dropping anchor

[Urquhart]

My dear Clive,

We are both masters of our own vessels and that is as it should be. We have our preferred techniques for good reasons, and they work for us. I prefer not to restrict the scope of my bower to that of my kedge and not to risk a fouled propeller, you have decided that your other concerns are paramount.

Your remark about anchor winches is a point well made, but I cannot help but feel that there is markedly less work in gently nudging the boat along a river, than in hauling up many metres of muddy chain and a weed-covered anchor in a deep harbour.

I'm very glad we're agreed that there is much to be gained from learning to anchor in the river; many of my most splendid nights aboard were lying to the hook, here or there.

You are right, too, that a bridle is a necessity. My own has a rubber tensioner on it to ensure a smooth ride in choppy waters.

Finally, I recall (from the fourth estate) that the club activities concerned were very much a matter for members and their invited guests. Nothing for us to worry about, eh?

 

[Cliveshep]

I guess that where we've got to is two systems, markedly similar in end result, applied to suit, as you say, different parameters created by different craft and different crew/skipper requirements and all based on many years of experience. All this started by a request for help and advice from a forumite called Inlandnewbie, by which appelation one can infer that he is an Inland waterway user with perhaps less experience than some of us in craft handling. I hope that he has gained some useful encouragement and info and as I see that you are new to the forum and the others are presumably still shovelling snow may I say "welcome, keep posting and sharing your own experiences and knowledge". Adding some more detail to your own profile would be good as well, aiding understanding of where you are from and what you do and like.

 

[kingfisher]

The first nights at anchor you will not sleep a minute as there will be this irrational fear of being washed out to sea. Been there, done that. Believe me, it gets better, the more you do it, I now sleep soundly in open bays, because my gear is as bombproof as it gets. I know my gear, I trust my gear.

I still can't sleep whilst at anchor on a chartered boat though. I know it is irrational, as I have seen the equipment (usually plow+ all chain) when I lowered it but still...