Product of the Week- Anchor Saver

by Sail-World Cruising on 14 Aug 2010 Having your anchor stuck, even if the area is not particularly remote, can ruin any sailor's day. It'll be worse if the water is not clear, worse again if the water is too deep or cold to dive on it. Anchor Saver is such an easy idea, and so simple to work with any anchor, that it's almost crazy not to have one on board.

The Anchor Saver is an anchor release system for stuck anchors, which varies slightly but significantly from old-style anchor retrieval systems. It utilises a unique Release Bar and Shackle mid-link connection, and is designed to separate the Release Bar from the Shackle, when the sheer pin breaks at a predetermined load. During the release, the attachment point shifts from the anchor Shank-Eye to the Crown-Eye, allowing the Anchor to be freed from the obstruction.

When the anchor is retrieved, the sheer pin is replaced, and the anchor is ready for use within minutes. It is currently available for boats from 16 to 40 feet. For larger yachts, watch this space.

How it works:

1. When your anchor is stuck, it is important that you first observe your compass heading to determine the anchor set.

2. Move your boat directly over the anchor and secure your line. In most cases, you will want to transfer the rode from the bow pulpit to a port or starboard cleat.

3. Once you are positioned directly over the anchor, or as close as you can get, accelerate slowly but deliberately, in the direction of your anchor set (compass heading).

4. When the boat starts moving, pressure builds on the anchor line. You will feel the line getting tight, tight, tight, and then the shear pin will break, when a predetermined pressure level is reached.

5. When the shear pin breaks, the release bar separates from the shackle, and the attachment point changes from the anchor shank eye to the crown eye. This allows your anchor to be freed from its obstruction.

Note: Every boat is unique in the sense that it requires a slightly different degree of acceleration to break a shear pin. After the first break away, you will understand how much power your boat

requires to break the pin.


The clever device is available with a whole host of different anchor brands, and for different sizes of anchor. Fortress, Delta, Claw, Kodiak, Spade, Danforth and CQR are just a few examples.

To find out more about the version of Anchor Saver that will be appropriate for YOUR anchor, and to order online, click http://www.shop.anchorsaver.com!here.

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Useful letter from reader:


Sender: Roy Champion

Message: Hi There,

Your anchor saver is a great idea. I have be using it for years only instead of a fancy piece of equipment with a sheerpin, I use cable ties. They do the job great. I fish in many rocky areas and have saved many anchors. For a predetermined pressure I simply bigger cable ties.
Cheers
Roy
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