Small boat launching questions..

[Searush]

I see, cheers for the info! I have been given an anchor and plenty of rope so will keep this on board. I was looking at waterproof phone cases for my phone last night. I was also scanning the app market for some kind of useable gps that may help me in case of problems. I do not intend to go out further than eye view, and the beach I will be using also has a life guard station on the beach so im hoping if I can always see them, they can always see me and if the engine cuts or come into any probs, I can anchor out and call for help. I know this is going to sound a crazy question as I'm sure it will vary so much but.. How much rope would you say I need to anchor? As said I won't be going out too far but have no idea how deep too expect the water to be? What length do you guys normally carry? I may try and find a cheap depth finder but this is all extra weight onma small lightweight boat so have to only want the very basics..

Jamie

5x depth is the recommended scope.

Slip markers into the "weave" of the rope so you can tell how much is out. Drop the anchor straight down & note how deep the water is & then, slowly, as you drift in the tide, let out 4x as much as was in the water initially. If yo are on a rising tide, you need to work out what the max depth will be & make sure you have 5x that amount out. Local tide tables (say £1.50) will tell you the max rise of tide & if you see the beach at LW then you should be able to make a good guess at the depth at HW for a given tide in a given location. That's why a chart is so useful, it will also tel you the nature of the sea bed - some are not so good for anchoring on!

If relying on a beach observer spotting you, you may need handheld flares to catch their attention. TBH the paddles are a much better solution. "Do not get into anything that you can't get yourself out of" is one definition of seamanship.

Once you have confidence in the boat & engine, you may choose to take more risks/ chances. But initially, it makes sense to cover your ass in case of problems - as the probability of problems is quite high.

My son managed to get a free version of Navionics onto my Android, but the screen (3.5") is much too small to be any use.

 

[J13MEX]

Thanks alot for the in depth answers, really appreciate the time you guys take to post these up!

I will not be entering the water without a life jacket for sure. I'm not a confident swimmer and therefore won't take ANY chances.

Now going to check local free ads for a depth finder. Hopefully can get a lightweight compact one just to keep on board.

Jamie

 

[rbcoomer]

this one in UK

Might be of interest?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FLADEN-FI...tingGoods_FishingAcces_RL&hash=item1c2b47a8ac

R-)

 

[J13MEX]

Perfect! So not hard fitting to boat required?

 

[rbcoomer]

Perfect! So not hard fitting to boat required?

I found it simple, but drill a pilot hole to stop the gelcoat cracking. Make sure you use a waterproof sealer like Silkaflex in holes/around screws (x2). Fix sonar to transom facing down, close to bottom, but no so close you hit it on trailer, beach etc when launching/recovering!

You could also epoxy the sonar to the inside of the hull in the bilge, but must not have any air in between the bottom edge (face) and the hull, so outside is probably much easier! You'd also have to mount in the stern as the front of the boat will lift out of the water when on the plane - thus air gap would stop it working! Instructions are included. Cable included was more than long enough to reach the dash on a 14', so yours will be ample too.

 

[J13MEX]

Great. Will stick a bid on! Thanks alot