dropping the hook

[Dave]

I am brand new to boating and own a MacGregor 26. What are the "rules of the road" for dropping the anchor to spend the night? We will be out mostly in Grand Traverse Bay/Lake Michigan, but may have it in smaller lakes. Any advice from seasoned veterans would be appreciated, thanks.

 

[patrick]

Read up on scope

Check the West Marine catalog for basics.Look for underwater cables, signs on your chart of pilings, rocks, logs, etc.Don't drop your hook on someone elses and try to put yours in such a way that you don't swing into someone else. Be aware that other people are not to be counted on to be so considerate.

 

[Rob Morton]

Proper Anchoring

Sleeping out on the boat is great. If there are other boats out make sure as was mentioned leave enough room to swing. IF it is a place where others will be coming into we try to not just anchor in the center of things but leave room for others as well. I think technicly you are supposed to have an anchor light on the top of the mast as well. If you tie the stern to shore make sure its not out where someone may try to get by you and the shore. On a different note that we discovered is to tie a rope and hang it over the side to grab on to when you come back to the boat with the dingy. It makes it much easier to grb and get back onto the boat. We always set another anchor if we even begin the think we will need it. There are also some items in the archives about it or in chapmans or some other book as well. Enjoy the boat!Rob Morton

 

[higgs]

Good spots

Traverse Bay is a great cruising ground. We anchored at Bowers Harbor - well protected. We went ashore and walked to a great restaurant south of the harbor - can'tremember the name, but worth the mile or so trek.Northport is my favorite. I stayed in the Marina, but I beleive there were boats anchored just north. Have fun!My pet peeve at anchorages is generators running at night. I would gues you don't have one on your 26.

 

[Dick of Sylvan]

Regs

Check out US Coast Guard regs for where not to anchor and for mashead lighting requirements. Also check at Traverse Marinas for local requirements, and check out the archives of this forum for other's advice. Be prepared for dragging anchor and other possible problems at night. Sleep lightly and have options thought out ahead of trouble.