What weight anchor do I need for a 17 1/2' aluminum boat?
Weight is not as much of an issue as style of anchor and type of bottom you are anchoring on.
Carl's Guide Service
Sardis Lake
Enid Lake
Grenada Lake
901-734-7536
I have a 17' Aluminum boat and I took a big coffee can(plastic) and filled it full of concrete with an eyebolt in it. Don't know what the weight is but it works just fine.
I've got 4 mushroom style anchors which aren't that great. I think 3 of them are 10lbers and my favorite in the 5lber. I modified them all by drilling 4 holes at an angle and beating in some rebar about 8 - 10" long. I like the smaller one because I can fling the crap out of it. It also tends to hold better than the bigger ones when I'm catfishing below the dam too.
Reaper, Where Fish come to Fry
That is the most important info in the guide. Anchor are made and sized to resist a pull from the side. You need to let them lay down so they can grab.To obtain maximum holding power of your anchor, the total anchor rode should be 4 to 7 times the depth of the water you will be anchoring in.