Sandbar Boat Anchor
One of our family's favorite summer time activities is to hop on the pontoon boat and anchor up at a sand bar. One of the biggest issues with our outings is being able to stay put when it is even the slightest bit windy. I did some research and found many for sale from around 60 bucks even up to almost $120 (https://amzn.to/2ZoC8i3) don't get me wrong that looks real nice but I'm not about to spend over $200 to keep us in one spot.
So we took the basic design and simplified it a little. I had seen a few out on the water but put a twist (I know punny) on it to make it easier to store on our boat.
We made 2 of these to keep our boat from spinning or moving at all while we are out on the sand bar. If you are doing the same just double the parts you pick up.
Supplies
2 inch pvc 8 to 10 foot schedule 40- you can pick this up at any home improvement store, or if you prefer having it shipped to you this amazon link is the right dimensions - https://amzn.to/3u1h5NM
Pvc primer and cement - https://amzn.to/2W48tcx
1 - 2inch PVC Tee - again less expensive at your local home improvement store or via Amazon- https://amzn.to/3hWqBNc
1 - 2 inch PVC Male Threaded adaptor - https://amzn.to/3u78LMy
1 - 2 inch PVC Female Threaded Adaptor - https://amzn.to/3AzobeR
1 - floating boat dock rope with loop and clip - https://amzn.to/39uQy1K
Tape measure
Sharpie or permanent marker
Something to cut the PVC, hand saw or I used an oscillating saw ( https://amzn.to/3kvKCf9) with a decent all purpose blade. I love this saw and use it for so many projects. By far the best investment I have made.
Gather Your Supplies and Determine Height
We chose for them to be 4 1/2 foot also for easy storage under the seats on our boat. Keep in mind if you are adding in the optional threaded pieces to allow for easier storage (I highly recommend this!) Yoh will need to subtract the the dimensions of the male and female connections and a very small section of pvc between the connection and the Tee.
Measure out the height of the 2 inch pvc to be the main up and down section. After marking the appropriate length cut the pipe with your saw.
Now you must cut a small piece of PVC to connect the Tee to one of the threaded pieces. Ensure you have enough to completely push into both the Tee and the threaded adaptor.
Cut the Point
There are many options for this step but we chose to keep the anchor as economical as possible. There are dock screws that can be used bit they cost around $25 - https://amzn.to/3zvGSi5
We were making 2 anchors so we chose to use the pvc, and it still works great.
First draw a line on the bottom of the PVC (I reccomnd the side you just cut so you can use the clean factory edge for the top). Have the line taper down to a point.
Then break out your saw and cut the edge. I when back in and fine tuned from the original line I drew to get a better point.
Cut Your Top "handles"
Cut your top t pvc pieces.
Let's Get Primed and Gluing
There is no real reason to start with one piece over another but below is way I performed this.
Always clean, prime then glue each piece. Let it dry before trying to manipulate it (this is pretty fast so you can just work on another section as you wait for another section to dry).
I started with the male adaptor being attached to the longest up and down section.
I then attached the small pvc section to the bottom of the Tee.
I then added the female connection to the bottom of the small piece now coming off the bottom of the Tee.
I then connected both side of the top of the tee.
Let It All Dry and Test It Out
Finally figure 8 loop around the top of the tee using the loop in your floating rope. You can flip this if you prefer to use the loop on your boat cleets.
You ate good to go hit your favorite sand bar now and have confidence that you won't be moving anywhere.
We have 2 of these anchors to prevent us from spinning (one on each side of the boat).
Hope you enjoy and this project helps you enjoy your favorite sandbar more.
Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions :-)