Anchor Watches

[LadyInBed]

Re: deep inside Newtown Creek

Last week I saw a boat drifting back past me in Newtown Creek. He had set his anchor, rigged a tripping line, then gone ashore. The wind then picked up and straightened out his anchor chain, unfortunately he had taken the tripping line back to the bow and tied it off, not allowing enough slack!
I went across and sorted things out, wonder what went through his mind when he got back.


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[charles_reed]

I have a manual windlass which I seldom use but the 5kg delta or the 10lb Danforth are easy to row out with the dinghy in up to about 30 knots of wind. It only takes about 10 minutes.

Certainly the reduced swing and greater sense of confidence make it well worth the effort.

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[MainlySteam]

Normally just my wife and I - we rely entirely on the GPS anchor watch in most conditions (especially easy now that selective availability has been turned off). We try to set it biased away from dangers (when we back up on the anchor to lay the chain we do so away from dangers and then set the alarm), so a drag will trigger it earlier, and set it to the scope plus about 10m. Like that we get occasional (but comforting) false alarms but a good night's rest. The ultimate is with both of us sitting up all night dressed, wet weather gear to hand, engine throttle set for a quick start in case of having to abandon the anchor (in which case it is always wise to have an "escape" bearing noted at the chart table and the confidence that you have enough power to turn onto it if you have to bring the bow towards the wind).

John

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[davidhand]

My wife's a bit like you, and that means I get a sound nights sleep every time we are at anchor.

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[chas]

Thanks everybody. I seem to be towrds the overworried end of the soectrum so next time I anchor I WILL NOT GET UP!!!!! (or maybe just once) (or perhaps twice)

 

[Mirelle]

We all must admit, though, that standing in the companionway with one's head out of the hatch at 02.00 is actually quite pleasant - unless it is raining!

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[hylas]

Re: Anchor Alarms..

I've been looking in my files and I give you two adresses of manufacturers of anchor alarms..


www.anchorwatch.co.uk

www.ascendmarine.com

But sorry, no experience of them..

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[johndf]

Re: Anchor Alarms..

How well I sleep depends on how likely I think we are to have any problems. The anchor alarm provides some reassurance, but mine only seems to be settable to 0.01nm (too small) or 0.05nm (often too large). I also set the depth alarm for about 0.5 m less than I expect the minimum depth, which helps me sleep better.

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[Seafort]

Oh I must agree.
I also find it a comfort to see a "light" on another yact, be it a torch or a cigarette lighter. Too often I feel alone in monitoring the change of tide whilst at anchor.


Dave.

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