Amount of Scope for Anchoring - Dragging Anchor info

A utility boat I ran was OK when anchored but under certain conditions would horse on her rode like no other. We would sometimes rig a preventer from the bullnose to fairlead the anchor to the centerline but it wasn’t always helpful. All wire with maybe 20’ of chain. Obviously no DP. If she started dragging her anchor and got the beam anywhere close (45 degrees) to the wind no matter how much wire you let out it really wouldn’t fetch up. I found I had to heave it up on a short scope and re-set it to ever get it to hold again. Whether it was fouled or not I don’t know, just a temperamental bird. Moral of the comment is that anchor dragging Isn’t just a ship thing. There are also counter intuitive tricks for anchoring a barge in wind, although most of you know of course.