Anchoring

Table of Contents:

Federal Requirements and Safety Tips for Recreational Boats

Anchoring

Anchoring is done for two principal reasons: first, to stop for fishing, swimming, lunch, or an overnight stay and secondly, to keep you from running aground in bad weather or as a result of engine failure. Anchoring can be a simple task if you follow these guidelines:

Make sure you have the proper type of anchor (danforth/plow/mushroom).
A three to six foot length of galvanized chain should be attached to the anchor. The chain will stand up to the abrasion of sand, rock or mud on the bottom much better than a fiber line.
A suitable length of nylon anchor line should be attached to the end of the chain (this combination is called the "Rode"). The nylon will stretch under heavy strain cushioning the impact of the waves or wind on the boat and the anchor.
Select an area that offers maximum shelter from wind, current and boat traffic.
Determine depth of water and type of bottom (preferably sand or mud).
Calculate amount of anchor line you will need. General rule: 5 to 7 times as much anchor line as the depth of water plus the distance from the water to where the anchor will attach to the bow. For example, if the water depth is 8 feet and it is 2 feet from the top of the water to your bow cleat, you would multiply 10 feet by 5 to 7 to get the amount of anchor line to put out (See diagram below)

Illustration of an example of calculating the amount of anchor line needed. A boat is shown with its bow cleat two feet above the waterline, floating on water that is eight feet deep. A dotted line illustrates the amount of anchor line to put out, which is seven times the total distance from the bow cleat to the bottom - in this example 7 x 10 or 70 feet.

Secure the anchor line to the bow cleat at the point you want it to stop.
Bring the bow of the vessel into the wind or current.
When you get to the spot you want to anchor, place the engine in neutral.
When the boat comes to a stop, slowly lower the anchor. Do not throw the anchor over, as it will tend to foul the anchor.
When all anchor line has been let out, back down on the anchor with engine in idle reverse to help set the anchor.
When anchor is firmly set, use reference points (landmarks) in relation to the boat to make sure you are not drifting. Check these points frequently.

Do not anchor by the Stern!!

Anchoring a small boat by the stern has caused many to capsize and sink. The transom is usually squared off and has less freeboard than the bow. In a current, the force of the water can pull the stern under. The boat is also vulnerable to swamping by wave action. The weight of a motor, fuel tank, or other gear in the stern increases the risk.