Bahamian moor question...

[Anthony Bavuso]

I have a question about the Bahamian moor. As I understand it the Bahamian moor is where you set two anchors, one a distance off the bow, and the other a distance off the stern. But you run both rodes to the bow. My question is what is the advantage of running both rodes to the bow, as opposed to have the stern anchor rode attach to a stern cleat? It seems to me a major disadvantage to the stern rode going to the bow cleat is fouling the keel, prop, or rudder.

 

[Daniel Jonas]

Bahamian moor

Anthony,I was taught to set both anchors in a Bahamian Moor off the bow. Set the first normally and then set off at about 45 degrees from the first line (keeping it tight) and then drop a second anchor some distance from but next to the first anchor. Then pull in some line from the first and wind up in between with enough slack in the loose line (based on wind or current) to allow the line to remain below the keel / rudder as you swing.The point is to create a small circle swing as wind or current changes. Also, the instructor fouled the line in the prop during our lesson on our third practice at this. We had to be towed back in....so yes, it has some risk. I've not had a need to try it since the lessons (many years ago), but can understand how having two anchors out might make you feel better.I can't think of any reason why you could not set them the way that you described, as long as you slack the loose line enough to allow for the swing. In fact, given our 180 degree swing in local currents it seems that your method might actually be a little easier to acomplish then the way I was taught. It would have a better chance of setting the anchors directly against the current and the stern set is always going to be slack first, so very easy to play out a little line and walk it forward. Hmmmm, so why did they teach me the other way?Dan Jonas

 

[Joe Dickson]

For what it's worth...

I have always heard and read that you NEVER anchor off the stern. It's a great way to get your boat swamped...

 

[Tim Schaaf]

very useful

A Bahamian moor is very useful when you want to limit scope. It's advantage over bow and stern anchoring is that the boat swings with the current and wind, which places less load on everything. If you anchor bow and stern and the wind or current comes abeam, the anchoring loads can get very high, and you can be taking chop on the beam. Just anchor like you would bow and stern, and then lead the stern anchor line outside the boat to the bow. To retrieve, reverse the procedure.

 

[Tim King]

two anchors

Hello Anthony,Two pieces of advise:Tim says- Do not use a stern anchor unless you're in a very tight bay where waves can only build from one direction. Anchor with the bow into the waves and use the stern anchor to prevent swinging in a circle. Here in the North West we sometimes run a stern line to shore. Remember that if you use a stern anchor and other people in the harbor don't you won't swing when they do and this can cause things to go bump in the night. The only time I use a stern anchor is when I'm so close to shore that my static position won't interfer with other boats that do swing. Also remember that Murphys' Law says that if one anchor can cause a problem then two anchors WILL cause a BIG problem. If you're using two anchors to prevent swing be sure you don't interfer with other boats. If you're using two anchors to prevent draging, use a bigger single anchor.Chapman says- Set the anchors at 45 degrees with one forward of the other. This proceedure should only be used in extreem conditions. "Piloting, Seamanship and Small Boat Handling" by Chapman

 

[Dakota Jim Russell]

Bow and Stern = knockdown

Two to the bow allows the boat always to point to the wind and/or current.Bow-stern potentially means that you could take the wind athwardship off the port or starboard . . . and in a super heavy blow knock you over or at the least make one very uncomfortable. It also puts excess stress on both anchors . . . .