ANCHORING BASICS
Anchoring Basics from our HIYC Member and Captain Tom Petersen
We have had a number of people asking about anchoring. For some people, this is a seldom done skill. There are dozens of books written about anchoring. Here is a basic 101 approach.
1) Most boats have an anchor and rode (line and or chain which attaches from the boat to the anchor). While there is more to the discussion on types and sizes of anchor, chain and rope to use, in our area, MOST anchors will work MOST situations. However, do not assume any anchor will work under ALL circumstances.
2) An anchor is one of the most important SAFETY features on a boat. Boats that lose power often end up on the beach or rocks! An anchor can prevent that!
3) How much? This is where chapters and entire books are written! More rode in the water, the stronger the holding power (assuming the anchor is set). You can get away with very little rode in the water, IF the conditions are right and IF you are monitoring it. The general rule of thumb is about a 5 feet of rode for every 1 foot of depth (5:1). Remember that this includes not only the water depth, but the height above the waterline where the anchor is connected to the boat (on the Valkyrie this is about an extra 5 feet).
4) Start by determining where you want to end up (you will drift or be pushed away from where you drop the anchor). You need to pay attention to wind and currents. Do you need room to swing of the conditions change? Watch your depth! If you are in 10 feet of water and have a 5 foot draft that leaves 5 feet of water under the boat. What happens when the tide goes out?
5) Now figure where you need to drop your hook to end up where you want to be. Lower the anchor until it hits bottom give the boat a slight reverse to “set” the anchor. If it sets, the boat should be hard to keep reversing. Now gradually keep letting out rode as needed. You may also need to use reverse if the current isn’t moving you fast enough.
6) After you have let out the rode you want, WATCH! Watch for a while! Are you staying in the area you want? This is also a good use of your electronics – Tracks, Variable Range Markers, depth alarms and other items can all be useful. If nothing seems to be moving after 10-20 minutes...Relax! However, occasionally still check the conditions!
This all still takes some practice and there are other items to consider and learn about anchoring, but the above will help, most of the time under average/typical conditions.
Skoal!
Captain Tom Petersen
Thank you Tom for this very valuable information!
Gary Gallinot - Commodore
Harbour Island Yacht Club
We have had a number of people asking about anchoring. For some people, this is a seldom done skill. There are dozens of books written about anchoring. Here is a basic 101 approach.
1) Most boats have an anchor and rode (line and or chain which attaches from the boat to the anchor). While there is more to the discussion on types and sizes of anchor, chain and rope to use, in our area, MOST anchors will work MOST situations. However, do not assume any anchor will work under ALL circumstances.
2) An anchor is one of the most important SAFETY features on a boat. Boats that lose power often end up on the beach or rocks! An anchor can prevent that!
3) How much? This is where chapters and entire books are written! More rode in the water, the stronger the holding power (assuming the anchor is set). You can get away with very little rode in the water, IF the conditions are right and IF you are monitoring it. The general rule of thumb is about a 5 feet of rode for every 1 foot of depth (5:1). Remember that this includes not only the water depth, but the height above the waterline where the anchor is connected to the boat (on the Valkyrie this is about an extra 5 feet).
4) Start by determining where you want to end up (you will drift or be pushed away from where you drop the anchor). You need to pay attention to wind and currents. Do you need room to swing of the conditions change? Watch your depth! If you are in 10 feet of water and have a 5 foot draft that leaves 5 feet of water under the boat. What happens when the tide goes out?
5) Now figure where you need to drop your hook to end up where you want to be. Lower the anchor until it hits bottom give the boat a slight reverse to “set” the anchor. If it sets, the boat should be hard to keep reversing. Now gradually keep letting out rode as needed. You may also need to use reverse if the current isn’t moving you fast enough.
6) After you have let out the rode you want, WATCH! Watch for a while! Are you staying in the area you want? This is also a good use of your electronics – Tracks, Variable Range Markers, depth alarms and other items can all be useful. If nothing seems to be moving after 10-20 minutes...Relax! However, occasionally still check the conditions!
This all still takes some practice and there are other items to consider and learn about anchoring, but the above will help, most of the time under average/typical conditions.
Skoal!
Captain Tom Petersen
Thank you Tom for this very valuable information!
Gary Gallinot - Commodore
Harbour Island Yacht Club