Alvan Eames's article on the Davey Hook prompts me to add some observations from my own experience with this useful but often overlooked piece of equipment.

The Davey Hook's great virtue is its versatility. While dedicated anchors like the Bruce or CQR excel in their optimum conditions, the Davey Hook provides adequate holding across a wider range of bottom types. This makes it particularly valuable for the cruising sailor who may not know what lies beneath until the anchor is down.

A word of caution, however: the Davey Hook can be difficult to break out if it becomes firmly lodged under a rock or in a crevice. The traditional solution is to fit a trip line - a light line attached to the crown of the anchor and buoyed at the surface. By hauling on this line, the anchor can be pulled out backwards. Without a trip line, the only recourse may be to wait for the tide to change direction.

For dinghy use, I would recommend a hook with prongs of at least 10mm diameter, and a shank length of about 300mm. The prongs should be bent at approximately 45 degrees to the shank, giving a good compromise between penetration and holding power. A swivel at the top of the shank helps prevent the rode from twisting.

Weight is not critical for a Davey Hook - its holding power comes from its shape, not its mass. This makes it an attractive option for the dinghy cruiser seeking to minimise the weight carried aboard.