Anchoring - How to Anchor Your Boat is a great subject with many different variables. Above all, use common sense whenever you are boating as well as anchoring. Never anchor in a channel that could block boat traffic or in any blind spot where an unsuspecting boater could suddenly come on to your spot. If the weather is very rough, follow the advice of the Coast Guard and your boat builder to insure your safety. These anchoring tips are for everyday, nice weather boating in normal situations. Again, let common sense always be your guide when it comes to Anchoring and how to anchor your boat.
Start by picking an area that is sheltered and quiet, without a lot of wind and current if possible. Look for an area with enough swing room in each direction for changes in the current or the wind. It's always a good idea if others are anchoring nearby to ask what scope they have out (see other page - basically the amount of rode (line or chain) that is out to anchor at the correct ratio for safe anchoring). Doing the same will help the boats keep apart. If no one is there, determine home much rode (line or chain) you will need by determining how deep the water is and calculating your scope (amount of rode for the right ratio)
Experts in how to anchor your boat suggest to anchor from both bow and stern if the other boats are doing so or just anchor from the bow. Never only anchor from the stern as that can cause a boat to capsize!
Double check to make sure that your anchor, line or chain, and shackles are all fastened and in good working order and fastened to your boat. If possible, lay out the amount of rode you will need so you can feed it smoothly into the water. Of course, be careful that no one or anything on board could get tangled in the line going out. It is a good idea to fasten it to a cleat at the point that you want to stop before letting out the rode.
When ready, halt your forward motion and drop your anchor until it just touches the bottom. Try to face the wind or current when you do this to help draw you back. Slowly back up, letting out your rode until it is all out. Once the rode is completely out, hold the line and see how it feels. If it is taught, it is probably firmly set on the bottom. If the anchor is dragging, it will cause a bumping feel throughout the line and may need to be reset.
Lastly, find a few reference points on land. You can use a compass or just check them occasionally to make sure they have not moved, which would indicate that you are dragging your anchor! Learn how to anchor your boat the right way. It may seem complicated, but the bottom line is that when you do your anchoring correctly, you can have more fun time on the water!
Start by picking an area that is sheltered and quiet, without a lot of wind and current if possible. Look for an area with enough swing room in each direction for changes in the current or the wind. It's always a good idea if others are anchoring nearby to ask what scope they have out (see other page - basically the amount of rode (line or chain) that is out to anchor at the correct ratio for safe anchoring). Doing the same will help the boats keep apart. If no one is there, determine home much rode (line or chain) you will need by determining how deep the water is and calculating your scope (amount of rode for the right ratio)
Experts in how to anchor your boat suggest to anchor from both bow and stern if the other boats are doing so or just anchor from the bow. Never only anchor from the stern as that can cause a boat to capsize!
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When ready, halt your forward motion and drop your anchor until it just touches the bottom. Try to face the wind or current when you do this to help draw you back. Slowly back up, letting out your rode until it is all out. Once the rode is completely out, hold the line and see how it feels. If it is taught, it is probably firmly set on the bottom. If the anchor is dragging, it will cause a bumping feel throughout the line and may need to be reset.
Lastly, find a few reference points on land. You can use a compass or just check them occasionally to make sure they have not moved, which would indicate that you are dragging your anchor! Learn how to anchor your boat the right way. It may seem complicated, but the bottom line is that when you do your anchoring correctly, you can have more fun time on the water!
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