For any owner of a swimming facility, whether it is compact PVC Or heavy metal "Kazanka", the presence of a reliable anchor is not just a formality, but a vital necessity, and it is this element of equipment that allows you to lock the vessel in place while fishing, resting or waiting for favorable weather conditions, preventing drift under the influence of wind and current.
In the world of water-motor technology, the abbreviation WPS is often associated with cat-anchorThey're made of steel bars that are ideal for general use, and they're designed to effectively cling to rocky bottoms, snags and algae, where classic paws can just slide across the surface.
However, choosing the right weight and type of attachment requires a deep understanding of the physics of the process and the specifications of your vessel. anchorage It should be selected individually, how to calculate the required mass and what mistakes beginners make when equipping their boat or boat.
Design features and advantages of anchors of the WPS type
Often referred to as a WPS or simply a “cat,” the design is a device with several (usually four) horns apart, and this geometry ensures a high probability of being hooked in almost any position in which the anchor falls to the ground. anchor Hall or danforthWhen a cat often needs a certain amount of effort to bury its paws, it starts working instantly.
The main material for such products is structural steel, which guarantees high strength during mechanical impacts on stones. Galvanic coating or high-quality powder paint protects the metal from the aggressive effects of salt and fresh water, preventing rapid corrosion.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use homemade anchors from reinforcement without proper corrosion-prevention treatment. Rust will not only destroy the metal, but can also stain your sides. PVC Or the deck of a boat.
The key advantage is the ability to fold horns, which makes transportation And it's very convenient to store, because a folded anchor takes up the minimum space in a hazelnut or a sealant without interfering with other equipment, and this is especially critical for owners of small inflatable boats, where every square centimeter of space counts.
There are modifications with a weighted heel, which shifts the center of gravity and allows the anchor to always fall horns down, which improves the efficiency of work on sludge or sandy bottom, where an ordinary cat can simply stick its nose into the ground.
Calculation of the mass of the anchor depending on the type of boat
Choosing the weight of an anchor is not a matter of personal preference, but a strict mathematical dependence on the displacement of the vessel and the area of its sailing. PVC length up to 3 meters, which have a low weight and low sailing, usually enough anchor weighing 3-4 kg. However, with increased wind or the presence of currents, this may not be enough.
For metal boats and boats with a length of 4 meters and above weight anchorage This is where the laws of hydrodynamics come into force: the larger the surface area in contact with water and wind, the stronger the demolition. It is recommended to use a formula where the mass of the anchor is approximately 10% of the weight of the boat with a full load, but not less than 1 kg per 1 meter of hull length.
Below is a table that helps you navigate the choice of anchor mass for different types of swimming aids:
| Type of vessel | Length (m) | Recommended mass (kg) | Type of bottom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inflatable boat | 2.7 – 3.2 | 3 – 4 | Universal. |
| PVC boat (reinforced) | 3.4 – 3.8 | 5 – 6 | Rocky/Train |
| Metal boat | 4.0 – 4.5 | 7 – 10 | Il/Sand |
| boat | 4.5+ | 10+ | Any type |
It is important to bear in mind that cat anchor may require an increase in mass by 15-20% compared to the anchor danforth When used on clear sand, as its paws don't burrow as deeply. Always take an anchor with a weight reserve, as it's easier to pull it out than to look for a lost boat carried away by a storm wind.
Choosing anchor rope and chain
An anchor, even the heaviest and most perfect, will not work without a properly selected anchor. anchor-ropeThe use of a conventional rope often causes the anchor to be pulled from the ground when the boat jerks, and a section of the chain between the anchor and the main thack is needed to ensure reliable fixation.
The chain has two critical functions: it weighs the anchor spindle to the bottom, contributing to a better hook, and extinguishes jerks arising from turbulence or gusts of wind. The chain should be at least one length of the hull of the vessel, but the optimal ratio is 1:1.5 to the length of the boat.
Use a chain with a calibrated link so that it does not get stuck in the anchor lock or roller. The optimal diameter of the link for PVC boats is 6 mm, for metal ones - 8-10 mm.
The main slab is best chosen from the wicker nylon cord The wicket does not stretch as much as a twisted rope, but it has sufficient elasticity to quench the impact loads, and the diameter of the cord must be matched with a margin of tensile strength greater than the weight of the anchor by 10-15 times.
It is not recommended to use a fishing line or a thin capron cord, as they can hurt to cut your hands when sampling the anchor under load. Also avoid using chains whole instead of rope, as this will significantly weigh the entire system and create a risk of damage to inflatable tubes. PVC.
