Self-Launching Anchor

A self-launching anchor for use on vessels up to 18.9 m (62 ft) in length, designed to improve all aspects of anchor handling and performance, has been developed by a British company.

The ‘Delta’ range from Simpson-Lawrence has a double-angled shank and a multifaceted blade as a single unit with no articulated joint. All surfaces and edges are machine-chamfered to reduce resistance to penetration, which is immediate as soon as the load is applied.

The double-angled shank and tip-biased ballasting mean that when released the Delta will self-launch and free-fall to the seabed. On recovery it will self-stow. The company’s trials on a wide variety of seabeds have demonstrated holding powers substantially above the average. Of particular importance is the rapid set — typically, fully buried and capable of maximum loading within three anchor-lengths from the first point of contact with the seabed.

The Delta offers equal performance using either chain or a combination of rope and chain. It is available in four sizes from 6 kg (14 lb) to 25 kg (55 lb). 

This article was originally published on Marine & Industrial Report newspaper Vol 12 No. 5  Issue last August 31, 1990.