Why we don't use lunch hooks...

[Maine Sail]

People often wonder why I don't use a "lunch hook"... We always prefer to anchor with adequate ground tackle for the unexpected because the unexpected can happen suddenly.

While going through some images from last summer I found this video I had totally forgotten about....

This was a FLAT CALM day, no wind to speak of, beautiful sun and within minutes we had been clocked around 180 degrees and winds were exceeding 35-40 knots. We had a couple of gusts to 48 knots.. This is approx 46 MPH to 55 MPH winds.. As fast as the little micro-burst came up it was gone it lasted less than 6 minutes in total..

These are not all that rare and we experience roughly 2-6 of these on the hook each year. 15 years ago we had one that went over 70 knots and put all but two boats in the anchorage on the rocks.. Thousands of dollars in damage in about 4-6 minutes all because most boats in the anchorage were not prepared for the unexpected........:cussing:

 

[Benny17441]

That is reason enough for me and I'll bear it in mind when we go sailing to Maine. Even if we do not have plans at this time I do not like to rule out any world class sailing destination. When we use a lunch hook here in Florida that means we are on board (not dinking around) and for a short stay. We can see any storm approaching which gives us time to raise the hook and gain seaway. In this part of the country microburst are usually embedded in large thunderstorms which can be seen and tracked from miles away. I agree, no lunch hooks then but for the rest of the calm and lazy days the ease of throwing a small anchor over the stern is priceless.

 

[Gunni]

You also demonstrated why a proper dodger is more important than a bimini.

 

[Maine Sail]

You also demonstrated why a proper dodger is more important than a bimini.

And I did not even have time to zip my front window.....

Another good reason.. BTW this was late April in Maine.. You'd have to be nuts to be out in this in April, in Maine, without a dodger....

 

[Charlie Jones s/v Tehani]

Totally agree- any time I anchor, the main anchor goes down. ALWAYS.

 

[Scott B]

Yup, been there and why I'll never set a "lunch hook" again.

Light drizzle rain, no wind in Collins Inlet, north end of Georgian Bay, very long narrow inlet. Decided to stop and wait out the rain in the small lake mid-point. Dropped short scope ( under 4:1) and didn't set the anchor. No sooner than we had gone below and put the kettle on we got blasted and had us dancing on anchor and healing 15 deg. First one way then the other. Sustained winds were over 40 knots, max. gust was 52. Luckily the anchor pull test for the Rocna worked and we didn't budge. Afterwards went to shore to see several trees down right behind us.

Wish I'd got some pictures during but I was too scared sh$tless at the time.

 

[25yearslater]

I thinks, thinks I, after seeing this I will upgrade my ground tackle this year from my 12 lb Danforth. While I don't anchor it would be worthwhile for the maybe situation shown in the video. Definately worthwhile if the stick blows away and the iron wind croaks and I run out of sea room. The last best just in case. Thanks MaineSail.

 

[Benny17441]

In rainy cold weather a dodger is a must. Thank God the majority of our days are sunny and hot.

 

[WayneH]

Fairhope, Alabama, May 22, 2013

While not at anchor, we experienced a bit of wind. Water spout across Fly Creek went up the road and not across the docks luckily.

I've seen 45knots while waiting out a storm outside of Vermillion Bay but that picture didn't turn out to be readable. Laid to a Claw that had to be winched out of the mud using the genoa winch with 5 wraps.

The "lunch" hook is used to keep the stern of the boat from swinging into the channel when anchored up a bayou but it's a claw also.

 

[Kings Gambit]

I don't know precisely what a "lunch hook" is except that it's smaller than the main bower; something someone would normally put out as a stern hook, I suppose. The only time I ever used one is when I was anchored for a true-to-life lunch on the south side of Anacapa Island. My windlass was not working and I did not wish to deploy the 45-lb anchor and its chain only to recover it "the hard way" a hour or so later. It was only a day sail over from Channel Islands Harbor (9 n. mi.). With a working windlass, however, no expediency is gained by putting out the "lunch hook." Just anchor the boat properly; then relax-- and enjoy your LUNCH!!!