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Anchor Swivel & Pulley Review

3368 Views 24 Replies 12 Participants Last post by  Johnathon Quarrell
I had this new anchor made by a metal shop in Ellensburg, steel triangle with 40 pounds of DOT chain. A guide friend from MT gave me this swivel & pulley combo and I've used it a couple of times now, very effective and lightweight.

Disclaimer - I have no financial interest in this company, simply a consumer.

http://www.zigcollc.com/pulley

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I saw this a few months ago, and was interested. I personally have never used a pulley set up and stupidly horsed up 30# all day.
Thought about this for my current project.
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I have a swivel pulley on mine. Because my boat sets low in the water, I run a very heavy anchor. 15lbs of lead with a bunch of chain over it. Must be 60lbs total. Boy does it hold well. Comes right up when pulled. Only downside is having to pull twice as much rope.
Two is the way to go.

I saw this a few months ago, and was interested. I personally have never used a pulley set up and stupidly horsed up 30# all day.
Thought about this for my current project.
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We have the pulley system with swivel on ours... and with my better half loving to row this helps a whole lot. I really like the triangle on yours. Our chain has the muffler clamp.
Just ordered one... will see how it works. Thanks for the link.
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I bought one of these last fall and think I may have used it only once or twice with my Hyde before I sold the boat. I kept the Zigco though, and will be using it with a new Clackacraft that I'll be getting this spring.

I was pulling a 35# anchor in my Hyde, and the Zigco worked flawlessly and smoothly during the short time I put it to work, and with no rope twisting as my other standard pulley was sometimes prone to do, particularly in faster water anchor sets.
@Derek Young I like that chain anchor setup. Can you give anymore specs on the triangle and chain you had built? I'd like to get one made over here on the wetside.

I've been using a 2-way pulley system for years and recently got ahold of the zigco as well. It definitely works better than no swivel at all. The jury is still out on longevity.
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It's a custom build from Western Metal in Ellensburg, 509 962 4985. I provided the chain and paid $81 for the labor and steel for the triangle. Want measurements?

Derek
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I use this system with the chain going on a big eye bolt works well.
It's a custom build from Western Metal in Ellensburg, 509 962 4985. I provided the chain and paid $81 for the labor and steel for the triangle. Want measurements?

Derek
I'm good on the triangle measurements, actually I am more interested in type of chain, where u got it, what size chain it is and how long of a length u needed to get 40 pounds? Weighing chain in the store has been my problem at most places in the past.
It's typical tie-down chain that I found a number of years ago and used for pulling stumps and towing vehicles. Use a simple bathroom scale to get the desired weight, and then cut to your desired length. The sections on mine are approximately 24" in center. I also had a few extra sections cut so I can easily add weight.

Derek
Derek, what's that carabiner-looking setup for your shackle?
Just a carabiner between the triangle and swivel. Proved to be too much distance between them, so now triangle goes straight to swivel.
Derek- pretty sweet looking setup. I have the Ronstan one I found at West Marine. It's held up well, but wasn't designed to drag a 35 pound anchor off the bottom. I think it's supposed to be used for sailing. :) My new boat came with the one Clack used to sell. I haven't had it long, but it's already twisted on me which means it won't be used if it happens again.

Where did you get the rope? I like the color.

Also, I've heard (no scientists involved) that chain anchors might do more damage to stream beds than steel anchors?

Thanks!
We had a similar conversation 7 years ago (http://www.washingtonflyfishing.com/forum/threads/best-drift-boat-anchor.55999/page-2) and my practice remains the same.

Dragging any anchor will disrupt the streambed and can be dangerous. I think the key is the right weight, (total weight, design for river morphology) type of water, and safety protocols. I've used/owned a Green Anchor for low Yakima flows (winter, spring, fall) and chain for summer, being cautious of spawning beds.

Summary - don't drag your anchor for the sake of the fish and safety.

Derek

Derek- pretty sweet looking setup. I have the Ronstan one I found at West Marine. It's held up well, but wasn't designed to drag a 35 pound anchor off the bottom. I think it's supposed to be used for sailing. :) My new boat came with the one Clack used to sell. I haven't had it long, but it's already twisted on me which means it won't be used if it happens again.

Where did you get the rope? I like the color.

Also, I've heard (no scientists involved) that chain anchors might do more damage to stream beds than steel anchors?

Thanks!
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Good stuff Derek! I guess that makes sense as far as the anchor is concerned. As long as it sticks and doesn't drag that's all you can do. Thanks!
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Anything but lead. I saw a recent blog from a MT guide making fun of a "new" guide and their 35 pound lead pyramid, while wearing his 19 pound beat up version as some badge of honor.

Where's the 16 pounds of lead?
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