Sea Anchor and Para Anchor Size Chart

Fiorentino Size Chart.
What's The Best Size?

Cruising Weight Boat Length *Diam.(U.S) Metric

10,000 lbs. 30' 6' 1.83 m.

20,000 lbs. 35' 9' 2.74 m.

30,000 lbs. 45' 12' 3.66 m.

40,000 lbs. 50' 16' 4.88 m.

46,000 lbs. 60' 18' 5.49 m.

50,000 lbs. 65' 21' 6.40 m.

*over 50,000 lbs. over 65' 24' 7.32 m.

*over 50,000 lbs. over 65' 28' 8.53 m.

*over 50,000 lbs. over 65' 34' 10.36 m.

*over 50,000 lbs. over 65' 40' 12.19 m.

This chart above is formulated for Fiorentino para-anchors manufactured in the U.S.A

When sizing your para-anchor always consider vessel design, length, weight, windage, beam, draft, and intended use. Examples are provided below.

1. Small Vs Large Diameter.
Overnight layovers and drift fishermen typically require larger parachutes. Smaller anchors are required for heavy weather use.

2. Heaving To Makes A Difference.
Sailboats that heave to in most cases can use a smaller para-anchor because the boat's hull creates more resistance when it drags through the water. Another option is to deploy one straight off the bow. Heaving to allows more flexibility on Fiorentino's size chart. For example, a 36' sailboat with a full keel and cruising weight of 20,000 lbs. can hove to nicely with a 9' para-anchor. A 12' para-anchor is needed when deploying the para-anchor straight off the bow.

3. Windage Also Matters.
Owners of multihull sailboats and power vessels with super structures or towers should consider going one size up from what they would normally choose.

* 4. Primary Use.
How you plan to use your para-anchor also determines the size needed.
Decide if your primary use for the para-anchor is comfort, safety,
or work. For example, the research vessel "Mako" is an 80-foot, 143-gross ton ship that effectively uses a 24' Fiorentino para-anchor to stabilize the boat. That means crew members sleep more comfortably. If safety is the primary concern, a 28- to 34-foot anchor is a better choice. If the Mako were a commercial fishing boat, the better choice would be a 34' to 40' para-anchor to completely stabilize the boat for fishing. Fiorentino's Offshore Para-Anchors are built with exceptional durability and strength in mind to handle larger vessels. They can be built to any length and configuration.
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