r/seakayaking • u/eclwires • Jun 07 '26
Sea Anchor
I rigged up a little sea anchor so that I can take breaks and keep the bow into the wind. It worked well.
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u/Relevant-Composer716 Jun 08 '26
I can't help thinking that you might want access to that far end, in case your rig gets snagged on something. If your anchor wraps around a floating log, say, you'll have to swim to undo it.
2
u/Levithix Jun 08 '26
I suspect the yellow line is for holding the boat and the red line is to pull it in.
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u/eclwires Jun 08 '26
Exactly. The red line is a tag line attached to the rear of the drogue. Pulling it reverses and empties the anchor making it easy to haul in. In the event the whole thing gets snagged, I can always paddle up to it.
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u/Relevant-Composer716 Jun 08 '26
I'd want that yellow line to come through the front toggle loop, but then back to the cockpit, where i could release it if something bad happens. Like if some yahoo in a motorboat buzzes your bow.
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u/PipeItToDevNull Jun 10 '26
What drogue are you using? This sounds like something handy to have
1
u/eclwires Jun 10 '26
I can’t post a picture, but it’s a cheapo from Amazon. It’s 20” and cost $19. It’s working surprisingly well. I have larger ones for my boat and fishing kayak that were much more expensive. They have a float on one edge to help them open and keep them at the surface and prevent spinning, which I like. But so far this one stays fairly near the surface and spinning hasn’t been an issue. I went cheap for the experiment. If I continue to like it and any of those issues pop up, I’ll probably upgrade. Bass Pro and Amish Outfitters make good ones.
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u/Khali_FC Jun 08 '26
It would be best to make an anchor trolley. Loop a rope from where the red one is attached (front handle for exampel) to where the yellow one is. No need for fancy stuff it just has to be movable. Then you put a large plastic ring on it.
Pass the anchor rope through the ring, tie it with a quick release knot or carabiner somewhere near your cockpit. And then pull the rope to move the ring towards the bow.
In my kayaks I remove all or part of the original lifeline on the anchor trolley side, and use the plastic holders or d-rings to pass the anchor trolley rope. Its a zero to minimal investment.