Digger Anchor With or Without Chain?

[FLCErik]

Just purchased a digger anchor and it says not to use a chain. Without a chain it claims to have a 5-1 ratio. Just curious if others are using a chain or no chain and what works best? I am using the digger on my R7 in Tahoe and the bottom is mostly heavy sand.

[AsLan7]

.
Can’t help ya FLCE. We use a Danforth anchor attached to a 3’ chain and 100’ of rode for our sandy bottoms.

.

[Big Block Power]

Yep they say no chain. I took mine off last year. Honestly I haven't noticed any diff. The best part is the kids don't hit the chain against the boat anymore bonus!

[tgrace98]

I don’t use a chain on my digger either. Still grabs easily for me

[Bfun220]

Yup, no chain here either.

[Snowman8]

I use 6’ of coated chain on our R5. It holds and I’ve never noticed it move. I’ve had several boats tied to to us with just my one anchor and the wind will swing us side to side but the anchor never moves.

[jhnmdahl]

I sort of like the coated chain on the end of my anchor, although I can't say with certainty it really does much for my little 21' boat. Still, I made nice loops in the end of my double-braided line with a fid and used airplane wire to tie off the shackles where used - decided to learn to do it right even if it doesn't really matter at this time.

[JTinMO]

I do not have chain on our digger anchor. Can't say if it's better with or without as I have never put chain on it to see. My first mate struggles enough with the anchor as is. Would fear chain may make her yell much more at me.

[BobRae99]

I used a small plough anchor with 6' of heavy chain. I anchor in around 20' of water with a soft bottom an dit holds the boat in place well.

[Krob1114]

My thoughts are that it doesn't help on sandy or muddy bottoms. Our lake is mountainous valley that was dammed. I think a chain would help provide a little extra strenght if you get into rocky area and really need to pull hard to get anchor unlodged. Plus, I had a hard time finding 25 lb. anchor, so I got 20 lb (blue coated to match boat) and chain provides a little extra weight.

[capn272]

Just got my box anchor this week. Didn't order any chain to go with it, I figure the bar it's on will suffice.