Two anchor buoy questions

blubeast · 02-01-2002, 12:53 PM

First, I recently got a larger boat, and accordingly got a larger anchor, I am now concerned if my anchor buoy is large enough. The anchor and chain weigh 25#…. The buoy ball I have is 40" around. Will it lift that much anchor weight?

Second, how do you re-inflate the ball? Mine has a screw in plug, which after inflating with a pump takes too long to insert the screw which allows the ball to again deflate. Is there a secret to re-inflating the ball?

Pilar · 02-01-2002, 12:58 PM

40" circumference or diameter? The 3' diameter ball I use is more than enough to lift my 55lb anchor and chain.

Inflate the ball with compressed air more than you need. Then jam the plug in quick. It works, that's how I filled mine.

blubeast · 02-01-2002, 01:01 PM

The 40" is circumference. Pilar, thanks for the reply.

Bait O' Eggs · 02-01-2002, 01:28 PM

I am sure Waterdog will get his slide rule out and show me where I figured wrong, but I see it as follows.

Circ. = 40 inches which translates into a 6.366 inch radius assuming the ball is a round sphere.

The volume of a 6.366 radius sphere is 0.654 cubic feet. Assuming the ball has no weight and displaces 0.654 cubic feet of water that weighs 62.4 lbs/cf before it completely sinks it should support an anchor of approxiametly 39 lbs.

In reality I would guess it would support an anchor of 36 lbs give or take before the ball is pulled under since the ball has some weight and probably isnt really a perfect sphere.

I would guess it will support your 25 pound anchor. :shocked:

Now can somebody tell me how to set the time on my VCR. :shocked:

Beer Waggin · 02-01-2002, 02:42 PM

BOE, I think that is the most accurate answer I've ever seen on this board. Is it right? Looks good to me. :whazzup:

As far as pumping up that buoy goes..... take it in the house, warm it up, blow it up and then throw it back in the boat.
You'd think that someone would come up with a screw plug that would accept air with a needle. Wouldn't that be slick!

[ 02-01-2002, 03:45 PM: Message edited by: NorRivDave ]

sinker · 02-01-2002, 06:29 PM

Aw BOE beat me to it!!
Since he did the math I won't bother pulling out my book of formulas to do it. :smile:

If anyone wants the formula to figure out anything, get the "Machinists Handbook"

They're about $70 new but I'd love to find a couple older ones real cheap at a yard sale.
I've got a fairly new one, but would like to take one that's not in such good shape and put it in my box at work.

sinker · 02-01-2002, 07:27 PM

I just thought of something. The drag of you boat in the current is going to artificially add weight to the anchor.

At least i would imagine it would.

You just have to wait until you see those guys that leave them in the river in the hotspots so they get their "reserved" spot in the morning.
It's a float shopping mart.

blubeast · 02-02-2002, 09:29 AM

Thanks for the replies.

I too was amazed with BOE's answer. With those facts, now MUST go fishing and try it to see if the formula works.

HOGTIDE · 02-02-2002, 02:10 PM

Money Saving Hint: You will find Anchor Floats at Boaters World at Jantzen Beach for about $20 less than those sold at FMS or other local sporting goods outlets. Same quality, colors and mnufacturer.