| Many folks have asked
us about sources for BOURD type surplus military
chutes such as the one we use for our para-anchor.
Over the years these have become harder and harder
to find. Most folks will probably have to purchase
commercially built gear for their boat. We are trying
to take a look at the para-anchors being manufactured
specifically for this purpose. As we do we will
let you know our findings.
We are not endorsing or recommending any particular
company, just letting you know what we actually
see. But at the moment, We feel the Coppins para-anchor
described below is the one we would buy if we
could not find a BOURD as it looks like the strongest
one currently being manufactured (the BOURD would
probably be similar to it in strength).
Just before we left New Zealand last month we
inspected the para-anchors made by W. A Coppins
and were definitely impressed with the strength
and careful construction. His price are good and
as his company has been building these for 40
years (mainly for the fishing fleet, but more
recently for yachts), they know how to handle
overseas orders. Their 2.5 meter (9 foot diameter)
para-anchor with no bells and whistles (i.e. none
of the special storage bags, nor their special
rode or extras) sells for New Zealand $579, (the
equivalent right now of $325.00 US). This is the
size we would choose for our boat and probably
for boats up to 38 feet. You can look at their
website for more info www.wacoppins.co.nz.
We would not be interested in buying the rode
or floats he lists as options, just the barebones
para-anchor, as almost all of us already have
sufficient anchor line on board - line of a size
that would more easily fit the snatch blocks required
for the pennant lead.
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