My D.I.Y. Cobra Drift Anchor

All the anchors Shimmy molded were from from a bucket of tire weights we got for free!

I got about 100# of lead ... but  it's in San Jose.     I wonder what the airlines would think if I carried a 50# bar on the plane.   

-Allen

they'd think, "SUCKER!!" as they charged you $50.00 - $75.00 for excess baggage.....

oh! WAIT! u cant ship lead by air, it's on the aerial hazmat banned list.. sorry,

just a heads up.. Home Depot carries unistrut, or at least a like product.. 15$ for ten feet

Alrighty!  Now that my Lasik correction has calmed down and I can actually see again, lets start talking anchor molds. 

The mold I made last year was a typical four sided pyramid. 

Now, for kayaks would a three sided pyramid (tetrahedron) be a better idea? 


Thinking that it would spread out the sides and give all three sides more surface area, yet still be low profile? 

Also it would be super easy to make over the 4 sided. 

Whatcha think?

Alrighty!  Now that my Lasik correction has calmed down and I can actually see again, lets start talking anchor molds. 

The mold I made last year was a typical four sided pyramid. 

Now, for kayaks would a three sided pyramid (tetrahedron) be a better idea? 


Thinking that it would spread out the sides and give all three sides more surface area, yet still be low profile? 

Also it would be super easy to make over the 4 sided. 

Whatcha think?

That does look like a more efficient design. I think it would work better.

much better looking than my "bag-o-rocks" anchor too!

That does look cool.  I am making a new one this weekend....moltel  metal...YEAH!!!

What's a good way to make a mold for a pyramid anchor?

-Allen

I have used wet clean sand. Not a pretty finish though

I have a mold.

I have a mold.

I'll bring the lead ...   

-Allen

be very careful!  water or moisture of any kind with molten lead can be dangerous..  don't ask how I know this, I have a couple "freckles" that a drop of sweat gave me.   Ventilation is your friend too.   Adding a binder like plaster of paris to moist masonry sand, forming your anchor mold (in a bucket or wooden form), then allowing it to dry, then pour the lead. Break the sand/plaster mold and viola!  anchor...

What's a good way to make a mold for a pyramid anchor?

-Allen

I just weld steel together.  I use new 3/16" sheet so there is a smooth finish. 

The more difficult part is heating up 10-20 lbs of lead and successfully pouring it without a big mess.   

Now, I know the tradition is to have the anchor with the point down, but what if we made it where you you could have it work flat side down?  Or, used either way?  Basically put a hole down the center and using a creative design, make the anchor be work either upright, or upside down.  Would it matter much, or does any veteran users see a use for such an option?