Compact anchor system

I put this system together last year and have tested it out thoroughly. It is small enough to stow inside most hatches and strong enough to tie several kayaks together in fast moving current.

The main line is 265 pound hand line. The reel is a steel workers wire feed. The anchor is a 5 pound jello mold.  A 1/4 inch locking pin makes it adjustable to any depth.


Thought I would share and see if it can be improved.

Wobbler

Thanks for sharing, Steve. Did you get the reel from Home Depot?

Awesome design!  Yes, where did you get the reel?

nice tie wire reel. home depot has them. also anywhere with rebar tools will have something similar. now you need to make a rebar anchor.

I went with the plastic reel to reduce the weight. I would probably go with the aluminum model sold by Home Depot for the added strength.

I thought about a re-bar anchor, but the jello mold won out.

Wobbler

is the pin on the float to stop the reel from free wheeling? pretty slick setup.

is the pin on the float to stop the reel from free wheeling? pretty slick setup.

I drilled a 1/4 inch hole through the back and both sides of the reel. When I am set with the anchor I insert the pin through the holes to lock it in place. When letting out, I just pull the pin and let it free spool to the bottom. Once in place, line up the holes and replace the pin.

thanks for sharing. I have an old reel laying around somewhere. I am going to try this setup. maybe put a stiffer handle on the back side of the reel to keep it from wanting to twist while reeling in.

thanks for sharing. I have an old reel laying around somewhere. I am going to try this setup. maybe put a stiffer handle on the back side of the reel to keep it from wanting to twist while reeling in.

Sort of like this. I actually slip my hand under the handle (Think of an accordion player) and grasp the reels perimeter and bring up the anchor.

Good luck!

Wobbler

That is pretty sweet Steve.  It is a lot more compact then using an extension cord winder. 

It is a lot more compact then using an extension cord winder.

My same thought since I use one of those.... I may need to look into it.

Ever have a problem with the hand line binding? I've used it and unless I made sure to wind the line tight it would jam under pressure next time I deployed.

When you pull anchor do you reel it up or pull by hand and then reel up the line?

How much line fits in the reel?  And where did you pick up the line?

I really like the compact design.   

I've never had a problem with it binding. I do pull it in by hand especially with the heavier anchors.  The lighter ones I just reel in. Once I separated the float from the reel, it was easier to work.

Wobbler

How much line fits in the reel?  And where did you pick up the line?

I really like the compact design.

I have a couple of hundred feet spooled on. I picked up the Hand line at Fisherman's Marine.  It is in their boat section.