Q: Does the AnchorRescue really work?
A: Yes. In addition to our internal testing, we have received numerous testimonials from customers across the globe who have used it to recover their anchors. You can read their testimonials elsewhere on our website.
 

Q: Does the AnchorRescue have any effect on my normal anchoring routine?
A: No, the slider and tether have been designed to stay out of the way during normal anchoring activities.

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Q: Why are the AR100 and AR200 units no longer available?  

A: The original AR100 and AR200 have been discontinued and replaced by the AnchorRescue II with its revolutionary patent pending design.  We still offer the AR300 for 1/2” (12mm or 13mm chain)

 

Q: How does the new AnchorRescue II differ from the original models?

A: The new AnchorRescue II is sold in kit form and accommodates chain sizes ranging from 1/4” to 3/8”, whereas the original models only fit a specific chain size. Also, the new model’s retriever is made of polished stainless steel, is heavier and has fewer moving parts.

 

Q: Can I still get parts for my AR100 or AR200?

A: Yes, contact us or your dealer for assistance.

 

Q: Is the new retriever compatible with my original slider?

A: It depends on which model you have. The new retriever is sized to fit an AR200 slider. If you have an AR100 then you will need the new slider with insert, to use with the new retriever.

 

Q: How does the system handle the different chain sizes?

A: The AnchorRescue II, utilizes a removable sleeve in the slider to accommodate smaller chain sizes. The system ships with the sleeve installed. To use the system with 3/8” chain, simply remove the 2 set screws and the sleeve. The slider and insert are shown below.

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Q: What's included with the AnchorRescue II?

A: The AnchorRescue II includes the stainless steel retriever, bridle, slider, slider insert, tether-chain, shackle, Velcro ties and written instructions. The tether chain is supplied in excess of the length normally required and is cut to length after installation.

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Q: What anchors does it work with?

A: The AnchorRescue works with plows, claw, and scoop anchors. These are known commercially as Ultra, Rocna, Delta, Mantus, Manson, Vulcan, Spade and CQR. It will not work with fisherman, mushroom, fluke style anchors such as Fortress or Danforth as they do not have an attachment point for the AnchorRescue's tether nor do they have a "right-side-up".

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Q: What model AnchorRescue do I need?

A:  The AnchorRescue you need is determined by the size of the chain used at the anchor:

• AnchorRescue II – for 1/4 to 3/8" inch (6-10 mm) anchor chain supplied with 54 inch tether chain.

• AR300 – for 1/2 inch (12-13 mm) anchor chain supplied with 54 inch tether chain.

NOTE: The AR300 slider is a close fit for 13 mm chain. Misshapen links may cause the slider to hang up.

 

Q: The AnchorRescue II has a place to attach a camera. How does that work?

A: The AnchorRescue II has a 1/4" - 20 UNC thread (the standard for consumer cameras and tripods) on the retriever gate allowing you to attach a waterproof action camera like a GoPro. This allows you to view the anchor at anytime. There are many other uses as well.  

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To view the anchor before retrieving the anchor, it's necessary to pin the shackles open so that they do not engage the retriever. This allows the camera to be lowered and the results viewed prior to the recovery effort.  We also suggest the use of a light bar to illuminate the anchor for better viewing results.  Note that cameras do not wireless transmit images to the surface.  

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Q: How do I measure the size of my anchor chain?

A: It's easy to determine the size of your anchor chain by measuring the wire diameter of the links, also known as the trade size.  Be sure to measure the non-welded side of link.

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Q: What's the AnchorRescue made of?

A: The AnchorRescue II retriever is made of polished stainless steel.  The AR300 retriever is made from UV resistant UHMW with 316 stainless steel fittings and nylon bridle for attaching your retriever line.  The slider, tether-chain and shackle are 316 stainless steel.

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Q: I have three anchors on my boat, do I need to put an AnchorRescue on all three of them?

A: Only the ones you like. Additional sliders and tethers can be purchased separately without the retriever so you can protect all your anchors.

 

Q: Can I put the AnchorRescue on my anchor only when I think the bottom is questionable?
A: You certainly can but that somewhat defeats the purpose of the AnchorRescue. Since even the best anchorages can hold surprises, it makes the most sense to keep the AnchorRescue on your anchor at all times.

