While both the Rocna and Vulcan anchors offer extremely quick sets across a range of bottom types, they may require some modification to anchoring technique. Peter Smith, designer of Rocna and Vulcan, offers the following tips to optimize setting performance:
- Shackle the anchor directly to the chain using a good quality load rated shackle. The shackle body passes through the shank, and the pin through the chain. Use the largest size shackle that the pin will fit through the chain. Rocna does not recommend swivels, as they can be a weak point, are generally not necessary, and for the Vulcan in particular can add too much weight to the end of the shank, impacting setting performance.
- Don’t drag the anchor while trying to set it. With the old generation Plough type anchors it was traditional to use lots of chain and drag them, usually some distance to get them to set, often on the second or third try. With Rocna and Vulcan, you want to avoid any pull before sufficient scope is paid out.
- When deploying the anchor drop out your scope at 5:1 (water depth + anchor roller above water X 5 ). Try not to drag the anchor before at least 3:1 is deployed.
- When deployed let the boats backward momentum and or wind set the anchor rather than engine power initially. Other than low rev’s to get the boat moving in the right direction don’t back down on the unset anchor with any power.
- You should feel the anchor start to set as the rode takes up. Only then by all means use some engine power to complete the set and reassure yourself it is in. However, I don’t recommend any more than 25% revs until the anchor has had a few hours to work itself in.
- If you do ever have to re-set the anchor always clean the old mud off first before redeploying – otherwise caked mud can interfere with subsequent sets.
The point of the above is to reduce build-up of substrate on the top edge of the shank in a soft bottom by dragging it before enough rode is deployed. The initial setting position of most modern anchors is on their sides and they don’t like being dragged any distance before this is attained.
If you are short on swinging room you can shorten scope to 3:1 after the anchor is set, and still have around 90% holding power. Let out more scope up to 7:1 if it starts blowing hard.
Use this technique, and you should get an instant set every time.
Any questions? Contact us at enquiries@rocna.com.
