On Wed, 07 Jun 2006 21:15:12 GMT, Mys Terry
wrote:

The scope for your rode needs to be at least 7 times the depth, so in 10 meters
of water, you will need a MINIMUM 70 meters of rode, plus a length of chain, and
an anchor. Without adequate chain from the anchor to the rode, the anchor will
not set or hold properly.

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.

Al D