Bahamian Moor

[Gary Wyngarden]

An anchoring technique we like to use in isolated but narrow anchorages with limited swing room is the Bahamian Moor. You need two anchors and one particularly long rode. Place your primary anchor and let out normal scope, say 5:1, and set your anchor. Then let out an additional five times scope (this is where the really long rode comes into play) and place your second anchor. Pull yourself back up to the midpoint of the two rodes and set your second anchor being careful not to foul either rode on your prop. With both anchors set you will swing 360 degrees around your bow with a swing radius basically equal to your boat length. This technique has enabled us to anchor in some really neat places by ourselves where a one anchor technique wouldn't work.On to the question. One problem with this technique is that the keel can foul the rodes if they don't drop off quickly enough. We use a kellet on one but we have only one kellet. I just read something by Eric Hiscock in which he recommends tying the two rodes together just off the bow roller and then letting out enough additional rode (on both) until you're sure the point of attachment is below your keel. This makes a lot of sense to me. Has anyone used Hiscock's method? How did it work for you? Any problems? Thanks for your help.Gary WyngardenS/V Shibumi H335

 

[Sean]

Gary, if I'm reading this right, you set three anchors. That can't be right.

 

[Gary Wyngarden]

Just two, Sean

nm

 

[Rick Sylvester]

How about this?

Attach your single kellet to a large snap shackle that would clip over both rodes.I wouldn't actually 'tie' the rodes (if that's what you meant) as it would be difficult to get 'em apart after a big pull.Have you had problems fouling the 'lazy' rode? We anchor bahamian in the keys alot and have never had that problem. Of course, now that I've said it ...

 

[Gary Wyngarden]

Thanks, Rick

Sounds like a good idea. We have rodes that are a combination of chain and rope. If we use a scope of 5 or less, the angle is usually steep enough to clear the keel. More than 5 we usually have some problems. We'll experiment with the Hiscock techinique next time out and give you a report.Gary WyngardenS/V Shibumi H335

 

[Todd]

I use two

I regularly use a bahamian moor, I just use two kelletts. They don't have to be particualrly heavy. Just heavy enough to keep the lazy rode under your keel. I use a 50' peice of rope, cleat the middle off & lower my weights (2 diving weight belts). I tend to sleep much better this way. In our neck of the woods, there's not much appeal to diving to clear your keel/prop...