Preparedness to weigh anchor

[kaboboom]

Although this is a very general, newbie sailing question, I am posting it here since I now own a Hunter 25.5 so I can refer to that boat's set-up. I bought the boat from a older gentleman who has been very helpful, even taking my wife and I out to teach us how to sail. But when I've asked him about anchoring, he said he's never done it before! While I've checked that the anchor and chain is properly in the bow compartment, the anchor rode appears to be a very long and stiff rope buried in the V berth. I would think that anchoring safely would be something I would want to train my wife and myself to do quickly and safely. While there seems to be a metal loop on the bow, I suspect that is for towing, and that there must be a fairly standard approach for putting out the anchor in an emergency, even if it was simply having trouble with the outboard. Can someone point me to a procedure? My lake is not very deep, and the existing rode seems unwieldy and unhandy to get in a pinch. Thanks.

 

[ChrisM]

Check out West Marine's WestAdvisor for some basic info on anchoring here. when anchoring you do want to have a fair amount of anchor rode out as an anchor holds best when lateral forces are applied. The anchor locker of my Hunter 23 has a cleat mounted inside it. That is where I cleat off the rode when anchoring.

Cheers,

Chris

 

[peptobysmol]

Ditto to what Chris said. You Definitely want to practice dropping anchor when you have control of your boat. You should also see how fast you can get it done and make it a "game" so to speak. The last thing you want to do is have your outboard motor konk out on you with head wind blowing as you are going down the fairway at your marina. Don't ask how I know Check the line when its wet to see if it doesn't become more flexible.

 

[Scott B]

Rule #1 when we started anchoring out and still follow...... never shout or speak in a loud voice and do not yell at each other.

I found an article on hand signals that we use, which works very well.

US Sailing has a good basics on anchoring techniques and equipment.

Check on Annaoplis Book of Sailing as well for more information etc.

I also searched the various forums for techniques.

Some very good information Peter Smith and the Rocna website. Although he is plugging the Rocna anchor ( a good anchor IMHO ) it also contains some very good anchoring knowledge.

 

[Bill Jones]

Anchoring

Although this is a very general, newbie sailing question, I am posting it here since I now own a Hunter 25.5 so I can refer to that boat's set-up. I bought the boat from a older gentleman who has been very helpful, even taking my wife and I out to teach us how to sail. But when I've asked him about anchoring, he said he's never done it before! While I've checked that the anchor and chain is properly in the bow compartment, the anchor rode appears to be a very long and stiff rope buried in the V berth. I would think that anchoring safely would be something I would want to train my wife and myself to do quickly and safely. While there seems to be a metal loop on the bow, I suspect that is for towing, and that there must be a fairly standard approach for putting out the anchor in an emergency, even if it was simply having trouble with the outboard. Can someone point me to a procedure? My lake is not very deep, and the existing rode seems unwieldy and unhandy to get in a pinch. Thanks.

I assume the metal loop you mentioned is located in the front of the bow, 8 - 12 inches below the deck. If that is correct, then it is indeed for towing. Doesn't your boat have a bow roller for the anchor? The anchor would be on the outside of the roller, with the rode in the anchor locker and making sure the bitter end (end of the rode without the anchor) is secured with a good knot (bowline) in the anchor well.

That has nothing to do with anchoring, but now you are ready to follow the procedures outlined in West Marine or Chapmans, or many other books on boathandling.

Bill Jones

 

[kaboboom]

Re: Anchoring

Bill, that was actually the part I was still missing. I read the other links (thanks all), and understand now the need for the rode length and stoutness. Now let me see if it all can fit in the locker ready to be lowered as you instruct. Thanks.

 

[cephius (Dave)]

The bow roller is an option. I didn't get it on my boat because of the easy anchoring environment in my sailing area.

Kaboboom,

It sounds like you want to be familiar with the anchoring process to be prepared for an emergency. That is very commendable.

I've been sailing a long time. Some of the boats I used had no motors. My point is that once you are comfortable with the regular anchoring method, sails down and motor running, you might try it from under sail. That may be the skill most needed when an emergency anchor is dropped.

I do it often just because I'm too lazy to tilt the motor and get it started. We often drop anchor for a peaceful lunch and a swim. Its even easier to weigh anchor and sail away.

Just an old salt's two cents.

 

[C Jones]

Kaboboom, Take all of the above good information and advice then Sail over to the Harbor on the east side or up to red barn cove south of the power plant to practice. Be sure to have the end tied off to your boat first. Stiff rode or soft rode will not matter except in your hands. Mine is stiff as well. Both places are 8'-12' deep. Turn into the wind till your boat is stopped or nearly stopped, Then throw it in. 60'-75' of chain/ rode is all you need on Lake Ray Hubbard. The bottom is sandy in both places. I anchor at the Harbor every Thursday night for the concerts and stay overnight up at Red Barn cove most weekends. I use a danforth type that came with my boat and I have a claw type that works better. Give me a shout and we can meet up and I'll go out with you if you like. Charles