⚠️ Warning: Never tie the anchor end directly to the transom or bow handle of a PVC boat without using a burst insert. When anchored on a strong current, the boat can flip or tear the handle.
Technology of proper anchoring
The issue of anchoring PVC For inflatable boats, it is strictly forbidden to fix the anchor end rigidly, and in the case of a dead hook, you should be able to break the anchor and lose only the anchor, saving the boat and yourself.
The best solution is to use buyrepa It's an extra thin cord tied to an ogon (loop) on the spindle of the anchor, and if the main anchor is stuck, you pull the buoyrep, flipping the anchor backwards, and it comes out of the ground easily, and on folding cat anchors, this works flawlessly.
To install the anchor rift on the bow of the PVC boat, use special stainless steel or durable plastic linings that distribute the load over a large area of fabric. Pluting the rift directly into the cylinder without reinforcing soldering can lead to depressurization at the most inopportune moment.
☑️ Checking the anchor system
Metal boats often have anchored beaks or rollers installed to keep the rope from being rubbed against the side. Make sure all metal attachment parts do not have sharp edges that can damage the mount. anchor-false Or hurt your hands while working.
Throwing and anchor sampling techniques
Many beginners make the mistake of just throwing an anchor into the water. The correct technique involves a smooth discharge, taking into account the direction of the wind and current. The boat should be brought to the anchor point against the current or wind, slowly turning the rope.
Once the anchor has touched the bottom, you need to put a rope length equal to 3-4 depths in the parking lot. clairOnly after that can you slowly reverse or pull the rope to anchor (especially the one that is the anchor). danforth or catfish) buried in the ground.
When sampling an anchor, never wrap a wet rope on your hand! this can cause serious finger injuries or even a brush to break off when a sharp jerk is taken. Choose an anchor with your hands, placing the wet rope in a separate container or on a clean boat floor so that it does not get tangled.
If the anchor fails, don't pull it sharply. Try to change the angle of thrust by moving the boat to the side or making a circle over the anchoring site, often helping to free the paws from a stone crevice or driftwood.
What if the anchor is stuck dead?
If all attempts to free the anchor have failed and the situation becomes dangerous (wind is increasing), use the bayrep to try to turn the anchor. In extreme cases, if the anchor is tied through a burst insert (brush 1-1.5 mm in diameter), give the maximum load - the insert will burst, and you will save the boat.
Anchorage and storage
After every foray into the water, especially in salty environments, anchors and ropes require maintenance. Freshwater washes away salt, which is the main catalyst for corrosion. Even galvanized chains rust if not dried.
Store cat-anchor It is better to disassemble or folded, smearing the axis of rotation of the horns with a consistent lubricant (for example, Litol-24 or silicone lubricant), this will prevent acidification of the moving parts and ensure ease of opening next time.
The anchor rope must be dried in the straightened state. Wet nylon coiled into the bay can start to sling, and in places of inflection - lose strength. Regularly inspect the rope for rubbing and rags.
Regular flushing with fresh water and drying in the shade is the key to the long service life of your anchor equipment. Direct sunlight destroys the structure of polyamide ropes.
For metal boats, it is useful to have a spare anchor or an anchor kit. danforth sand-and catfish Changing fishing conditions often requires changing anchoring tactics, and having a versatile set will make you independent of the whims of nature.
Can I use a cat anchor on clean sand?
Yes, you can, but its effectiveness will be lower than that of broad-legged anchors (Danforth). The cat will slide more on the surface, so for the sandy bottom it is recommended to take an anchor with a margin of mass or use a two-anchor anchor (in tension).
How long should the anchor rope be?
The length of the rope should be at least 3-4 times the maximum depth at which you plan to get up. For rivers with fast current, this reserve is increased to 5 depths, so that the angle of attack of the anchor is more gentle and effective.
Do I need to lubricate the anchor chain?
Lubricating the chain with solidol is not recommended, as sand and dirt will stick to the sticky surface, accelerating wear of the links. It is enough to wash the chain after use and store it in a dry place. Easy treatment with penetrating lubricant (WD-40) before long storage is allowed.
Why isn't the anchor holding the boat?
There may be several reasons: insufficient mass of the anchor, too short length of the released rope (small clar), inappropriate type of anchor for the given soil (for example, Danforth on stones) or silting of the soil when the anchor falls too deep.