Mid Atlantic and Chesapeake Bay - How will this anchor work in the Mid Bay area?

How well will this style of anchor work on the Chesapeake Bay? Normally fish from the Annapolis Bay Bridge down to Solomons.

Don't see why not

I have a big 55 lb Delta in my mini storage. I tried to use it for 2 years in coves off the Chesapeake to no avail. It would set quickly but when the wind kicked up it would just start dragging and keep on dragging. The bottom of the Chesapeake is soft mud. A Danforth type anchor works well in mud. I use a big Fortress anchor and it has never dragged. I set it and wait a couple of minutes. Then put the boat in reverse for a minute or so to bury it.

I put the Delta back on when I went south and it was wonderful in the sand in the Bahamas. It just does not like mud.

I use that anchor all the time and love it. Remember to use chain about the length of your boat and plenty of scope. I use a swivel that rotates 360degrees. That baby will hold you. Make sure you have a windlass or anchor ball or you'll have trouble breaking it free..
Superfishal

I lost my Danforth two years ago and had to get a new anchor. After using the Delta plow the first time, I stopped mumbling about the cost of it and new chain.. It sticks the first time, every time!!! Have used it in the Patuxent River in sand, mud, oysters and at the Gas Dock and other areas in the bay... Not a problem yet... had a nasty storm roll down the bay bring +50mph side gusts and the boat didn't budge... watched several boats (including charters) break loose and float by me...
I believe the biggest difference also was buying 50' of chain (for a 30' boat in my case). It keeps the pivot of the anchor parallel to the bottom and resists the line popping the anchor up. I also spray painted marks on the anchor rode every 50' for a quick and easy way to tell how much scope I've let out...

Most people on the Chesapeake use a danforth style anchor. I have a fortress. The plow anchors (like the delta pictured) tend to drag in the soft mud.

Will let you know in a week. I just ordered the 14 lb Delta and 24 ft of new 1/4 in chain. Hope it works. I've read more good than not good. I never had any luck getting a Fortress to set, especially if on shell or deep - 20 fathoms.

Will let you know in a week. I just ordered the 14 lb Delta and 24 ft of new 1/4 in chain. Hope it works. I've read more good than not good. I never had any luck getting a Fortress to set, especially if on shell or deep - 20 fathoms.

You are right, the fortress or danforth won't set well in shell, but, as most of us know, sadly, there aren't many oysters left in the Chesapeake. You will find mud in 95% of anchorages. First storm, you'll wish you had the fortress. If I HAD to use a plow, I'd be sure to set it deep. and then wait a while and set it again.

Bought & installed it yestereday. - a 22 lbs Delta. The reason I wanted to get away from a Danforth was because they hang up on my pulpit with my new EZ Anchor Puller Windlass. The plow style doesn't get jammed and it seems to hold just fine in "fish-able weather".

As far as plow anchors dragging during heavy weather,,,the only reason I anchor is to bottom fish or live line. If the weather gets really snotty, my anchor isn't really near the top of my concern list.

Tawn,
I have used the Delta on most of my boats with windlasses and I have been very happy with their performance. I like the way they dig in quick. A 22lbs Delta will have no problem holding your 27 Judge. I would put about 10ft of chain behind it.

Tawn, given your use, the plow should be fine.

In your signature, I thought a submarine was properly called a boat. No?

Buoy Scout,
Submarines are refered to as Boats..the "Two types of Ships: Submarines & Targets" is an old Navy Phrase used to poke fun at the Skimmers (Surface Navy Sailors).

Thanks to all for the feedback on the Delta anchor..I have taken it out of Deale and fooled around with it a little..I am pleased so far.

That hole just to the left and slightly above the "D" in Delta, is for a trip line.

the Delta will work fine, I've used for years all over the lower bay on my 36 aft cabin...use the chain, I use 40' of it. good luck with your set up...Bubble Head..;)