How do you set two anchors correctly {Bahamian}? It might be a simple thing to ask but I can invision doing it incorrectly and having one or the other anchor rode tangled in the prop shaft. Do you set the first anchor, drift back, then motor forward at an angle and drop the 2nd anchor? Does it have to be done with a dingy? Do you put the 1st anchor down, drift extra far back and drop the 2nd off the stern then pull the 1st anchor in a bit? I have never had an anchor fail me but I have never slept well on board either. I have another question. How many feet do you set the anchor drift alarm on a gps for? If you have a 100 feet of rode out, do you set it for 100 feet? If it seems like I ask a lot of questions I apologize,it's the sailing season down here. I always check the archives first but sometimes have a specific question that I can't find the answer to. As always, thanks, Jack
Another anchoring question
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Google to the Rescue
This is an excerpt from the Sailnet article linked below: ______ There are several ways to set a Bahamian moor. We normally anchor to the existing current, let out twice the required scope to let the boat fall back downstream, drop the second anchor, then haul our way back upstream to the desired position. If a strong cross wind makes this difficult, we will revert to the actual Bahamian practice of the "flying Bahamian moor" in which the secondary anchor is thrown (literally) off the bow while the boat is still moving forward up-current. When the double scope point is reached, power is taken off, the primary anchor is dropped, and the boat is allowed to settle back down-current while the slack is taken out of the secondary rode. This practice is fine when the locals perform it under sail, but every time we do it under power, we hold our breath for fear of catching the first rode in the prop. The third way is to take the second anchor out by dinghy—and I'd rather have a root canal.
This is an excerpt from the Sailnet article linked below: ______ There are several ways to set a Bahamian moor. We normally anchor to the existing current, let out twice the required scope to let the boat fall back downstream, drop the second anchor, then haul our way back upstream to the desired position. If a strong cross wind makes this difficult, we will revert to the actual Bahamian practice of the "flying Bahamian moor" in which the secondary anchor is thrown (literally) off the bow while the boat is still moving forward up-current. When the double scope point is reached, power is taken off, the primary anchor is dropped, and the boat is allowed to settle back down-current while the slack is taken out of the secondary rode. This practice is fine when the locals perform it under sail, but every time we do it under power, we hold our breath for fear of catching the first rode in the prop. The third way is to take the second anchor out by dinghy—and I'd rather have a root canal.
1 anchor is enough
I personally think it is dangerous with two anchors, at least leaving an anchor off the stern. You never know what might happen in the night. For instance... if your in the ICW and a barge comes by too fast with a large wake your cockpit could get overwhelmed with a large wave. I don't know maybe I'm wrong. I always think safety first; I am a firefighter/paramedic/lifeguard so I see the results of alot of people's mistakes. I have a Catalina 30 and I use a 10kg bruce anchor with large chain( I can't remember the the size but no the rinky dinky stuff) with 50 ft of chain and plenty of line. I also use a rubber hose on my line where it rubs up against the boat. Most importantly inspect your gear and use wire and tape for your shackles. Just last week I anchored out in steady 20knts with higher gusts and did just find. Just remember to throw the engine in reverse to set the anchor. Don't forget the fomula for proper lenght of rode vs depth of water.
I personally think it is dangerous with two anchors, at least leaving an anchor off the stern. You never know what might happen in the night. For instance... if your in the ICW and a barge comes by too fast with a large wake your cockpit could get overwhelmed with a large wave. I don't know maybe I'm wrong. I always think safety first; I am a firefighter/paramedic/lifeguard so I see the results of alot of people's mistakes. I have a Catalina 30 and I use a 10kg bruce anchor with large chain( I can't remember the the size but no the rinky dinky stuff) with 50 ft of chain and plenty of line. I also use a rubber hose on my line where it rubs up against the boat. Most importantly inspect your gear and use wire and tape for your shackles. Just last week I anchored out in steady 20knts with higher gusts and did just find. Just remember to throw the engine in reverse to set the anchor. Don't forget the fomula for proper lenght of rode vs depth of water.
