T&T: Add an anchor kit

[Truelove39@aol.com]

Unfortunately, something has gone very wrong here. It looks like  the Best 
Marine guy has heard about a good idea and  misinterpreted the concept. 
 
Having two anchors *in-line* is a tried and true method of anchoring;  I have 
seen it used most by European cruisers on small (less than  about 35') 
sailboats. The idea is to attach, via a short length of chain, a  (Danforth-type) 
anchor to the retrieval hole in the shank of a CQR-type  anchor. One must pay 
some attention to paying out so as not to foul the  anchors. During retrieval 
the CQR-type comes back upon the roller, and because  the Danforth-type is 
light, it is easily retrieved by hand and stowed  elsewhere. I have been told by 
those who use this method that it is a "one  size fits all" solution and will 
hold in all types of bottoms; it usually  overcomes the problem of one light 
anchor often being insufficient. Light  because small (sail) boats often cannot 
carry effective anchors forward  without undue pitching.
 
At times when we leave the boat, and it will be out of our sight, we'll  
usually ask a (trusted) neighbor or a (trusted) boat-boy to watch it and take a  
portable VHF along so we may be contacted.
 
Regards,
 
John
"Seahorse"

Anybody seen or tried this idea from Best marine?
"This useful  device allows you to quickly attach a second anchor on to your
rode,  effectively doubling your rode's holding power.
Ideal when mixed bottoms  require two types of anchors for better hold, or
under  heavy weather  conditions when a single anchor  might not hold.
By using the  ADD-AN-ANCHOR KIT, your boat requires less chain to be paid
out."

See:  http://www.bestmarineimports.com/Addananchor.html

One could easily make  up one's own kit I think. Might save the hassle of
twisted rodes when leaving  the boat on two anchors. I do this if I am to be
away from the boat for a  couple of days for safety or at a longer time
anchorage. 

On that  subject do any of you leave your boat anchored when away for a
while? If so  what precautions?