I've never anchored. How do you do it exactly?

Re: I\'ve never anchored. How do you do it exactly?

[ QUOTE ]
Normally you will have enough chain down (and 'enough chain' depends on the conditions) so that its mass provides a cushioning affect and prevents snubbing as the boat sheers about while at the anchor.


[/ QUOTE ] Once the boat is sheering about its chain, the chain is coming up bar taut as the boat tacks. That's when the peak loads hit.

Far more effective to reduce those peak loads is an elastic snubber rope (see above). Typically, 10m of nylon between your boat and where its attached to the chain, with the chain hanging loose.
 
Re: I\'ve never anchored. How do you do it exactly?

difficult to tell without an underwater camera, but it may be just taking some of the curve out of the chain.
 
Re: I\'ve never anchored. How do you do it exactly?

The last thing I do once I am happy the anchor is set, is to note our position from the GPS. If staying for a while, I would write it in the log book. If just staying for an hour or two, I write it on a post it note and stick it next to the GPS display or somewhere obvious.

Then its easy to check from time to time, like every 15mins in the first hour. You will see some variations as you swing around etc, but you should be able to work out what is a significant change based on wind and tide direction.

Others will say you can set the anchor alarm on the GPS but if you are in a confined area, with other boats around, you will have tangled with another boat before the alarm sounds.
 
Re: I\'ve never anchored. How do you do it exactly?

At the risk of Fred Drift...

(And seeing as you have by now answers to securing the chain)

Am I the only one that think the first step in anchoring, especially for beginners is having a decent anchor in the first place ?

Out and about I see loads (most?) boats with undersize or ill performing kit.

The anchor I currently have has held first time, everytime. I am not claiming to have sailed round the world (although others have with "my" anchor) but I do sleep soundly at night.

And I have been in known "bad" anchorages - Lulworth Cove springs to mind and watched people struggle five times to anchor and then finally give up.

On the same day, mine went down on the same spot and held first time and I slept soundly as ever.

I don't think I am better than them in anyway - I just think I had the right kit to start off with.

So the obviousy question ... What have I got ?

(Lights touch paper and retires from a safe distance)

A spade.

I am sure there are other good anchors out there but this is my personal experience.

What ever you pick for your "pick" - at least size it appropriately and you will be starting ahead of most people already.

(No financial connection with my chosen Anchor manufacture just a happy customer. They are expensive but they work)
 
Re: I\'ve never anchored. How do you do it exactly?

Mike,

My purpose, in as few words as possible, was to indicate there are limits of anchoring. I thought that the responsible course to advise.

There is much wisdom in the surrounding posts, but I fear the questioner could well be dazzled by the complexity offered - hence my humble offering!

Peter Gibbs
 
Re: I\'ve never anchored. How do you do it exactly?

Ok Peter, it was that someone was bound to pick you up on what you said, so it just as well be me lol.....

Was I trying to stir....maybe just a little /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
Re: I\'ve never anchored. How do you do it exactly?

Well, at a 3:1 scope with most anchors, a boat with high sides is likely to drag in a F4 or more.

So that's a limitation - which can usually be overcome by using more scope. A number of anchor designs can't develop their maximum holding power with less than 6:1 scope.
 
Re: I\'ve never anchored. How do you do it exactly?

Jim,

You are right, and it makes a big difference if the rode is all chain etc etc

We can get into all the refinement that the subject justifiably entails. But I sensed in the questioner's intent a concern to get to the basics, which entails a first step type aproach.
No doubt he will come back when he's put the first insights into practice.

PWG
 
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