Anchor rope length

[David L. Darnell]

I got either 50 or 75 laying in the floor of the Gheenoe, I know I will never use that much, what would you figure would be the most you would use and where? I got a sharp knife and will use it after I get opinions.

[TimM]

For general boating, the rule is that you should allow for at least 7 times the maximum depth you expect to anchor in (driven by  geometry considerations...you want maximum horizontal pull & minimum vertical so think sine and cosine). Depending on the type of anchor, bottom composition, current, weight of the boat and use of chain that can be reduced to as little as 3 times the water depth.  As light as your boat is I would think the 3X factor should be fine if you're using a danforth type anchor...a mushroom style I'm not so sure about since they roll so easily....ditto for the bucket of concrete  type anchor.