Tips on how to Anchor and secure your boat.
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Tips on Anchoring your Boat
Anchoring your boat securely is a basic skill in boat handling. Learn to set the anchor right, with control and confidence. Anchoring poorly not only puts your boat in danger, but other boats that are anchored nearby.
If you do not set your anchor securely there is a high chance that your anchor is dragging, if this happens pull anchor until the anchor catches the seabed. To tackle the seabed with the boat anchor. The anchor must be considered adequate for the size , and weight or your vessel. (always check you manufacturer manuel for the correct size of anchor). To maximize the anchor holding, an anchor needs to have a sturdy galvanized chain between the anchor and the anchor line, no less than 15 to 20 FT. The chain should run freely in the anchor locker and the anchor warp line should be attached to the vessel. In heavy weather, some boaters may have two anchors set off the bow or one anchor off the bow and the other anchor set astern. When the wind or current shifts the vessel with the two bow anchors set, it will swing in a shorter radius than boats with one anchor. Vessels anchored fore and aft won't swing at all. Boats with all chain anchors may not swing as quickly as those with nylon warp. When anchoring around other boats, leave a safe distance from other anchor boats to allow sudden change in wind direction. Position your boat with the bow to the wind or current, this will make it easier to drag your anchor. Safe anchoring scope ratio is 5 to 1. Make sure you have enough anchor line out when the boat is safely anchored. Example if the water is 10ft and the rollers are 2ft above the water you will need approximately 52ft of anchor. (5 times 10ft +2ft = 52ft of anchor line). Remember always put out as much anchoring scope as needed, to little scope and the vessel could swing much easier. Look at the directions which the warps and chains of nearby boats are pointing, and see if other boats are using a second anchor. When anchoring at your designation, coast forward to the distance where you are going to lie your anchor. Stop the vessel completely. Lower the anchor, when lowering the anchor don't let it go into one big pile. Lower the anchor quickly hand over hand, or wth the windlass until you feel the anchor rest in the seabed. Slowly put the vessel in reverse, as the vessel continous to back slowly feed out the anchor line maintaining a slight tension. If the anchor line takes hold the vessel will come to an abrupt halt, meaning the anchor should be set.
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