Anyone using the anchor wizard for their yak? If so how durable is it, and how is the operating? Looks like a quality product but I want to hear some feedback before dropping 150 on it. Thanks! 

looks like a great solution to the whole kayak anchor storage situation....  but $150 is super steep.  

There's quite a few guys on the Wilderness Team that have them.  I'm not sold - too complicated and looks like it get in the way.  It does clean up the tangled anchor line, but there are cheaper solutions (YakAttack SideWinder) that are less obtrusive.

Agree it looks pretty complicated, and the 
winding apparatus is big. Would get in my
way. Besides, I rarely anchor anymore with
a chain, or such. I mostly use my AnchorPin
in shallower waters.

I just use my trolling motor to keep in place
in areas I can't use my AnchorPin.

Obviously this is my solution, and my thoughts
about the Wizard system. It does offer a solution
that could meet the needs of many yakkers.

$150 is steep. If you're handy, you could probably
fashion something similar for the mount. The 
winder would require some engineering, though.

5 hours ago, Darren. said:

$150 is steep. If you're handy, you could probably
fashion something similar for the mount. The 
winder would require some engineering, though.

Not too hard to retrofit a retractable dog leash with a slide track mount.

5 minutes ago, J Francho said:

Not too hard to retrofit a retractable dog leash with a slide track mount.

Well, this is true, and I actually have a 26' dog leash/chain setup.

I was more thinking along the lines of a 50-100' anchor line...

Thanks for the replies! I do believe i'll be looking into a cheaper option before dropping the cash for that particular system

Retractable dog leash has worked for me for a long time...i do need another one though as my latest one rusted out the internals. 

37 minutes ago, flyfisher said:

Retractable dog leash has worked for me for a long time...i do need another one though as my latest one rusted out the internals. 

Mine is pretty much the same, rusted internals.
One reason I've not carried it with me for a long
while.

Have to hit Harbor Freight for another one when
I'm ready to start carrying an anchor again.

The Anchor Wizard is a nice system. It's not bulky at all. I bought 2 of the anchor shoots for my canoe online for $26.00. I passed the the spool, too much money. I'm looking at buying 2 Worth or Attwood spools if I can install them where they will work well and not be in the way.

 

I had to go look up the Anchor Wizard...I like it...It's an improvement over a standard drift boat anchor system, easier to manage and doesn't leave a pile of rope in the boat/canoe/kayak.

I have seen them in use and I do have to say they are slick.  My only issue is that they are bulky.  The guys I know that use them are in PAs and they have the room to use them.  I have not found a way to mount it effectively enough on the outback yet to buy one.

 

I use a clothesline for my anchor.  it is more compact and I have it mounted on my crate.

Or you can do this, which I'm gonna do.

http://www.makospearguns.com/Utility-Reel-p/mur.1.htm

On January 19, 2016 at 2:51 PM, faygo1979 said:

I have seen them in use and I do have to say they are slick.  My only issue is that they are bulky.  The guys I know that use them are in PAs and they have the room to use them.  I have not found a way to mount it effectively enough on the outback yet to buy one.

 

I use a clothesline for my anchor.  it is more compact and I have it mounted on my crate.

Did you buy the Hinky brand clothes line spools? I'm considering retractable line spools for my canoe.

Crawford-Lehigh RC40 40-Feet Retractable Clothesline

This is what I picked up from amazon.  Own a couple of them and they seem to work well.  I do remove the line that is in it and replace it with something more water resistant 

16 hours ago, faygo1979 said:

Crawford-Lehigh RC40 40-Feet Retractable Clothesline

This is what I picked up from amazon.  Own a couple of them and they seem to work well.  I do remove the line that is in it and replace it with something more water resistant 

I'll take a look, thx.

This is a picture of an Anchor Wizard anchor shoot. I installed them on the front and rear canoe decks today. 

 

I've got a wizard on my big rig and yes they are expensive. That being said, it is a quality product. I enjoy the fast retrieval and internal line storage. It will probably last a lifetime.

I use a $50 snagging real on a pvc built apparatus. My anchor is a $2 transmission funnel filled with concrete to weigh 2.5lbs.

Resurrecting this old thread as the product has been updated....and the price lowered....

 

I'd forgotten all about this since I had the same concerns as above related to bulk and cost, but just came across it again recently, and I have to say that it looks much more impressive than the old metal drum version.  Trac-mountable is a huge plus, as well.  Anyone have the 'newer' low-profile model?  They have cut the price from 150 to 100.....Reviews?

Anchor stowing and anchor line management are two of the biggest reasons that I anchor less frequently than I'd like to.

https://www.fishusa.com/product/YakAttack-Anchor-Wizard-Kayak-Anchoring-System

New low price and Austin 10% sale convinced me that I have to have one....will report back in a few weeks

Got the Anchor Wizard in....with tracks, installation will be a breeze.  However, I'm not sure how/if I can use it with my existing trolley.  Anyone use the Wizard with a trolley?

What's the issue?

29 minutes ago, J Francho said:

What's the issue?

Hopefully, none.   Will come back with pics if there is an issue....but, off the top of my head, it seems as if the the 'chute' will be far above where my trolley line rides (mostly just below 'chine line' on Tarpon 100.)   Typically, I tie my anchor to a triangle ring that rides the trolley.    With anchor line now running through the chute, not certain how I'll rig the anchor line through the trolley.  But, I haven't started playing with it...was just looking for any experiences to copy.

When you do experiment, can you put up some pics?  It might help to spawn some new rigging ideas.  Been considering something other than a pile of cord as my anchor line management system, lol.  However, I'd like to keep the Compass, layout as simple as possible.  Also, been relying on a anchor less and less and using the Mirage Drive to stay in place in wind or current.

On 7/23/2018 at 1:13 PM, Choporoz said:

Got the Anchor Wizard in....with tracks, installation will be a breeze.  However, I'm not sure how/if I can use it with my existing trolley.  Anyone use the Wizard with a trolley?

I ditched the chute thingy.