Box Anchor

[Stagdad]

Good discussion here:viewtopic.php?f=44&t=477. I use the Richter anchor, holds real well in both mud and rock.Screenshot_20190528-100729_Gallery.jpg

Finally got to use my richter anchor this week. 18 pounds on a 22 footer. I have to say I am so far impressed. It seems to find the bottom without fluttering like my old danforth and bites instantly. The danforth or fluke seemed like it needed to drag a bit before catching. I haven’t tested it in trying conditions yet but initial impression is that I like it. And it fits in my anchor locker!

Well, After several outings at 2 different lakes and various depths and conditions, I can report that the richter anchor is a set it and forget it anchor. Very pleased with it. Hauling it up is no fun but it's worth it knowing we're not going to drift. As always testing was performed using a 4 foot hefty anchor chain.

[jhnmdahl]

Regarding the Richter anchor, has anyone had issues with the vinyl covering wearing from the spikes? It seems at risk for such. Or getting cut from rocks?

Mine has held up well, with no cuts or damage, but I boat in a mix of environments and am probably in sand or muck as much as rocks. There are enough quality liquid vinyl products out there (I've used one called plasti dip or something similar) I wouldn't be too afraid of fixing it up if it needed it.

[shrfdeputy]

I bought the large box anchor for my 252 earlier this spring after fighting my old anchor multiple times last year. I saw Thunder550 had good results with his, but he recommended the large vs the small for our boats. Apparently there is no medium? It is big and doesn't fit in my anchor locker, but my GOD does it hold. I held 5 boats with it at Bull Shoals and Table Rock (generally the same type of bottoms), and it works great in the lakes closer to where I live. The lakes I usually boat in have mud/sand bottoms, but more importantly the wind is usually shifting all over the place. This anchor sticks and does not move until you are ready to go. I haven't had any issues freeing it from the bottom, but it is definitely heavy. I've also used the method described above to clean it and that works like a charm.

[kas232ca]

I bought the large box anchor for my 252 earlier this spring after fighting my old anchor multiple times last year. I saw Thunder550 had good results with his, but he recommended the large vs the small for our boats. Apparently there is no medium? It is big and doesn't fit in my anchor locker, but my GOD does it hold. I held 5 boats with it at Bull Shoals and Table Rock (generally the same type of bottoms), and it works great in the lakes closer to where I live. The lakes I usually boat in have mud/sand bottoms, but more importantly the wind is usually shifting all over the place. This anchor sticks and does not move until you are ready to go. I haven't had any issues freeing it from the bottom, but it is definitely heavy. I've also used the method described above to clean it and that works like a charm.

Just don't drop it on your foot like I did...

[Red Herring55]

Regarding the Richter anchor, has anyone had issues with the vinyl covering wearing from the spikes? It seems at risk for such. Or getting cut from rocks?

I had the same Richter in both the 200 and 220S (about 10 years, and a good amount of use) and never had any cover wear. One warning on Richters though--they're great in weeds and good in mud, but completely worthless in sand. Might as well tie a string to a rock and throw it overboard.

[sailor55330]

I really want to try the box anchor, but we boat in such heavy bottom vegetation that I was hesitate. I called the company and described my current anchor (Mushroom) and explained that when I pull it up, it looks like an inverted christmas tree with weeds hanging at least 2-3 off the anchor. He told me that it "should work" and that if I didn't like it, he'd make it right. Still scared. Some days I can barely haul up the mushrrom, but it's totally worthless on sandbars. It's odd, one sandbar I go to literally has zero vegetation, but when you move off (it literally is a plateau with an 18ft drop off on both sides), your legs get caught when swimming. MN boating is so glamourous sometimes.

[Howl Yes 242]

I have the small slide anchor for my 242 and it is awesome! It holds rock-solid in really windy conditions and multiple bottoms types. I don't use any chain, only 150' of good 1/2" anchor rope.

[Krob1114]

After trying several anchors, most lost when stuck in rocks, a friend of mine tied a concrete block to a rope and used it as an anchor.
Several years later, they've replaced the concrete block once. Of course they have an older pontoon and don't worry about looks.