Floor Anchor release for DB?

[fishbait]

Have had on in my Clack for about 10+ years, never been a problem or an issue. Can see how it might get stepped on when first installed if you are an idiot. At least with mine you really have to stomp on it to get it to release.

[IGGIE]

I got my anchor release from Bo's Anchor release.the # is (541)9288541.you can order over the phone.they are very helpful, just tell them what you want.they also make other products for d.b's.ask for a catolog.I mounted mine partially under my rowing seat, it takes an effort to release. I've never released by accident .I'm sure you will be happy with their products I sure was. images/icons/smile.gif

[NEUTRON]

Fishbait, you mean you have had a clackacraft
that long and haven't "shattered" it yet (l.o.l)? The one in my friends boat has a pretty tight spring and you have to hold it
down to keep releasing the anchor. I think the cleat scenario which my boat has is a greater risk if you didn't secure the rope well. His is under the seat where the person running the paddles sits, in whitewater; your feet shouldn't be anywhere near it. If your trying to make pulling the anchor easier, a less expensive way to go is by adding a small
pulley with swivel and connecting link to anchor. Run your rope through pulley and attach to the arm hanging off the back of your boat. I attached mine by drilling thru the arm and adding a 5/8" bolt through a surgeons loop on the end of my anchor line. I hope that makes sense.

[Bait O' Eggs]

Neutron
The funny thing about fishbaits boat is it doesnt have any fish slime on it after 10 years either. images/icons/shocked.gif images/icons/shocked.gif images/icons/shocked.gif

Fishbait told me today via phone that he is headed out on vacation, I asked where he was going fishing, and he said he doesnt fish on his vacations. images/icons/shocked.gif images/icons/shocked.gif I dont think he is American. I called INS and reported an alien. Or the other possibility is maybe his wife wears the pants images/icons/wink.gif images/icons/rolleyes.gif

[Master Baiter]

Hey Iggie, thanks for that number that was exactly what I was hoping to find!

I am getting ready to rehab my floor. My main motivation for this is to be able to release my anchor without having to let go of the sticks. Since I do not classify myself as an idiot, the safety issue should not plague me. Making the anchor easier to pull would also be nice too.

Thanks to All,

Thomas

[Wog]

MB,
I have one mounted to the bottom of my driftboat and have never had any problems with it releasing unless I want it to. As long as you use the "Manufactures recommended rope size" you shouldn't have any problems.
When going through rapids it's not a bad idea to also tie off your anchor rope to a cleat. That way if it does come loose, your anchor won't drop. It is always better to be on the safe side.
I think you won't regret purchasing one. I really enjoy mine. It's great when your backtrolling and you hook a fish. images/icons/shocked.gif

[Hookset]

I can see how the floor mounted anchor release could be a safety problem. I've used them before and every time, I swear, I'd never have one in my boat. A couple problems I don't like.

First, I hate having the rope at my feet. Even when I rinse my boots off before getting in, there is always some grit transfered to the floor and on the rope. Grit in the rope is like sand paper pulling the anchor.

The other issue is the small opening. The rope sometimes gets a little twisted or kinked and hangs up trying to let rope out.

I also don't like pulling the rope between my legs. Ok, no wisecracks... images/icons/tongue.gif To me the motion is akward and hard on my back. I have to remember to sit very straight and keep my stomach tight, good posture is important.

How about frozen ropes during winter. The rope has to thaw completly before you can anchor up.

If you run the rope under the floor, there is always dirt trapped there. On top of the floor left exposed (under rowers seat to the transom) or in a tube is right where I put a cooler or stand when fishing 3 people.

Ok, guess I stated my point. The anchor system I like is the side mounted pulleys, front pulley and release at your side, with a side mounted transom bracket. With this bracket, you can attach a motor and never remove it. The rope is to your side, not at your feet. I can keep this area clean, or at least some. I don't have to stand and trip over the rope. And it's easier to pull.

I've been using this system for over 20 years and have never looked back. Even before they became popular. By just checking out other boats, looks like this system is the most popular and for good reason.

ok, I rest now......

hook

[Master Baiter]

Does Anyone know where I can get the floor mounted type of ancor release mechanism for a drift boat, the ones that you release with a stomp of the foot? I have seen them in clackacraft boats before.

