What anchor size and chain length are suitable for a Dehler 34?

For a cruising Dehler 34, start with a modern 15 to 20 kg anchor and 8 mm calibrated galvanised chain, favouring 20 kg for frequent overnight anchoring and exposed cruising. Carry 40 to 50 m of chain for shallow Danish and Scandinavian anchorages, or 60 to 70 m if you regularly anchor in deeper water.

Check the bow fittings

Check the boat's year, loaded displacement, bow roller and windlass gypsy first. These determine which anchor and chain will fit. The Dehler 34 name covers several generations, so a lightly equipped older boat needs a slightly different approach from a later model laden with cruising stores.

Include the weight of water, fuel, batteries, dinghy and equipment rather than relying on brochure displacement. Before ordering, check:

• Bow roller clearance: the anchor's shank must sit securely, with its fluke and any roll bar clear of the stem, furling gear and pulpit.
• Windlass compatibility: read the gypsy marking or manual for chain diameter and link specification. Diameter alone does not establish compatibility.
• Locker space: the chain needs room to fall away from the windlass without piling up underneath it.
• Handling: hauling a 20 kg anchor and muddy chain aboard by hand takes considerable effort.

Keep hands and feet clear of the gypsy and secure the anchor independently before working on its attachment.

Choose the anchor weight

A modern steel anchor of around 15 to 16 kg is a practical size for coastal cruising on a yacht of this length. For regular nights aboard, uncertain shelter or a heavily loaded boat, I would choose the next size up, around 20 kg, provided the bow fittings and retrieval arrangements can accommodate it.

Options include a 15 or 20 kg Rocna, a 16 or 20 kg Lewmar Delta, or a similarly sized Spade or Mantus. Their shapes and sizing tables differ. Check the recommendation for the particular model and use a full-size fitting template where available.

Experienced long-distance cruisers often carry anchors substantially heavier than the manufacturer's minimum, sometimes twice the recommended weight. That supports carrying a generous reserve, but does not mean every modern anchor chart should be doubled.

Weight helps, but the seabed and how the anchor sets matter too. Sand and firm mud usually offer better holding than thick weed or smooth rock. A heavier anchor cannot make an unsuitable bottom reliable.