Anchor for Ranger 620?

[BigPointer]

My son just bought a 2000 Ranger with 225 Optimax and kicker. We fish on Millelacs usually in all weather conditions. My question to any one who owns this same rig is what is the best anchor to set down in 6 feet of water in the rocks in high winds. We fish places like 3 mile reef and rocky points. Any advice will be greatly appreciated! Thanx Big Pointer

[jon]

BigPointer,
About the only thing to use is the Waterspike for a 20-22 footer. The key is the length of rope to be used. I usually use about 100 ft. of rope especially in high winds.

[David Anderson]

I agree with the long rope theory. I had a waterspike and it worked well, however I now have a digger anchor which I find hooks up better. I recommend that you go as heavy as you can. I have a 620 and have the 15# digger. A 12# is rated to a 20' boat, but in the 3 foot rollers, you need all you can get. I saw a nice anchor at the sportshow that looked interesting, had 5 spikes coming from the bottom. Compact but didn't store very flat.

[Bob R]

David

Where do your store your anchor in your 620 tiller. I Have on on order, and I have beend used to usign the largest water spike which will not fin in any of hte compartments on that boat. At least I don't think it will.

[rangerpat]

The anchor with the 5 spikes is a Richter Anchor, that's what I've got & I've yet to blown off position, or lose an anchor with It's unique retrieval system. I believe I've got the #18 for about $55.00. Check around you'll be impressed & you'll never have to buy another anchor. See Ya Pat Cavins

[capt. John]

Put about 2'of heavy chain in front of a waterspike that will fit in the compartment and you will hold. It also prevents the rocks from chewing off the rope. I have never yet not to hold. By the way a minimum of 200 feet of rope is needed if you ev er plan on sliding from side to side and anchoring in any conditions.

[REW]

I have 4- 50 foot sections of 3/8th nylon.
I agree, that there are times that you need the 200 feet of rope.
I weave a loop in one end of the anchor rope. I then have a half dozen anchor clevises. Whenever I need more anchor, I use an anchor clevis, to bolt up the next section of rope.
I use a 3 foot chain on the end of the anchor - to keep the arm parallel to the bottom - then I use an anchor clevis to hook the rope to the chain. By using clevises, you can easily connect and disconnect the anchor, but never having to worry about either tying on the rope or having a clevis unsnap from the anchor ( I know - I have lost three anchors with snaps on the end of the rope).

By using 3/8th nylon - the nylon doesn't float - to try to keep the anchor off the bottom - but more importantly - there is about 5-8 feet of stretch in every 50 feet of 3/8th nylon rope. Thus, if you get into those big breakers - the rope stretches, lets your boat move back with the wave, then the rope pulls the boat back on position.

No pulling the anchor up off the bottom.

I have seen and used the water spike, but dislike the large storage area required for it.

I have had had good luck by using two navy anchors - hooked - with a 50 foot section of rope between them. I use a 15 lb anchor on the end, with a 10 lb anchor, at the end of 50 feet. This system holds tight, and the navy anchors are nice and compact.

Then, in more moderate condititons , a single anchor will hold just fine. I also carry a 5 lb navy anchor, for those other conditions, that don't need the weight.

take care
REW

[dr]

here's a great way to carry your anchor, chain and rope. in a 5 gal. bucket. just lay the rope in the bucket and let out what you need . no tangles if you buy a good rope. not sure if the richter anchor will fit in the bucket but works great.