300' is what i have....anchors me in 100-150 max, but he is rights...7:1 is what they say for safety

BGA, I use 8lb w/6ft of chain and enough line for the depth (depth usually 10-15 ft or less). If your up one one the local rivers or in a nice calm cove this will be more than enough in the sand or mud we usually find in this area. I frequently use this set up and have a SeaRay 260 Sundancer rafted to me with no problems (calm conditions of course).

We used a 14 pound fluke anchor, a 13 pound grapnel anchor, and a 16 pound claw anchor. Plus we have 25 feet of chain. 19 times out of 20 we anchored on the first try. And with an anchor ball it was no sweat bringing it back to the boat.

tsubaki that's a pretty sweet set up too. I've seen something like before in a book, but never knew someone actually uses it. It is definitely the strongest way to anchor. And you're right Nipper, I don't use more than 30' when anchoring at the beach in the summer, usually in about 6-10' of water. And that's very close to a very deep and fast moving inlet. (Masonboro Inlet, NC) Water speed is around 8-10 knots! I use a 12# with 8' of 1/4" chain...sets the first time everytime. The pulpit really helps the boat stay fine when at anchor, even when I'm stern to the beach with my stern anchor on the beach, and beam-to the current. She always stays put. Of course I carry 350' for those just in case situations.....you just never know.