Best Way to Rig a Wreck Anchor?

[larryhorne]

1. Chain attached to top attachment point of anchor?
2. Chain attached to bottom of anchor and chain tie-wrapped to top attachment point?

[kitchenpass]

Chain attached at the bottom, spot ties along bar and top

[flounderman06]

I found over the tubes when the tide is running hard i attach it to the top and just pull it free.

[Bradc]

same as Flounderman has worked for me at the cbbt and on wrecks. I use 3/8 rebar to make mine , it has always held and bends or releases when I try to pull it off.

[dboyd351]

There are 2 different kinds of anchors being discussed here. The first refers to rigging a standard anchor, like a Danforth, so you can get it free if it gets badly hung. To do that, you attach the chain with a shackle to the crown (top) of the anchor then cable tie the chain to the end of the shank (bottom), so it will set normally. Then if ti gets hung really bad you cleat it off, pull eral hard, break the cable tie and pul it out backwards.
The second system refers to MAKING your own wreck anchor out of rebar. You attach the chain to the normal location on the shank. When you are ready to pull it, if it wonn't come free you cleat it off, put some power to it and the rebar will straighten out allowing the anchor to pull free. Then you just stick the straightened rebar in a cleat or something else solid and bend it back into shape to use it again. You can also use different size rebar (1/4, 3/8, 1/2 inch) for different size boats. 1/4 inch works well on small boats (16 feet) 3/8 on 20-25 footers, 1/2 on 35-40 footers, for example.

[AHRS]

Attach chain to bottom of anchor then only tie wrap to top of anchor eye making sure to leave about 4 links of slack in chain. Slack is very important. It ensures that you're only pulling against tie wraps when you want to pull free. I run a 23 cc and found about 2-3 tie wraps are plenty adequate. I tried 5tie wraps once and almost pulled the transom under breaking them. Also pull straight up the rope to pull along the direction you drifted to hook the wreck. And always remember 1 an anchor is not worth sinking the boat over so after some reasonable trys just cut the rope. 2 if you pull hard on the rope then ease off the rope will pull you backwards very fast. Be safe.

[A Disciple]

Attach chain to bottom of anchor then only tie wrap to top of anchor eye making sure to leave about 4 links of slack in chain. Slack is very important. It ensures that you're only pulling against tie wraps when you want to pull free. I run a 23 cc and found about 2-3 tie wraps are plenty adequate. I tried 5tie wraps once and almost pulled the transom under breaking them. Also pull straight up the rope to pull along the direction you drifted to hook the wreck. And always remember 1 an anchor is not worth sinking the boat over so after some reasonable trys just cut the rope. 2 if you pull hard on the rope then ease off the rope will pull you backwards very fast. Be safe.

We know all about that dont we Water Dog I might just reinforce the part about sinking or capsizing the boat trying to pull one loose is for real. Thats how them boys got dead down there in Fla. a couple months ago. If the chain becomes lodged you got a problem. Dogs got some nasty rope burns in the rub rail as a reminder of that lesson learned.:thumbup:

[jamisjockey]

You shouldn't be hooking the anchor to your transom. That's how those boys in Fla capsized the boat. You should be able to use a bow cleat to the same effect. Motor up to directly above your anchor, tie to a bow cleat, put some power on it and the tie wraps should break free. Barring that, use an anchor ball. Your stern cleats are for chum bags.

[manfromva]

AHRS has it right ....even when using a wreck anchor (rebar) attach to the bottom...leave slack in chain...tie wrap.... if the rebar doesn't bend the tie wraps will break and the anchor will come back up upside down. and always anchor from the bow..no matter how calm it is

[Odd-Job]

I prefer the chain connected to the bottom of the anchor with wire-tie(s) at the top to break it free. In between the chain and the rope, I use a section of cable inside a piece of garden hose - it lets the set-up "roll" a little against the structure without getting chafed.