What knot to tie down anchor on deck ?

[LONG_KEELER]

My CQR is tied down on deck when not in use and has two eye type fittings for the purpose.

I cannot seem to think of a knot that is easy to tie and undo and will also be nice and tight when underway.

Any suggestions would be most welcome.

 

[peter radclyffe]

a lashing or a quick release fitting

 

[Searush]

I use a reef knot. But I tie it (a CQR) on the fore deck, hooked around the pulpit stanchion leaving the bow roller free for picking up moorings. If I plan to anchor, the knot is undone in plenty of time & the anchor set for deployment on the bow roller. I will use a simple bow to hold the shank in place if the approach to the anchorage is rough & flake out the required length of chain.

 

[VicS]

On a Berwick just as Searush does on his Pentland. Just an odd bit of rope clove hitched to one of the pulpit legs then tied with a reef knot.
Never ever left the anchor on the roller.

Got the proper CQR chocks on my own boat. Piece of cord permanently tied to the chocks and tied round the anchor with a reef knot.

 

[LONG_KEELER]

Many thanks for the responses.

Yes, I use a reef knot also but It has capsized on occasions and not that easy to get good tension on.

One is normally under pressure after getting the anchor up in confined areas when single handing and I quite like the idea of a quick release fitting as suggested.

 

[Vara]

My CQR is tied down on deck when not in use and has two eye type fittings for the purpose.

I cannot seem to think of a knot that is easy to tie and undo and will also be nice and tight when underway.

Any suggestions would be most welcome.

A bow, as in shoelaces, which is after all a reef knot with loops.

 

[Searush]

DON'T wait until in a confined space before untieing!!!!!!

Get set up while in open water - especially if short-handed. By the time you get in among the boats already anchored it is FAR too late to be leaving the helm & fiddling on the fore deck. Everything must be ready to go by that time & only secure enough for you to pull out & go round again if your first choice spot turns out to be unsuitable.

I use a shoe lace bow for temporary holding the anchor on the bow roller as I enter the anchorage. Firm enough in calm water & very quick release when you need to let it go. And, as Vic says, make sure your little bit of cord is firmly attached to the boat or you will always be replacing it when you undo it & it blows over the side.

 

[bbg]

If I am visualising your setup correctly, how about using one long smallish line and a rolling hitch? You will be able to tighten it up as much as you want, then release the tension to undo it.

 

[LONG_KEELER]

DON'T wait until in a confined space before untieing!!!!!!

Get set up while in open water - especially if short-handed. By the time you get in among the boats already anchored it is FAR too late to be leaving the helm & fiddling on the fore deck. Everything must be ready to go by that time & only secure enough for you to pull out & go round again if your first choice spot turns out to be unsuitable.

I use a shoe lace bow for temporary holding the anchor on the bow roller as I enter the anchorage. Firm enough in calm water & very quick release when you need to let it go. And, as Vic says, make sure your little bit of cord is firmly attached to the boat or you will always be replacing it when you undo it & it blows over the side.

I think you may have misunderstood my response. I always have chain flaked out, anchor in bow roller etc well before anchoring. As I stated, it is when I am taking the anchor up that I need to make the anchor fast with some haste. With swinging moorings I do not leave the anchor in the roller. I also have hanked sails which further complicates things.

Thanks for the response.

 

[LONG_KEELER]

If I am visualising your setup correctly, how about using one long smallish line and a rolling hitch? You will be able to tighten it up as much as you want, then release the tension to undo it.

Thanks. Yes, that may work. Particularly using flat/plain braided rope which would have more resistance.

 

[Searush]

OK, sorry I think I see now. However, I have also been known to leave the anchor trailing in the water (just) with the chain securely cleated while I motor (or sail) clear of an anchorage to a point where I can drift or heave to in clear water & sort out the decks and sails at my leisure.

Short or singlehanding is all about creating the time, space & opportunity to sort out your gear safely & without any haste. Incidentally, by hooking my CQR round the pulpit stanchion with a loose tie to stop it slipping forward & unhooking I have never had a problem, even when wind over tide overfalls have dropped the boat so fast that the anchor has lifted (briefly until the lashing tightens) off the deck.

But as long as your system works for you; great.