Two anchors
I have done the US coast line from Long Island sound to Mexico. Mostly ICW. I have never felt the need to use more than one anchor. I use a 22# Delta, which is probably a little oversized for my 28 er. Only reason I could possible see for needing two anchors would be to stop swinging in a crowded anchorage. Think if I find myself in that situation, I will just look for another anchorage.
I have done the US coast line from Long Island sound to Mexico. Mostly ICW. I have never felt the need to use more than one anchor. I use a 22# Delta, which is probably a little oversized for my 28 er. Only reason I could possible see for needing two anchors would be to stop swinging in a crowded anchorage. Think if I find myself in that situation, I will just look for another anchorage.
Bahamian weakness
When a Bahamian moor is set with two anchors, one anchor always has the full load. I believe it's better to set two anchors on one rode in the same place. One anchor has a short rode of chain, about 20 feet, tied to the shackle of the other. Once you back down enough to set them, you then have two anchors holding all the time during tide or wind direction changes, current shifts, wakes, or storms. And if one fails to set, you are still anchored. In high winds or hard bottoms, it would be rare for both anchors to not set, especially if they are different types of anchors. In most situations, a big anchor on a small boat is enough, given the right type for the bottom conditions.
When a Bahamian moor is set with two anchors, one anchor always has the full load. I believe it's better to set two anchors on one rode in the same place. One anchor has a short rode of chain, about 20 feet, tied to the shackle of the other. Once you back down enough to set them, you then have two anchors holding all the time during tide or wind direction changes, current shifts, wakes, or storms. And if one fails to set, you are still anchored. In high winds or hard bottoms, it would be rare for both anchors to not set, especially if they are different types of anchors. In most situations, a big anchor on a small boat is enough, given the right type for the bottom conditions.
Reversing tidal flow
The Bahanian Moor, with two anchors set off the bow, IS useful in 180 degree reversing tidal waters, such as often encountered in the Bahamas. Yes, you’re only setting to one anchor at a time - but that anchor is set to the direction of current flow.
The Bahanian Moor, with two anchors set off the bow, IS useful in 180 degree reversing tidal waters, such as often encountered in the Bahamas. Yes, you’re only setting to one anchor at a time - but that anchor is set to the direction of current flow.
Lots of Questions
Hi Jack, Well you have lots of questions and your concerns remind me of my early cruising days when I never slept well at anchor either. The good news is with experience you'll get much more comfortable at anchor, and it's a great way to sleep. In my opinion a single anchor properly set is very adequate for most situations. As you may know, this means a bottom with good holding, adequate swing room, proper scope, a good set, and an anchor of an appropriate size and type for your boat and the bottom. If you're nervous at anchor, consider upgrading your anchor and rode and using a kellet or sentinel. I have too large an anchor and also use a kellet. People are always making fun of me on this site for those facts, but I don't drag and I sleep well. If you are going to use two anchors, you need to have a good reason. If there is going to be a real blow and it will come from one direction, you could use two anchors set at 45 degree angles off the bow. If the wind is predicted to change direction overnight or you have a reversing tidal flow or you have a swing room contraint, a Bahamian Moor can be a good solution. To properly set a Bahamian Moor, you need twice as much rode on your primary anchor as your set will require because you need to set your primary anchor, back down to where you want to set your secondary anchor, and then pull yourself back to the middle. (See sailing texts such as Chapmans for details) It is extremely important if you set a second anchor that you consider your swing room situation. If everyone else has only one anchor down and you have two, they could swing to wind or tide overnight and you won't move much. That could result in an overnight collision. Obviously the first person in the anchorage sets the pattern for the anchorage. But even when we've been the first boat in the anchorage, we've had to point out our two anchor situation to others who miseed the fact and might have swung into us. Regards your gps, variablity in gps signals will make it appear you are moving a little even when you are dead still. Try setting your gps alarm some calm afternoon when your rode is hanging straight down. You'll be amazed at the apparent "movement" on the gps. Consequently to set the gps alarm too tight is to ensure a bad night's sleep, because the alarm will go off all night. Conversely if you set it too loose, you may drag aground or into another boat before your gps wakes you. Frankly, I haven't had much use for the gps alarm. My recommendation: Buy high quality, oversize ground tackle, set a single anchor well with plenty of scope, and get a good night's sleep. Use the second anchor only for special situations. Hope this helps. Gary Wyngarden S/V Wanderlust h37.5
