Mushroom anchor line strength, and chain needed?

I already have a box anchor for my 23ft boat, but I just got a 15lb coated mushroom anchor to make calm-water anchoring simpler, and to reduce risk of boat damage.

I have 2 questions:
- Is a chain really needed for a mushroom anchor? I had the impression that mushroom anchors worked by getting sucked straight down into the mud, and it seems like having the chain tip the anchor over might work against it. I did order a 6' coated chain - just wondering if I should use it or return it (http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?i=74285&pdesc=Vinyl_Coated_Anchor_Chai ns&r=view&from=grid).

- What rope strength do I need, considering that I will not be using this anchor in heavy winds (and little to no current)? I ordered a rope that has 950lbs tensile strength (http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?i=411243&pdesc=Dockmate_Nylon_Solid_Br aid_Anchor_Rope&r=view&from=grid), but should I get something stronger like the following that has 4200lbs tensile strength: http://www.amazon.com/Braided-Nylon-Anchor-Line-Strength/dp/B000QGH7FO/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1251793683&sr=8-4 (which strangely is sold on Amazon by Overtons, but is not on overtons.com).

It seems like if the wind started picking up that much, I'd either pull up anchor and drive away, or the anchor would be dragging anyway (assuming the anchor didn't get trapped on something).

Thanks.

overkill -


D O I T !


seriously I use 6-8' of chain + 100ft of 3/8'' braided nylon line with a big mushroom anchor and it works fine in muddy bottom with decent winds/current.

I think there is no such thing as overkill when it comes to safety.

Do you know the tensile strength of your line? The rope I have is 3/8" with 950lbs strength, but the other rope I could get is also 3/8" but with 4200lbs strength.

I'd say it's probably 950# also. it's strong enough IMO. I once snapped a mushroom anchor's shaft (aprox. 1/2'' rod) ..the line held up fine , the anchor not so much.. it probably had a weak spot in the iron but still...quite impressive.

Okay thanks.