anchor/bumper size

[coreytime]

Hi all,

I've enjoyed getting to read through the forums and learn a little more about boating than before.

I had two quick questions.

1. Can anyone recommend a good anchor set up for my boat? It's a 2006 Cobalt 246
2. What size bumpers do you guys recommend? I noticed a wide variety of sizes but not sure what's most affective and useful.

Sorry for the newbie questions and I am really enjoying the forum!

[akorcovelos]

Welcome. Need more info on where you boat, what type of bottom, what’s the average depth?

[coreytime]

Grand Lake Oklahoma- mostly rocky i believe; average depth is 40ft

[Big Block Power]

Some guys really like the large box anchor. Also 8 inch fenders.

[Krob1114]

I just ordered a 25 lb. mushroom type anchor. Website said good for boats up to 24'. Officially, R3 is 23'10".
I looked at larger and heavier anchors, but was afraid they would not fit in our anchor space. Since we ususally don't use anchor,
hopefully this will work. We seldom go close to shore and only use anchor when we're broke down, which should be a long time in a new boat.

[BobR5]

On my R5 I use 8.5" x 26" with covers to reduce gelcoat scratches, plus one 18" ball at the bow when moving through locks to keep the bow from turning into the wall.

[JTinMO]

I've got a Digger Anchor and a small Box Anchor on our 232. I have yet to need to pull out the box anchor, as it's in a bag in the engine compartment as a spare. The digger anchor has held in everything we need it to. I think the smaller (and much lighter) anchors of this style will perform better than a mushroom anchor that depends on a lot of weight to hold. I actually also have a 20lb mushroom anchor on board, but it's only to hold the stern of the boat in line if the boat wants to do circles in the wind, or to anchor a swim mat. We seldom use it, but it's there.

[JTinMO]

And I'll agree with the others. Go for the 8.5" fenders and you will be happy.

[jhnmdahl]

I like my richter anchor in rocks well enough, although you’re probably looking at the 25lb instead of the 18lb. I lean a bit different on fenders too, and like the Polyform fenders a bit better. You might be in the Polyform F2 size range, but they have a ton of sizes and colors.

[TwoBurgers]

I just ordered a 25 lb. mushroom type anchor. Website said good for boats up to 24'. Officially, R3 is 23'10".
I looked at larger and heavier anchors, but was afraid they would not fit in our anchor space. Since we ususally don't use anchor,
hopefully this will work. We seldom go close to shore and only use anchor when we're broke down, which should be a long time in a new boat.

I had a mushroom anchor too. It was pretty much useless. I found a folding stainless grapnel anchor that fits in the front locker - it's better than the shrum, but I have a Fortress 7 if I ever need a real anchor. The grapnel works in light wind when I'm just chilling in a cove and almost always holds well.
Chris