Hi Jack, Well you have lots of questions and your concerns remind me of my early cruising days when I never slept well at anchor either. The good news is with experience you'll get much more comfortable at anchor, and it's a great way to sleep. In my opinion a single anchor properly set is very adequate for most situations. As you may know, this means a bottom with good holding, adequate swing room, proper scope, a good set, and an anchor of an appropriate size and type for your boat and the bottom. If you're nervous at anchor, consider upgrading your anchor and rode and using a kellet or sentinel. I have too large an anchor and also use a kellet. People are always making fun of me on this site for those facts, but I don't drag and I sleep well. If you are going to use two anchors, you need to have a good reason. If there is going to be a real blow and it will come from one direction, you could use two anchors set at 45 degree angles off the bow. If the wind is predicted to change direction overnight or you have a reversing tidal flow or you have a swing room contraint, a Bahamian Moor can be a good solution. To properly set a Bahamian Moor, you need twice as much rode on your primary anchor as your set will require because you need to set your primary anchor, back down to where you want to set your secondary anchor, and then pull yourself back to the middle. (See sailing texts such as Chapmans for details) It is extremely important if you set a second anchor that you consider your swing room situation. If everyone else has only one anchor down and you have two, they could swing to wind or tide overnight and you won't move much. That could result in an overnight collision. Obviously the first person in the anchorage sets the pattern for the anchorage. But even when we've been the first boat in the anchorage, we've had to point out our two anchor situation to others who miseed the fact and might have swung into us. Regards your gps, variablity in gps signals will make it appear you are moving a little even when you are dead still. Try setting your gps alarm some calm afternoon when your rode is hanging straight down. You'll be amazed at the apparent "movement" on the gps. Consequently to set the gps alarm too tight is to ensure a bad night's sleep, because the alarm will go off all night. Conversely if you set it too loose, you may drag aground or into another boat before your gps wakes you. Frankly, I haven't had much use for the gps alarm. My recommendation: Buy high quality, oversize ground tackle, set a single anchor well with plenty of scope, and get a good night's sleep. Use the second anchor only for special situations. Hope this helps. Gary Wyngarden S/V Wanderlust h37.5
two anchors good and bad
If the wind is blowing off land and you want to anchor close to that land two anchors make sure that you stay off of that land. Often we have went to sleep with a seabreeze and awakened next morning with a landbreeze. But in a reversing current with wind two anchors became a mess. The boat ended up broadside to the current with one rode running under the boat and the other holding the boat stern to the current. Since we bought a claw I have only used one anchor. So far the claw has always reset itself after a wind shift. Before the claw we had out a danforth and a plow one night when a storm came through. The plow wouldn't reset itself I assume due to weeds. The Danforth speared a large conch and didn't reset. We woke up out in the bay at 4 am. We had almost blown across and in a few more minutes would have been blown ashore. I immediately ordered the CLaw which is a bruce knockoff. 22#s should be enough for our boat so I bought a 33#. We use about 30' of chain and then rope.
If the wind is blowing off land and you want to anchor close to that land two anchors make sure that you stay off of that land. Often we have went to sleep with a seabreeze and awakened next morning with a landbreeze. But in a reversing current with wind two anchors became a mess. The boat ended up broadside to the current with one rode running under the boat and the other holding the boat stern to the current. Since we bought a claw I have only used one anchor. So far the claw has always reset itself after a wind shift. Before the claw we had out a danforth and a plow one night when a storm came through. The plow wouldn't reset itself I assume due to weeds. The Danforth speared a large conch and didn't reset. We woke up out in the bay at 4 am. We had almost blown across and in a few more minutes would have been blown ashore. I immediately ordered the CLaw which is a bruce knockoff. 22#s should be enough for our boat so I bought a 33#. We use about 30' of chain and then rope.
