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Anchoring a boat?

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by G650driver, May 21, 2014.

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  1. G650driver, May 21, 2014
    #1
    G650driver

    G650driver New Member

    Joined:
    May 13, 2014
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    Location:
    Whitney
    Buying a boat that has a Windless and this is my first Windless. Is it ok to back down on an anchor HARD to properly set it while the anchor line is just attached to the Windless or should I cleat or bridle the line first?
    P.s. It's a 42 Bertram.
    Last edited: May 21, 2014
  2. Liberty, May 21, 2014
    #2
    Liberty

    Liberty Senior Member

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    Location:
    Brisbane, Australia
    I wouldn't do anything with an anchor hard. Well, at least I have twice, and I have the invoices to prove it. :roll eyes:

    Yes you can ease down on the windlass, then gently put her in gear to set the anchor. Once the anchor has pulled up the momentum of your vessel, it will continue to bite.

    If it is blowing when you set anchor, the breeze will do a lot of the work for you. The danger is that if you don't set the anchor, particularly with conflicting wind/tide/current you can trip it and drag.

    As a warning though, make sure your windlass capstan clutch has been properly greased or if you back down too hard there will be a snapping sound when the clutch key shears ...

    The number #1, #2 and #3 thing to anchor right is scope. Enough chain/rode. I am continually in awe of the cavalier way people drop anchor. And we have seen lots of boats drag at night, with the owner on their 8th beer ...

    Scope = depth of water (at top of highest tide) x 5 + length to waterline

    Your windlass is 6' off the water line. If you anchor in 18' of water, you first need to work out what high tide will be. Oh another 2 foot yet to come in? Ok, then we start with 20',

    You need;

    Scope = (20 x 5) + 6 = 106'

    Minimum. 7x scope if its going to blow.
  3. G650driver, May 21, 2014
    #3
    G650driver

    G650driver New Member

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    That is interesting. I appreciate your comment. I don't want to be one of those guys dragging around at night. I thought that a properly set anchor would hold just about anything. I don't have a lot of experience but I did have a captain demonstrate an anchor set and I thought he was going to snap a huge line! I backed away! I was amazed at the strength an anchor had.
  4. Liberty, May 21, 2014
    #4
    Liberty

    Liberty Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 13, 2011
    Messages:
    141
    Location:
    Brisbane, Australia
    I watched some kids drop anchor on their father's boat one afternoon. Backed down hard. Nice and set.

    They set up camp on the beach and promptly hit the turps.

    Tide came in. It lifted the boat, shortened the scope and lifted the anchor.

    Next morning their boat was gone. Off to Fiji. Never seen again.

    You retrieve your anchor by motoring up on the line while pulling continuously from above. Which is exactly what a rising tide will do.