Equipment Outfitters

One of the important skills to master if you plan to cruise from one area to another is anchoring. While there is no one anchor or method that will cover all situations, the basics of anchoring so that your boat doesn’t drag or endanger other boats are fairly straightforward. Anchoring requires some practice. Do anchoring exercises so that you are proficient enough to anchor in the dark if you ever need to.

Types of Anchors

The most common anchor among small powerboats is the Danforth, or “lightweight” type, since it stores easily and holds well in mud and sand. It is less effective on rocky or grassy bottoms. The folding anchor is good in mud or rock but less effective in sand. Choose an anchor for the bottom conditions in your intended anchorage.

Anchor Rode

The anchor line, or rode, should be a 3/8-inch twisted nylon rode for powerboats up to 24 feet. A length of 3/16-inch galvanized chain, at least 10 feet long, will help the anchor lie flat and hold. Scope is the ratio of anchor line laid out to water depth. For a short stay, 4:1 is an acceptable scope. Any longer or in a blow, use 8:1 or more.

Where to Anchor

Check your chart for water depth and bottom type before selecting your anchorage. If there are other boats at anchor, determine whether they are using a single anchor or are anchored at both bow and stern. If they are using only a single anchor, select a spot that will allow you to swing around in the wind or current without hitting other boats.

Since there is seldom any need to rush through the process, use the same slow, cautious approach to anchoring that you use when docking. After selecting the spot where you want the boat to rest, free the anchor, its chain and rode. Check the shackles to be sure they’re snug and make sure that the rode is untangled as you enter the anchorage. Last, make certain that the anchor line end is tied to the boat.

Single Anchor: If possible, use an upwind approach to the area where you want to anchor. Bring the boat to a complete stop and signal to your crew to lower the anchor. Don’t throw the anchor over. Lower it gently. When it reaches the bottom the line will go slack. Put the engine in reverse and slowly let out rode. When you have let out the scope you want, secure the anchor line to the bow cleat. Back up slowly under power to help the anchor dig firmly into the bottom. After shifting into neutral, pull on the anchor line. If you feel grating or snatching, the anchor is skimming over the bottom. When the pull is firm and uniform, the anchor is holding.

Weighing Anchor: When you are ready to leave, reverse your anchoring procedure. Power forward while your crew pulls in the anchor rode until the line is vertical. With the engine in neutral, pull up the remaining rode, chain and anchor. Caution: Avoid leaning over to pull up the remaining load. The strain on your back can be enormous. Instead, kneel on deck or squat.

Stuck Anchor: If you can’t get the anchor free, secure the rode to the bow cleat and motor slowly ahead. This will pull the anchor rode in the opposite direction of the anchor’s set.

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