two anchors good and bad
If the wind is blowing off land and you want to anchor close to that land two anchors make sure that you stay off of that land. Often we have went to sleep with a seabreeze and awakened next morning with a landbreeze. But in a reversing current with wind two anchors became a mess. The boat ended up broadside to the current with one rode running under the boat and the other holding the boat stern to the current. Since we bought a claw I have only used one anchor. So far the claw has always reset itself after a wind shift. Before the claw we had out a danforth and a plow one night when a storm came through. The plow wouldn't reset itself I assume due to weeds. The Danforth speared a large conch and didn't reset. We woke up out in the bay at 4 am. We had almost blown across and in a few more minutes would have been blown ashore. I immediately ordered the CLaw which is a bruce knockoff. 22#s should be enough for our boat so I bought a 33#. We use about 30' of chain and then rope.
If the wind is blowing off land and you want to anchor close to that land two anchors make sure that you stay off of that land. Often we have went to sleep with a seabreeze and awakened next morning with a landbreeze. But in a reversing current with wind two anchors became a mess. The boat ended up broadside to the current with one rode running under the boat and the other holding the boat stern to the current. Since we bought a claw I have only used one anchor. So far the claw has always reset itself after a wind shift. Before the claw we had out a danforth and a plow one night when a storm came through. The plow wouldn't reset itself I assume due to weeds. The Danforth speared a large conch and didn't reset. We woke up out in the bay at 4 am. We had almost blown across and in a few more minutes would have been blown ashore. I immediately ordered the CLaw which is a bruce knockoff. 22#s should be enough for our boat so I bought a 33#. We use about 30' of chain and then rope.
I don't like two anchors.
The main reason is you probably don't own two storm anchors. If you anchor with two small anchors it does not equal one big anchor. The reason is that the boat will sail to port and starboard a little. It puts the whole load on one anchor then the other. The weaker anchor set will usually break free then put the whole load on the one anchor anyway. If the second one breaks free, it is a real pain trying to weigh two anchors at once. The 45 degree thing was my dad's favorite. It failed atleast once every forth time we used it. It is almost a joke in my family about how much we log while sleeping. I like using one anchor that is oversized with at least a boat length of chain and scope. If the anchorage is crowded, then the Bahamian moor tecnique.
The main reason is you probably don't own two storm anchors. If you anchor with two small anchors it does not equal one big anchor. The reason is that the boat will sail to port and starboard a little. It puts the whole load on one anchor then the other. The weaker anchor set will usually break free then put the whole load on the one anchor anyway. If the second one breaks free, it is a real pain trying to weigh two anchors at once. The 45 degree thing was my dad's favorite. It failed atleast once every forth time we used it. It is almost a joke in my family about how much we log while sleeping. I like using one anchor that is oversized with at least a boat length of chain and scope. If the anchorage is crowded, then the Bahamian moor tecnique.
I don't like two anchors.
The main reason is you probably don't own two storm anchors. If you anchor with two small anchors it does not equal one big anchor. The reason is that the boat will sail to port and starboard a little. It puts the whole load on one anchor then the other. The weaker anchor set will usually break free then put the whole load on the one anchor anyway. If the second one breaks free, it is a real pain trying to weigh two anchors at once. The 45 degree thing was my dad's favorite. It failed atleast once every forth time we used it. It is almost a joke in my family about how much we log while sleeping. I like using one anchor that is oversized with at least a boat length of chain and scope. If the anchorage is crowded, then the Bahamian moor tecnique.
The main reason is you probably don't own two storm anchors. If you anchor with two small anchors it does not equal one big anchor. The reason is that the boat will sail to port and starboard a little. It puts the whole load on one anchor then the other. The weaker anchor set will usually break free then put the whole load on the one anchor anyway. If the second one breaks free, it is a real pain trying to weigh two anchors at once. The 45 degree thing was my dad's favorite. It failed atleast once every forth time we used it. It is almost a joke in my family about how much we log while sleeping. I like using one anchor that is oversized with at least a boat length of chain and scope. If the anchorage is crowded, then the Bahamian moor tecnique.
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