Sea Anchor

PorgyMan · Feb 21, 2002

I'm thinking about getting a sea anchor for stemming the drift when fluking on windy days. I have a 17ft center console and I fish in western LI sound. Is this too risky for a boat my size? If not, any recommendations on brand and size of anchor for a 17ft boat? I've seen people using them and they sure seem to work well.

MC

Hunt n' Fish · Feb 21, 2002

I got one a few years ago at a garage sale and it works great. We used to use it on a 16 foot semidory and now on a 21 foot cc. It's not risky at all. We use it to slow a drift as well as to straighten out the lay of the boat on a windy day while anchored.

PorgyMan · Feb 22, 2002

Doughboy - thanks for the info. I assume you can buy these at any marine supply store (West Marine, Boaters World), right?

MC

Hunt n' Fish · Feb 22, 2002

I would assume that is a good assumption! (Huh?)

wader · Feb 22, 2002

I've seen something I believe is called a drift sock (?) in Cabela's. Looks like cloth parachute type of set-up. Don't know anyone who's used one - but that's what it's made for - to slow the drift without actually placing an anchor on the bottom.

baywatch · Feb 22, 2002

Does Cabellas have a web site or is iy a local tackle shop?

BCMeyer

wader · Feb 22, 2002

www.cabela.com

You can request a catolgue - usually arrives in about 5 days. Pretty good prices.

You can either order through the site or from the catolgue.

This message was edited by wader on 2-22-02 @ 9:22 AM

bobfish · Feb 24, 2002

I use a sea anchor all the time for fluke drifting in west LI sound.I have a 18 foot cc and when wind is against tide the sea anchor works great.West marine has 2 in their catalog,cost $35. for adequate one.Hook it to the bow cleat with trip line tied to center for retrieval.

jamesa · Feb 24, 2002

I bought Cabela's "sock" last year and feel it works great, definitely allowed me to catch an extra 20 shorts each windy day.

I have a Sea Pro 180 DC, which is admittedly a light boat, but I used the smaller size sock and fished most of the time alone, without snagging on the sock, etc. Bought the polypropolene line and snap for the sock that they sell too.

Capt. Marc · Feb 24, 2002

PorgyMan,

http://www.captharry.com/ sells a decent one I bought and it works well. I would get one a size larger then what you need. better to drift a little slower then too fast on those windy days expecially in deep water.

Capt. Marc

614690 · Feb 24, 2002

Capt marc is right. Go with the 48" from Capt. Harry's. I use a 48" on a 22' and I could be slowed even more. They are only 35.00.

FV Moody Blues

617538 · Feb 24, 2002

just tie 3 spackel buckets together for that size boat it works great.

baywatch · Feb 25, 2002

What size would be needed for a 23 Parker SC. The boat with fuel is about 5500LBS. Any help?

bcmeyer

PorgyMan · Feb 25, 2002

Thanks for the info. I checked Cabelas and they have a decent selection. I couldn't find anything on Capt Harry's website. Cabelas is suggesting a drift sock that is 20in. in diameter. Do I really need to go larger with a 17ft CC? I'm fishing 25ft depths and under in the Sound, not the open ocean. Is there any additional equipment I need to buy other than the sock itself and line? I'm looking for something that is both effective and easy to pull out of the water if I'm drifting shorter stretches.

MC

This message was edited by PorgyMan on 2-24-02 @ 7:31 PM

614690 · Feb 25, 2002

You could call capt harry's. I didn't see it on line either. They sell the 48" sea anchor for 35.00. This is where I got mine. I would take the advise from the guys who are using them like myself and capt Marc. 20" Sea anchor is like throwing your wifes/girl friends panty hose out there. It will do next to nothing. My 48" works fairly well but like I said earlier, there are times I wish I had a bigger diameter anchor. Capt Marc and I Cod fish within talking distance of each other. We get to see how the 2 different sizes work. My boat is a 22' and Capt Marc's a 17'. My 48" slows me down about the same as Marc's but I have more on the water for the wind to grab. You may regret the smaller size. The 48" folds down to a small package including the rope.

FV Moody Blues

616346 · Feb 25, 2002

What size sea anchor do you recommend for a 24 foot Osprey that weights 5200Ilbs. Thanks John

PorgyMan · Feb 26, 2002

Moodyblues - I'll take your advice. I ordered the Capt Harry's catalog. I didn't see the larger sizes in Cabelas. Is there anything additional that I need to purchase other than the anchor or is everything included? Thanks again.

MC

615048 · Feb 26, 2002

Knot Enough...I'm with you. I throw over a five gallon pail or two with appropriate length line on my 17' Sea Ox. Works fine.

615048 · Feb 26, 2002

Knot Enough...I'm with you. I throw over a five gallon pail or two with appropriate length line on my 17' Sea Ox. Works fine.

Capt. Marc · Feb 26, 2002

PorgyMan,

The only other thing you may want is one of those stainless steel rotating double eyes (like a Giant swevel) the anchors sometimes spiral and that makes them less effective. I also bought some 3/8" poly yellow (easy to see and floats) rope. The thing is real easy to use. Just attach to a cleat and toss over. Make a splice or a knot in the end of the rope that will fit easily over a cleat and I attach a old small dock float to one end just in case I lose it over the side so it will float. There is a trip rope to easily dump the water so you can haul it in. with buckets you will have a pain bringing it in all the time expecially if you move around a lot.

bcmeyer

I would get the 48" (I think the largest Capt. Harrys sells) and see how that goes. You can always use two at the same time if one isn't enough. The larger ones cost $$$.

Capt. Marc

Sea Anchor

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