Painting marks on an anchor chain

[dunedin]

With wind/tide one may end 100m away from the intended spot.
Also, if powering down, once the anchor suddenly sets all the load will be taken by the windlass; using the clutch one can let go chain more quickly, that leaves the time to make fast the chain with a short strop+hook (or chain brake, for those who have it) which will take all the load of the boat being stopped while going backwards.
I made all the job to fit a windlass switch in the cockpit, I used it 2-3 times then realized it was useless most of the times, except maybe with flat calm.

I appreciate I have only anchored this way a few hundred times in the last few years (coastal cruising we may use the anchor 3 times a day, very different from long blue water voyages) so still a novice, but never managed to drop the anchor 100m out of position.
Quite the opposite, by being at the engine controls and often with chart plotter in hand (when using very detailed and modern charts in small rocky anchorages) you can position the anchor very accurately. And knowing the depth, can start to let some chain down before fully stopped, and can tell even with windlass when on bottom. Lay chain progressively and initially slow at about 3:1 to start to set, let a bit more out - then “day snubber” on to set. If staying for nignt then let more out and add second night snubber. Works for me.

 

[Roberto]

Works for me.

Good

 

[NormanS]

I still remember JDS referring to "Percy, a pusher-up of ropes". Pushing the anchor down through the water seems similar.