Q: I’ve seen anchor retrieval systems before that use cable ties and break away shackles. Is the AnchorRescue any different?
A: Yes. The AnchorRescue only uses the Velcro straps to take the slack out of the tether and to keep the slider from rotating around the rode. The Velcro straps in no way impact your anchor/rode connection. Other systems use the cable ties or breakaway shackles to attach the rode to the shank end of the anchor. When the cable tie or shackle breaks, the pull of the rode is transferred to the crown. With these other systems, the only thing keeping your anchor set is the strength of the cable tie or shackle. The AnchorRescue never jeopardizes your anchor/rode connection and cannot trip your anchor until you send the retriever down. The AnhcorRescue is also environmentally friendly and doesn't leave cable ties in its wake. 

Q: How does the AnchorRescue compare to using a loop of chain, a large shackle or one of the expensive stainless rings on the market that are lowered down the rode and onto the anchor?

A: These devices work on the premise that you can successfully direct them down the rode, over the shackle and/or swivel and then onto and down the shank to the crown. If the snag is against any part of the shank, it will prevent the device from moving past it to the crown, rendering the device useless. Because the AnchorRescue tether chain is never under the shank, this type of snag will NOT prevent the AnchorRescue from recovering your anchor.

Q: If I run out of cable ties, can I use the ties available at my local hardware store?
A: Yes, or purchase Velcro ties from us or your local hardware store as they are more environmentally friendly than the cable ties.  Just make sure you're able to pull them apart when necessary.

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Q: The cable ties keep snapping or getting cut off when going over the bow roller. Why?

A:  The AnchorRescue II no longer uses cable ties in favor of Velcro straps.  Some anchor shanks have a sharp square edge that could cut the ties when rolling over the bow roller. Regardless, we suggest you use our new Velcro straps as they are environmentally friendly.

Q: Can I use the AnchorRescue with a rope/chain rode connected with a thimble and shackle?
A: The retriever portion of the AnchorRescue will not pass over a thimble and shackle. A rope/chain splice is required for the AnchorRescue.
 

Q: Can I use the AnchorRescue with a chain size smaller than the chain it is designed for?
A: You can always use an AnchorRescue on a smaller chain. The slider is just a little bulkier than necessary as it sits on the anchor chain.
 

Q: Can the working load limits on the AnchorRescue be exceeded?
A: These limits should not be exceeded under any circumstances. Remember that the AnchorRescue only has to back your anchor out. The strength of your anchor/rode connection is never jeopardized by the AnchorRescue.

Q: Will the AnchorRescue free every fouled anchor?
A: The AnchorRescue can free almost any fouled anchor but there are situations where even the AnchorRescue cannot free an anchor. If the rode has become fouled around the shank of the anchor or an obstruction on the bottom, the retriever cannot reach the slider and the AnchorRescue becomes ineffective. An anchor could become jammed so tightly into a crevice that no reasonable backward force could pull it out. These situations are rare.

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Q: I have a 16 foot fishing boat and do a lot of fishing on lakes where bottom debris is a real problem. Can the AnchorRescue help me?
A: The AnchorRescue will benefit anybody who uses an anchor that is designed to be tripped out.

Q: I have a number of anchors on my boat that all use the same size chain. Can I purchase extra sliders/tethers for these anchors without having to purchase additional retrievers?
A: Yes, sliders/tethers can be purchased separately.

Q: When should I use the AnchorRescue?
A: You should use the AnchorRescue as soon as you realize that the usual efforts to raise the anchor are not working. The more you haul on a stuck anchor, the more stuck it can get and the more difficult it will be to free with the AnchorRescue.

Q: The AnchorRescue II is made of stainless steel, is there any maintenance involved?
A: It is good practice to rinse the retriever in fresh water after use. Cleaning the retriever of any mud and debris before storage will assure it is ready to use when next needed. Always check that the shackles move freely before deploying the retriever.  Before anchoring, visually inspect the Velcro ties to ensure they are secure to avoid having the tether chain foul on the bow roller or bottom.

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Q: The AnchorRescue 300 is made of UHMW and stainless steel, is there any maintenance involved?

A: Although the materials were specifically chosen to be impervious to salt water it is good practice to rinse the retriever in fresh water after use. Cleaning the retriever of any mud and debris before storage will assure it is ready to use when next needed. Always check that the capture pins move freely before deploying the retriever.  Before anchoring, visually inspect the Velcro ties to ensure they are secure to avoid having the tether chain foul on the bow roller or bottom.