
North. If the anchor fails to trip free let out some more rode and try again.
Remember to exercise caustion to keep the rode out of the wheel.

Tripping has thus far never failed to free my anchor.

Butch

Chuck wrote:

If it's stuck, I just tie it off with just a couple of feet of slack, and
back away at various angles.


--
Chuck Tribolet

http://www.almaden.ibm.com/cs/people/triblet

Silicon Valley: STILL the best day job in the world.


In response to: I just just bought another boat which has a windlass. My
previous boats
did
not have a windlass so I used grapling hook anchors which where very easy
to
unjam. Now with the dansforth anchor it is tougher when they get stuck,
and
the windlass isn't strong enough to break it free.. So I am wondering what
is
the best way to unhook the anchors when they get stuck

Thanks
Rick