I have been making my own reef anchors for years. The first ones I made out of 3/8-inch rebar and a piece of 1 1/2-inch galvanized pipe about 2 feet long. Basically bend two pieces of rebar in half like a bobby pin slide through the pipe then spread the ends of the rebar out like a grapple. The rebar was always a problem because of rust, so a number of years ago I switched over and started using galvanized flat bar that is sold in home-improvement stores as tensioner for chain-link fence. The galvanized flat bar works well because it does not rust however sometimes it is too light and will bend to easily often given way with a moderate current. Recently while I was in Lowe’s I found some half-inch galvanized rod in the electrical department used for ground rods. I constructed a new anchor out of this material using the exact same design but now giving me a full galvanized set up. My concern is is the half-inch rod too rigid? Will I be able to straighten the anchor out if it becomes hung up in structure with my 23 foot center console with a 250 hp? If anyone has experience with this type set up please let me know. I don’t mind losing the homemade anchor but don’t want to lose my half-inch rode and chain.
1/2" galv rod is gonna be tough.
I’ve made several with Stainless Steel rod from McMaster Carr.
I’ve used 1/4" for boats 21’and less and used 5/16" for larger boats. The SS rod is easy enough to bend but pretty tough also. I kept a short piece of 3/4" galv pipe to help bend the rods back.
If you rig it to “trip” you won’t be bending your anchor too much anyway.
After years of building my own, I finally broke-down and bought one of the Aluminum grapple anchors. Don’t regret it at all.
218WA Sailfish
200 Verado
The "Penn"sion Plan
I just bought some 3/8" round aluminum bar from Lowes to make my own. I’m going to run it through a piece of aluminum pipe. I’m thinking it won’t be too tough to pull loose but will still hold a 22’ boat. It will be my first try with this.
2005 Sea Hunt 212 Triton
“Head East”
I think you might have to add some weight to the alm. pipe to get it down faster! I have built many anchors and have had the coated at Line X, works great and wont chip off when bent.
Thanks for the advice bp, I was thinking about something to fill the tube with for weight. Maybe concrete mix? I have ten foot of stainless chain on my anchor and really don’t want to hook it on the reef anchor. I can’t afford to replace it. lol
2005 Sea Hunt 212 Triton
“Head East”
I’m not sure concrete would be heavy enough, try to find a plumber who might have some old lead and melt and pour in the cavity!