Herreshoff Anchors and Merriman winch handle

[John Hutchison]

Can anyone tell me what anchor weights were produced at HMC.  My (1932) FI23 construction plan notes 26# for the anchor.  Was a 26 pounder produced?  I just bought a nice used JM Reineck repro which weighs about 22#. Possibly the other 4 pounds allows for shackle and a few hundred feet of road?  Dunno!
All the best,
John
PS: Anyone know where I can buy a Merriman No.1 side-loading winch handle? I need a spare. Thanks

[Steve]

I wish I could help you, John.  The resident anchor expert is Adam ... perchance he will chime in.

[Adam]

I should just write something and keep it handy - this is from memory so take it with a grain of salt....They made them up to hundreds of pounds (700 sticks in my mind). The smallest (7lb I think - standard on the 12's) was only available in Bronze - and is three piece. After like 15lbs, they are were available in Galvinized Steel  and/or Bronze to mid 20lbs (give or take - may be higher) - after that they were all Galv. Also after this they were two piece folding and not three....I have no doubt they produced a 26lb anchor....The best write up is in LFH's "Common Sense of yacht Design" where he has a whole chapter on the Herreshoff anchor. I'll check tonight....

I thought the Reineck version was also too small for my hull - and have been searching for somthing in the 30-35lb range. I use a regular old Kedge until I do....BTW a 22lb Reineck sold on E-bay just a few weeks back - about half what it was worth...

[John Hutchison]

Adam,
I was the buyer on e-bay. I thought $325 a pretty good deal as the anchor is in new condition. Interesting though...the seller was a fellow who apparently owns an ornamental iron casting company in Utah. I wonder if he bought it just to copy...only my speculation!
Since we really won't be cruising, I'm hoping this 22 pounder will suit mostly as a lunch hook for our FI23 (5500#disp). Does a length of chain help increase holding with these anchors?  Did I buy the wrong anchor? Be frank now!
Thanks Steve and Adam for the advice.
John

[Adam]

LFH says a Rope "warp" is just fine for vessels to about 9 tons. Chain necessary after that. Personally I run about 12-15 feet of chain...The Table LHF shows, a primary hook of about 30-35lbs (yacht tonnage to 5 tons) with a second hook at only 20 (your Lunch hook). Seems your 22 is just perfect for what you want.....

BTW, great buy on that anchor!

[HerreshoffHistory]

HMCo produced straight stock and folding stock anchors. In 1911 the
list of folding stock anchors comprised 27 different models ranging
from 8.6lbs to 1260lbs. I am sure they built other sizes in the
following years.

The 1911 list does not show a 22lbs anchor. The small sizes are
8.6lbs, 12.0lbs, 15.6lbs, 20.0lbs, 25.2lbs, and 31.3lbs.

The next size, 38.0lbs, is the first size for which chain (1/4") is
specified.

The list shows values for Proof Test in lbs. I do not know how this
was determined or what exactly it means but I'd assume this to be
holding power. For what it's worth, the 12lbs anchor showed a proof
test value of 686lbs, the 20.0lbs 1115lbs, and the 25.2lbs anchor 1365
(and the 1260lbs anchor 41700lbs).

L.F. Herreshoff in his "Common Sense of Yacht Design", vol. 2, p. 110
has a lot to say about Herreshoff anchors and also provides data
matching yacht tonnage and anchor weight. He notes that his father
used a different, much more complicated formula which came to
different conclusions.

[John Hutchison]

Thanks HH.  Thats interesting...I assume later there was a 22# unit which JM Reineck has rights to reproduce. In any case I appreciate everyones input and advice.
Best,
John

[Adam]

Note - the Herreshoff catalog of the late 1930's states Anchor sizes between 10lb and 500lbs. Also states the FI23 came with Anchor (size not stated) and "cable" - no chain mentioned.