Thanks

Thomas

[Tanner]

Clackacraft sells them, but if you get one be careful. This was a topic a few months ago also.
2 years ago a guy sunk his boat on the upper Nestucca during fall chinook season because of one of these anchor systems. As he was negotiating some rapids, he accidentally hit the anchor release with his foot. The anchor dropped in the middle of the rapids and the hydraulics sucked his boat right under the water. I was about a mile and a half down river from him that day fishing by myself in my driftboat. I saw a boat seat come floating by. The next week I asked Ray Hammer at Nestucca Valley Sporting Goods what happened and he told me the story.

I would be really hesitant about installing one in my boat.

[Master Baiter]

Thanks Tanner, I had not really thought about that!

Thomas

[Catch 22]

Hookset, that's exactly what I'm looking for! Who makes that setup and where can I buy it. We have an old Koffler DB and the set up is bad. Its got the center mounted rig that you have to pull up on to release and set the anchor. It's really annoying. Any info would be great!

[bob b]

System manufactured by Dierks,4 pulleys 2 large angled 1st,and last, smaller pulleys in middle. I use right side pull to center anchor lift,my transom lifts out to accomodate motor,available at Baxters,Eugene,Clemens,Eugene or Portland.

[Hookset]

As bob was alluding to, you can purchase this system from every drift boat manufacturer. I'm sure with just a credit card and a phone call they'll ship the setup to you.

Call Willie boats, the link is at the top of this page. They support IFish and even have a web site, tell them IFish sent you.

best of luck,

hook

[Catch 22]

Thanks guys, I'll try them first.

[chinook_hunter]

If you want a real anchor puller get the minn kota deck hand 35 I put one on my drift boat 2yr ago.I can raise or lower anchor with push of button.Is real handy in tight spots

[BUGLEMAN]

Fishermans has all the parts for a side mount system. I just put one in my boat. I love it. I like reaching out and haveing the leverage from my legs to pull with. I use an angle pully assy on top of the swing arm and go to 1 or 2 angle pulleys mounted on the grip attached to the gunnel, it depends on the boat. Next they have a bracket you mount to the structure for the passenger seat, pully ou can flip it this way or that or angle it to make it work. To that you mount the cleat off of the swing arm you took off for the angle pulley assy. and one pully to pull from. Any details I would be glad to answer. I used stainless steel. Home Depot Has bolts that screw right to the pulleys so all you have to do is drill the boat and the bracket for mounting. The cleat is pre drilled.

[Snapset]

I had a factory floor release in my glass boat, and I found it far inferior to the offset rear mount release I have now. The old system had a pulley on the floor between my feet and a curved tube that ran back to the pulley system on the transom. I used a 35 lb anchor and the weight of the anchor, multiplied by the accumulated friction in the curved tube, made that one back-straining sonofagun. I could have gone without the tube but that would have just meant more rope on the floor, right under my feet. (I hate things under my feet in the boat.) Anyway, I went to a plain pulley with cleats, offset so I don't have to move it to mount the trolling motor, and I would never go back. However, if you go with the floor mount, I would recommend mounting it directly under the seat to keep the loose rope out of the way as much as possible.

[Sliderite]

I have a floor anchor(Bo's) system that is all I know and am still happy with it after all these years. When you need to stop in a hurry and hands free this is the way to go. Great when plugging but make sure you do a couple upward strokes to set the hook so you don't drop into the fish.
I think you need to reasess your boating skills if you drop it when not intentional.

I will add a bit of caution no matter what anchor system you do choose. Always have an easily removed half hitch or slip at the end of the rope. The trajedy is only seconds in the making or less and no time to cut rope.
I guess I just wanted to say my vote goes for the floor anchor system.

[Master Baiter]

Man, all you boys are takinbg the wind out of my sails! I will have to rethink this through. We are doing two boats so maybe we will just set up one with Bo's first as a test. I corrently have two different set-ups already. I have the center mount removeable plate covering the motor well and I also have the offset side mount for running the motor.
Chinook_Hunter, can you elaborate a little more on the Minn Kota 35? Size, Weight, Mounting, power supply? Has anyone had any seen or had experience with the WinchMaster by Quality Marine Craft (pg. 63 of current STS)?

Welcome to active membership Sliderite, good advise!

Thanks for your input everyone! images/icons/wink.gif

Thomas

[Sand Shrimp]

I've had a foot release anchor in my driftboat for years and wouldn't have any other kind.I've had the side mounted one before also and I didn't like it as much as my foot release.I guess it's all personal preference though.

[Big Willie]

Don't tie the rope to the boat! I use 60-70ft of anchor rope for that reason. Usually when you anchor only 20-30ft gets used on a regular basis. My .02
Gary