Hurricane Boat Anchors are South Florida's #1 Choice and most trusted anchor!
Rigging the anchor in the manner described on this page will increase your chances of being able to recover it if it were to become lodged under something. However we would not recommend using this anchor and dropping it into rock piles, or solid rock bottoms as any anchor would have inconsistent holding in that bottom type.
Hurricane Boat Anchors can function on as little as 3-4' of chain. However when using the breakaway release method it is necessary to use at least another 1-2 feet to help offset the extra weight of the chain that is placed onto the anchor's center of gravity. This will aid the anchor in setting, and not lying on its side.
Note: It is perfectly fine to leave the anchor rigged up in this manner at all times. Just be sure to replace the zip tie(s) or nylon cables every 90 days, especially in saltwater, even if you have not broken them yet. (biodegradable zip ties are recommended).
Important: All zip ties have tensile strength ratings - do not use zip ties exceeding 75 lb breaking strength. Larger zip ties require several hundred pounds of force to break them, and this can transfer excessive pressure to the handle, flukes, and other parts of the anchor, and possibly cause bending if the anchor is hung up, rather than allowing them to pop and release the anchor. It's always better to use 2 medium strength zip ties compared to one heavy duty tie.
Safe Handling: When rigged up this way, always grab the anchor handle itself and keep one hand on it to maintain control of it. If you grab only the chain or rope and the zip tie breaks prematurely, there is a risk the anchor may strike you, others near you, or your boat.
Instead of attaching the shackle to the rear slotted hole, attach it to the forward round hole as shown below.
Now take the chain and route it back to the slotted hole. Use one or two plastic zip ties to secure the chain to the slotted hole. You can also use nylon cable, or other means to temporarily secure it.
Note: If using this method, the chain must be routed and secured to the slotted hole or the anchor will not set when only attached to the forward round hole.
When retrieving the anchor, draw in the line as usual to move the boat towards the anchor until you are directly above it. If it feels hung up, give the line a few solid jerks upward.
If you are unable to break the ties by jerking it, tie the rope to a cleat, and carefully drive forward about one boat length to help to break the ties.
It will now slide out backwards by reversing the angle of pull.
Be sure not to drive too far over the top of the anchor or you risk getting your line caught in the prop. Also be sure to replace the broken ties and re-secure the chain.