Series Drogue Cone Kit 107 Cones

"The Series Drogue is an uncomplicated boat saver." It looks something like a parade of jellyfish in single file, and consists of 100 or more five-inch-diameter cones of nylon sailcloth attached every 20 inches along a long length of line. A 15 to 50 pound anchor fastened at the end of the line keeps the drogue from popping out of the water, a common problem with existing sea anchors.

This Series Drogue was designed by U.S. Coast Guard researchers after tests showed that conventional sea anchors, which use a single large fabric parachute, are subject to fatigue failure as they fill with water and then collapse under the strains generated by storm waves. They are often destroyed before the storm calms.

The string of little cones used in the Series Drogue ensures that most are filled and grabbing hold of water at any time, so the boat remains properly positioned for the next wave strike (Best Capsize Prevention for Breaking Waves). The proper position has been found to be "stern to" the oncoming waves; this keeps the boat running with the wind and waves, lessening the relative speed of the on rushing walls of water.

The Series Drogue's steadier grip ensures that the boat's fittings are under a more-constant load, which is less likely to destroy them. In simulated fatigue testing, the drogue was subjected to 15,000 cycles (the equivalent of a giant hurricane) without a failure. It still looked new and unworn, with only the cloth stiffness gone.

Drogue deployment and retrieval from the water is easy and in most cases can be done hand-over-hand. Only in extremely difficult storm conditions is a winch recommended for retrieval. (The drogue will compress around the winch without damage to its integrity).

The U.S. Coast Guard team that developed this drogue hopes boaters will add this easily made and stored device to their boat's inventory of safety equipment.

This kit includes:

The line, thimble, bridle and anchor are not included and sold separately.

U.S. Coast Guard Recommendation Chart:

Line Diameter:
**Note the line may be decreased in size near the end of the drogue because of diminishing stress. When making your own drogue, if more than one line size is used, make each section roughly equal in length.

Bridle Specifications:
Each bridle leg should be 2.5 x the transom width plus a 2 ft. allowance for splicing and an appropriate length for attaching it to the boat. Bridles can be made from 3 strand line, double braided line or wire. It is often a different color to help locate it quickly. The line for the bridle should match the strength of the largest line used in the drogue.

Anchor Specifications:
In lieu of a traditional mushroom anchor, lead shot, chain or scuba weights may be used. See recommended anchor weights in chart.