I am getting one of the Fortress Aluminum anchors for my 182 amphib, what size do you guys recommend
7,10,14

It would be mainly day use but I don't want it to move. Thanks

I bought a folding anchor and carried it for a couple of seasons. I never used it and it is now ready for my port=a-bote.

I have used mine a bunch of times our shorelines are not conducive to beaching a lot of places. My folding anchor didn't grab bottom too well in Florida winds so I switched to the danforth but it's too heavy.

I would not think you would need very much. I used a 15 pound Fortress for years as a lunch hook for a 46' sailboat.

West Marine has had a pretty good advice article on anchor size over the years. I haven't looked at it recently, but it can be synthesized into these points:
*If you think your anchor is just good enough, get the next larger size;
*Use a lot more anchor rode than you think you need, so that the scope (length of rode to depth of water) is at least 7:1.
*A short length of chain will make up somewhat for insufficient length of rode.

Of course, there are so many different types of anchors that it's hard to know what will work in your particular case, and a seaplane has stowage problems that a boat doesn't have. But if you can fit a plow type anchor (like a Bruce) in your float compartments, they tend to have more universal holding power than a Danforth, i.e., they'll work in more different types of bottoms, for the same weight. A Danforth makes a great beach anchor, however.

Cary

I have never been a fan of anchors for seaplane use. Problem is, you not only need an anchor, you need lots of anchor line, and to really have decent holding power, you need a pretty significant stretch of anchor chain. All that adds up to a pretty significant load to pack around, let alone the fact that this is not a mess that you want inside your plane, so it's going to live its life inside a float locker. Make certain that you have SECURE stowage in a float locker for that anchor....you DO NOT want an anchor rattling around in those floats, trust me.

You say it's PRIMARILY for day use. I would argue that there is no such thing. It's either for day use only, with you CLOSE or ON board the seaplane at all times, or it's a mooring anchor for overnight stays. Those are two VERY different tasks. An anchor and system that is actually safe for mooring overnight is, as described above, going to be a pretty significant bit of weight and bulk. To be safe that is. And, you probably would like to be able to actually sleep while the thing is anchored??

The other problem with anchoring out is that you have to then catch a ride of some sort to get to shore. That means either civilization and some friendly soul to give you a ride, or carrying along some sort of inflatable or ?? boat.

I used a running line setup when I worked in Kodiak, due to tides and rocky shores. I never really trusted the bottom due to rocks, which either held REALLY well, or almost not at all. I also never slept very well, and almost always right there with the plane.

If you just need an anchor to hold position while you're fishing, it doesn't take much at all. You're not going to be out there in a full gale. If, on the other hand, you're considering anchoring overnight, you'll need a pretty serious rig.

MTV

Thanks for all the help. I am no big fan of using the anchor either but I go to a bunch of spots where one is necessary, and from a safety stand point I always want one.

As far as getting to shore our water is warm most of the year and walking in feels good. Or there is always a dinghy around.


The pulley rigs are neat but not for a few hours at a beach, too much thought involved in all that.

I am keeping my current anchor in a nice tupper ware box so floats are protected.


So mtv, I guess I'm with you, but for the tide, it has to be out floating. I could tie between some pilings but a wind shift may leave me with my tail to the breeze. Is that a safer solution in your opinion.