Hydrobubble anchors

[Cat<*(((((><]

Has any one tried the new hydro bubble anchors? They look pretty cool. Some anchor styles work better than others but I've never had an anchor that at times didn't need several passes to get them to set....and stay set.

[LittleCasino]

They do look cool, and incredibly pricey. If I lost one of those it would be a tear jerkin moment.

[OspreyVic]

Catfish, please go to the “Links” section and then under “Boat Products / Suppliers” you will find HydroBubble Anchors.

For our 210 we have the Model 30 Standard HydroBubble Anchor. We also ordered from them one (1) SW1 Stainless Swivel and 300 ft of 3/8 inch braided rope, with 10 ft of stainless chain and also includes the necessary shackles. Please make sure you specify the “braided rope”, it is so much easier to work with.

The owners, Judy and John Willis, also showed me how to rig the anchor as a breakaway using electrical ties. As Little Casino said, you do not want to lose an anchor. Please see picture below.

They also recommended a larger anchor and another 100 feet of rope, but we do not plan on anchoring to far out in the Gulf. The anchor comes apart very easy and stores in the anchor locker with room to spare. We have enough room to store another 100 to 200 feet of the 3/8 inch braided rope.

We would recommend the HydroBubble Anchor to everyone.

[LittleCasino]

Vic, How much did the total package/setup cost you, anchor,chain & rope?

Curios

[OspreyVic]

LittleCasino, you are looking at spending close to $500.00 for everything. I am sure you could save close to $100.00 if the chain was not stainless. My goal was to purchase one anchor that with proper care, would last as long as my boat. With length of the boat being a BIG issue (had to fit into the garage), the anchor also needed to be stored in the anchor locker. When my garage door closes, I have less than two inches between the door and the boat. I have never seen an anchor that would fit into that 2-inch space. With the anchor in the anchor locker, surrounded by rope, that is one less thing banging around (possibly hitting the boat) when we are in rough seas or when the boat is on the trailer going down the road. Hope this helps, Vic

[Putershark]

Don't forget about the Anchor Ball system http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs...7474&ref=81902 unless you want to stand there (or have one stuck big time) and have to "manually" pull in all that rode (anchor line) you just payed out... The longer the anchor chain though, the less rode / scope / line (whatever you want to call it) you will have too let out AND pull back in when you want to move to the next reef since it will help hold the anchor down and dug in.

In the 210 mod picture section though, you can also see some pictures on how I had the anchor shaft also "line wrapped" though my Marlinspike skills (remember I was not a "Deck Ape" as a Coastie ) left a lot to be desired, but it also helped save on the hands and I had the chain also located so it would break away and pivot (using the anchor ball of course) in case it got up hung big time.

Dave

[OspreyVic]

Yep, have the Anchor Ball all inflated and stored in the locker just to the rear of the anchor locker (the seat area). Also stored there are my flares and first aid kit.

I am just way too old not to use that handy gadget.

[LittleCasino]

Dang Vic, That is one high dollar anchor system. I have been using 15# Ricter anchors, and they hold me just dandy in all kinds of goofy wind and current. I even have some 45# lead pyramid anchors that will hold me in some class five rapids with 30ft of rope out.
I know I'm just fishing freshwater lakes and rivers, but are the plow/fluke style anchors really that good of a investment, and do they work that good?
I really don't know

[OspreyVic]

LittleCasino, I did not like the price either. The good point is that they really do work. I have seen guys out in the Gulf try and get a hold 2, 3, or more times, and the HydoBubble just works the first time out.

The fact that it comes apart for easy storage was the second reason for the purchase. Having everything fit inside the garage was the first priority.