Dropping it off the side really isn't an option for us when dealing with a stiff river current. Anchor line is marked for proper scope and she has it tied off to the bow cleat before dropping anchor. Fortunately those Fortress anchors are light and no problem for her to handle. Usually we throw a Fat Towel up on the deck and she sets the anchor on it while getting the line ready. No drops yet, thank God!

Like I said the small box anchor fits with the bar removed , then just add 6' of chain, I have all that and 100' of rope up front.

Hey Mike: we picked up a Lab puppy today. His name is "Gator"

I knew you wouldn't be able to resist posting a pic of my drunken antics.

Maybe if ya had better insurance coverage ya wouldn't worry about that type of thing. Three boats, 9 years, never hit the deck with an anchor. There was that one instance where both the anchor and I went flying off the bow while moving a 14 boat raft in lake of the isles. But that's the kind of memory that makes boating fun.

Check out a product call the Digger Anchor. Fits either in front storage or side. I keep it in a canvas bag with 100' of rope since we usually set in pretty shallow areas. Holds well and is designed to not use a chain, just rope.

1-Sided - I am boating out in Lake St. Clair as I assume you do, have you ever had issues with the Digger Anchor not setting? My buddy had one in the Detroit river and we couldn't get it to set for the Hydro Races but he only had 75' of line, it was one I was looking at.

5PMSMWHR - What size Fortress did you get, it looks like the 10lb. FX-16 is the size recommended for 33-38' boats, but i know Formula's are heavy so I didn't know if I should up-size. Also did you just trim some off the cross bar or also the main shank?

you're sure the anchor didn't hit you in the head in the process?

Sneaky, yes Lk St Clair. The issue with the digger is using enough rope. The ratio is something like 5 or 6 to one (feet of rope to depth) The only time I have had issue is when I try using less rope or it is deeper than the anchor rope I have...cant say much for the river, but I have held a 30' boat in the center of the lake in 3 footers. I am local, we can try it out in the river this year. Just let me know, but we have a little bit of ice to melt first lol.