Anchor winch installed

[Wiley]

I like the idea of a bouy at the end of the rope. I think if/when I am back on the trailer I will pull all the line off and tie a bouy a couple feet from the end with a trailer line and just let it live on the bow. Then if the excrement hits the fan I can simply play out all the line until zip ties break or line cut and bouy self deploys. ?

[fishmeister]

I like the idea of a bouy at the end of the rope. I think if/when I am back on the trailer I will pull all the line off and tie a bouy a couple feet from the end with a trailer line and just let it live on the bow. Then if the excrement hits the fan I can simply play out all the line until zip ties break or line cut and bouy self deploys. ?

When I anchor up in the river, I just use a spare crab pot buoy and this does the trick.  I simply tie one stopper knot a few feet down the rode.  Then I thread the rope through the buoy and tie another stopper knot.  This leaves a foot or so of loose rope hanging out the end.  Makes it easy to grab in the water.  Put the pointed end of the buoy towards the anchor so it rides in the current.  I just leave the excess rode out on the front deck.  As noted earlier, this makes it very easy to unhook from my front deck cleat and throw the whole thing overboard in a hurry and not have to sacrifice the anchor, chain, and rode.

This anchor method is very common on my local river (Skagit River).  Most of the boats are set up with some variation of this theme.  Not only is this a great "emergency release", it is also commonly deployed when fighting fish.  It is not uncommon to need to drift with the fish to successfully land it.

This also works well for those times where you have to take the Admiral to shore for a potty break or pick up a friend at the launch.  You can leave your anchor and get your same fishing spot back when you return.  I know that "anchor theft" would be the first thing to cross many minds (and, perhaps, justifiably so).  But, that doesn't seem to be a problem here.  Maybe there's enough "honor among fellow fishermen"?

[Wiley]

Question for those using Dyneema. Did you get it from West Marine and which version. ? There seems to be different models of Dyneema for different applications. Or most likely I'm not understanding.  

[croaker stroker]

I got a 300 foot remnant on EBAY. I don't know what model I got?

I wanted 1/4", but the 5/16" remnant was cheap.

[martin3]

If you plan on using Dynemma,   I would recommend buying a package kit.
Lonestar or EZ-Anchor sells them already spliced.

[croaker stroker]

Martin is right. I tried splicing, but just gave up and tied knots.

Dyneema is slippery and requires knots like you would use for larger monofilament, or mono to braid. 

[Wiley]

Martin is right. I tried splicing, but just gave up and tied knots.

Dyneema is slippery and requires knots like you would use for larger monofilament, or mono to braid.

Hmmm can it be eye spliced ? Like 3 strand rope ?

[croaker stroker]

Martin is right. I tried splicing, but just gave up and tied knots.

Dyneema is slippery and requires knots like you would use for larger monofilament, or mono to braid.

Hmmm can it be eye spliced ? Like 3 strand rope ?

Not by me. 

[martin3]

I'm normally pretty sound with splicing.
I made some spices with Dynemma.....and I didn't trust them.
Like Mark said,   it is seriously slippery.

It is certainly possible.

[croaker stroker]

The EZ "fast fall" electronic box for my winch is $550+ and increases anchor drop speed X2.

Not "free fall".

They don't explain, but I guess it just doubles the voltage??

[croaker stroker]

I have anchored numerous times with knots and have not yet had a failure, even pulling while stuck and bending a Danforth. 

But this looks like the easy way to make a splice...

https://m.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=91&v=bNPt1riHMJ0&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dieselpowerproducts.com%2F&source_ve_path=Mjg2NjY&feature=emb_logo

[DARice]

CS, the 'kits' typically include a 3 strand top shot, I assume for a bit of stretch and maybe abrasion protection. Did you do that?

Dave

[croaker stroker]

CS, the 'kits' typically include a 3 strand top shot, I assume for a bit of stretch and maybe abrasion protection. Did you do that?

Dave

I did add a 50 foot 3/8" 3-strand topshot using a stainless ring. If I re-do it, I am going to tie a three or four wind Uni to Uni instead of the ring.

I followed the directions on the winch instructions attaching the dyneema to the spool. Like on a conventional fishing reel, I did not want it to slip. I also taped the spool to prevent slippage (like I do my fishing reels)

The 5/16 Dyneema remnant that I bought was braided, like in the video.

Edit: see added pic. Dyneema is red, top-shot is white. You can see why you need to allow a little extra room for crowning.

[Wiley]

Hmmm, I don't quite get the topshot ? I thought the idea was small diameter high strength. Doesn't the topshot create a weak point ?

[croaker stroker]

Hmmm, I don't quite get the topshot ? I thought the idea was small diameter high strength. Doesn't the topshot create a weak point ?

Like spectra fishing line, the Dyneema has no stretch. The Idea of using the nylon top-shot, like monofilament fishing top-shot, is to absorb shock. 

[martin3]

Hmmm, I don't quite get the topshot ? I thought the idea was small diameter high strength. Doesn't the topshot create a weak point ?

The downside of Dynemma is it has no stretch ability.  The top shot gives the anchor line some give to handle the surge.

[croaker stroker]

One more point about the top-shot....Dyneema has no abrasion resistance. If your anchor rode scrapes against a rock, the Nylon is said to hold up better. 

[BigMac]

regarding backup anchors after breaking away...

i can see cutting away from an anchor in an emergency, but if you have a buoy on the end of the rode (like i do), you can always come back and retrieve the anchor. at least, that's what i tell myself... i have a lobster pot buoy on the rode with a slip-knot on the end of the rode in my anchor locker. my vision is, if i had to leave my anchor, i can take the rode off the anchor cleat, and as the boat drifts away, pull the slip knot... rode goes over and the boat is free, but then, i can come back for it. only fly in that ointment, i think, is if the drift is onshore and i'm anchored shallow... cuz in that scenario my buoy could be pushed ashore.

You could also attach a buoy to the rode after the anchor is deployed using an Orval's EZ Pull(er).  Google to find the instructional video, etc.
Willing to lend mine for tryout (located in Portland area). pm if interested.

[Nose]

Inside cuddy plate installation photo as promised.

[Roberthawitt1]

Hello nice set up,How are you liking he drum winch,that brand?I'm looking at purchasing one