What anchor size and chain length are suitable for an Arcona 340?
I'm sorting out the anchoring gear on my Arcona 340 for cruising in Denmark and Sweden, with occasional nights in more exposed anchorages. What weight of anchor and what size and length of chain would you fit?
Answer
For an Arcona 340, a modern 15 to 20 kg anchor with 50 m of calibrated 8 mm galvanised chain makes a sound cruising setup. Choose 20 kg for exposed overnight anchoring or a heavily loaded boat, and consider 60 to 70 m of chain if you regularly anchor in deeper water.
Check roller and windlass fit
Before ordering, identify the windlass gypsy specification and measure the bow roller clearance. These checks establish whether the chain will feed correctly and the anchor can be launched, retrieved and secured without striking the stem or furling gear.
The Arcona 340 weighs roughly 5 tonnes before cruising stores, water and equipment are added. That makes 8 mm chain a practical starting point, but owners and yards fit different equipment. Do not assume every 340 has the same windlass or roller.
- Gypsy: check its marking or manual for chain diameter and link standard. Diameter alone is not enough; link dimensions must match too.
- Roller: check shank width, fluke clearance and securing pin position. Use the anchor maker's full-size template where available.
- Locker: check drainage and the drop beneath the windlass. A tall chain pile can jam retrieval.
Keep hands clear of the gypsy and isolate windlass power before clearing a jam or checking its fit.
Choose anchor design and weight
A modern scoop or concave-fluke anchor weighing 15 to 20 kg suits this boat's size. A Rocna 15 or 20 is one example. Compare other designs using their own sizing tables: equal weight does not mean equal holding performance.
For sheltered summer cruising with a lightly loaded boat, the smaller size is reasonable if the manufacturer's chart supports it. For regular nights aboard, exposed Scandinavian bays or longer cruising, I would favour a 20 kg model, provided the roller, windlass and deck fittings can accommodate it.
The extra weight adds reserve holding power, but the anchor must penetrate the seabed. Weed, hard clay and thin sand over rock can defeat an otherwise suitable anchor. A larger anchor does not remove the need to check the bottom and prove the set.
Match chain length to depth
Certified, calibrated 8 mm galvanised Grade 40 chain is a sensible specification. Check the supplier's stated working load and the ratings of connecting shackles. Ungraded chain sold simply as "8 mm" is not equivalent.