SV Panopevideo
Steep Slope Seabed. Anchor Test # 151
August 31, 2023 · 18 min · 3K views
What this video covers
Testing anchor holding power on a 2.8:1 gradient—an incline of nearly 20 degrees—reveals that anchor performance depends heavily on the direction of pull relative to the slope.0:04 Using a 12-lb Viking and an 11-lb genuine CQR in 35 feet of water with 105 feet of chain, upslope pulls consistently yield the highest holding power, as the anchor must displace material uphill.2:30 Cross-slope performance remains usable, though chain catenary becomes critical to prevent the anchor from lifting.4:42 Downslope anchoring proves unreliable; once the chain angle exceeds horizontal, the anchor typically releases and slides into deeper water.6:41 Heavy chain or a kellet is essential for downslope stability, but even with these, the seabed material itself tends to migrate downhill under load.14:51 Shore ties offer a viable alternative for steep-slope anchoring, particularly when using a V-configuration to distribute loads.14:29
More from SV Panope
From SV Panope — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed video.
The Sailing Directory Newsletter
One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.



