Dropping the Hook Etiquette

JK_Boston_Catalina310 · Feb 25, 2015

I know that there are some anchorages that you can't use without permission of the Harbor Master. For instance, the inner basin in Edgartown on Martha's Vineyard. The cruising guides and active captain both said you needed permission but I don't think that the charts noted this.

gettinthere · Feb 25, 2015

I've never heard of a marina with an anchorage.

Dave Groshong · Feb 25, 2015

I've anchored in both, no call necessary, although don't overstay your 72 hrs, the LifeGuard in Mission Bay can be a little rough.

Kings Gambit · Feb 25, 2015

Brian D said:
Gettingthere, Dana Point here in SoCal has two anchoring spots available. Plus, they have guest slips. Mission Bay has a small bay near all the marinas that one can drop the hook.

So, the deal basically is that there are CG-designated anchorages inside certain CA HARBORS which may appear on charts and there are some anchoring areas inside harbors where anchoring is generally permitted, but the areas are not on charts. An example of the latter in Long Beach Harbor is the anchoring that is permitted in the lee of White "Island", which is actually an oil island that supports a horizontal drilling apparatus. Then, there are areas inside harbors where you may be allowed to anchor temporarily at the discretion of the Harbor Master and with his/her permission. Anchoring inside of a MARINA is something that is not typically permitted except in an emergency. Marina fairways are not designed to have boats anchored in the patch of inbound and outbound traffic. The confusing part is that a marina and harbor may share the name. For example, there is Alamitos Bay (functionally a harbor) and the Alamitos Bay Marina. The anchorages referred to at Dana Point are anchorages inside Dana Point Harbor, but are not within the bounds of the marinas there. I don't know what authority runs Mission Bay; my guess is that there are no charted anchorages once you pass under the bridge near the entrance, but I can't say for sure.

Rick D · Feb 25, 2015

To Add To King's

I think generally it's best to simply contact the local harbor patrol and ask. Some ask for a check in, some have time restrictions, etc. They vary.

Calif. Ted · Feb 25, 2015

Brian for Dana I think I'd give them a courtesy call because they'll explain the rules, basically, don't leave the boat unattended more than an hour. If you don't call them I feel sure the patrol boat will stop by to say "Hi". When they closed the free anchorage in SD there was a problem with "visiting" boats not leaving.

Stu Jackson · Feb 25, 2015

Brian, "The LOG" publishes a yearly thing with harbors & anchorages, and most likely covers the issue you raise. I know the Bay & Delta Yachtsman publication does so for Northern California. Most likely available online, too.

Happy anchoring.

And I thought by "etiquette" you meant : "How close do I get before it bothers you?"

justsomeguy · Feb 25, 2015

It's easier to ask forgiveness, than permission?

David in Sandusky · Feb 25, 2015

Hmmm...

My understanding is that boats can anchor anywhere you can sail, unless it is expressly prohibited on an official chart, or in a mooring field. You can anchor in a marked channel, but must be ready to move if a vessel with limited maneuverability (a freighter) needs the room. An anchor on a chart shows recommended anchorages, but no anchor on the chart doesn't mean we can't anchor. We love to find great anchorages that are not on the chart!

Those principles have served us for 15 years of sailing the Great Lakes, and chartering in North America, Europe, and New Zealand.

Our first experience of anchoring prohibitions was Marathon in the Keys. I know there are other year round towns that have exerted restrictions in their waters in Florida and California. My view would be that if it is not on the chart, the harbor master has to let us know by signage, or a visit to our boat.

Finally, any anchorage is OK if conditions threaten the boat or our lives.

Ron20324 · Feb 25, 2015

Not every place you want to anchor has a Harbor Master. Anchoring might be under the control of a Government Agent whose domain could be anywhere. Said agent may have it's office in some marina. Here in Annapolis, we have what is called a "Harbor Line. That is the furthest into the waterway that may be considered Private Property(marina). Most marinas have a H.L, and where I am it is 75 feet out into the water.

We found out our harbor line was just two feet beyond the ends of the docks. Though we had been letting resident's transient guests dock there beam-to, we had been in violation of exceeding the two feet. Not doable says the Harbor Master. How picky. That would mean we could anchor right there, but not be tied to the dock. Go figure.

Benny17441 · Feb 25, 2015

Brian, some do and some don't. I follow the premise that if it is required it should be posted and clearly visible upon approach or entry.

centerline · Feb 26, 2015

it depends on the marina. if it has been built in a bay (or ocean) and has had a breakwater built all around it to specifically enclose it to create the marina, they have a permit for the entire enclosed area, so essentially they own it and make the rules.

but I seen several marinas that are built in such a manner with just docks extending far out into the natural cove that they are built in, and there is plenty of room to anchor around them.... in this case, its extremely uncommon for the marinas to be permitted to control the entire cove, so as long as you dont impede any boat traffic into or out of their marina (by their standards, NOT yours, as they do "own" the fairways) there should never be a problem.

but this would exclude anchoring where there are mooring balls, as anchoring in this area would hinder the use of the dedicated anchoring systms..... it would be like pulling in to a fairway and dropping the anchor rather than tying to the dock. not acceptable.

and it never hurts to stop by the harbormaster's office and say hi and let them know that boat they see out there is yours... maybe they dont care, or maybe they will appreciate the gesture

rfrye1 · Feb 26, 2015

Brian I have anchored in Mariners Basin/Mission a lot. No issues, never ask. At Dana I usually grab a guest slip. How about Oceanside? The guest slips are very exposed to whomever and I always worry when I leave my boat for a walk or drink. Any other suggestions in Ocesnside?

Thanks. Bob.

Rick486 · Feb 27, 2015

Edgartown Inner Basin??????

JK_Boston_Catalina310 said:
I know that there are some anchorages that you can't use without permission of the Harbor Master. For instance, the inner basin in Edgartown on Martha's Vineyard. The cruising guides and active captain both said you needed permission but I don't think that the charts noted this.

I've been going to Edgartown for 35 years and I have never heard of an "Inner Basin". Could you please explain what/where that is?
Thanks

JK_Boston_Catalina310 · Feb 28, 2015

Rick486 said:
I've been going to Edgartown for 35 years and I have never heard of an "Inner Basin". Could you please explain what/where that is? Thanks

I was referring to the anchorage noted on the chart I attached.

Ron20324 · Mar 1, 2015

In Annapolis, there are special anchorages on charts (you'd have to read note "A") for naval academy vessels use during hurricanes. Otherwise, they are usually free to use... maybe whith the exception of when subs and frigates are here.

Ron20324 · Mar 1, 2015

JK_Boston_Catalina310 said:
I was referring to the anchorage noted on the chart I attached.

Geeze, it does not look like you could anchor much of anything in that area. But maybe they are trying to protect whatever is on shore?

Dropping the Hook Etiquette

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