Boating Tip #4: Anchoring

Download Boating Tip #4: Anchoring (PDF format, 32KB)

Anchoring –– Primary Bow Anchor

  • Look around, explore the harbor, note depths, wind direction, current, obstructions
  • Furl the headsail
  • Reverse then stop the boat, shift into neutral, and point into the wind
  • Turn the windlass battery dial to the “on” position
  • Move to the foredeck and untie the keeper line securing the anchor
  • When directed, press the windlass switch to lower the anchor
  • Kick the bow roller to release the anchor, if necessary
  • Lower the anchor until it hits bottom. Note the depth.
  • Snag the chain and make fast using the pipe and windlass brake if necessary
  • Back down very slowly and let the anchor dig in and set
  • Check that the line is set – the anchor line will be taut and the boat will face into the wind
  • Let out chain slowly and count until scope is at least 3 – 5 times the depth of the water
  • Brake the slack anchor rode
  • Test hold by putting the engine into reverse
  • Attach the snubber line – attach the hook to the bottom of a chain link and let out 15′ of line
  • Cleat the snubber line
  • Take bearings from shore, record and monitor drag
  • Set the anchor drift alarm on the chart plotter
  • Turn on the anchor light if after dusk

Anchoring –– Secondary Stern Anchor

  • Place the stern anchor in the port stern roller
  • Flake the chain and line on the port side of the boat
  • Attach the bitter end of the anchor line to the toe rail
  • After the primary bow anchor is set, slowly motor in reverse to the desired location
  • When directed, lower the anchor overboard
  • Feed out chain until the anchor hits bottom
  • Put the chain on the stern roller and close the pin
  • Snag and make fast
  • Motor forward slowly while using the windlass to retrieve some bow chain
  • Tie off the stern anchor line to a cleat

Retrieving the Stern Anchor

  • Release the windlass brake
  • Let out the bow anchor chain and back up toward the stern anchor
  • Pull up the stern line and chain while backing up slowly, being very careful not to run over the line or chain
  • When directly over the stern anchor, lock the windlass brake
  • Loosen the anchor, and announce “anchor’s aweigh” when free of the bottom
  • Dip the anchor to remove debris before bringing aboard
  • Secure the anchor, or bring aboard and stow in the stern lazarette

Retrieving the Bow Anchor

  • Start the engine, point toward the anchor, and rev the motor
  • Make sure the windlass brake is locked
  • Push down on the windlass button with your foot to engage the windlass
  • Guide the chain into the anchor locker to prevent tangles
  • Remove the hook and snubber line and retrieve
  • Motor very slowly in the direction of the anchor while using the windlass to bring the anchor chain aboard
  • When the anchor is directly below the bow, slow the windlass
  • Loosen the anchor, and announce “anchor’s aweigh” when free of the bottom
  • Bring the anchor up into the bow roller
  • Rinse the anchor to remove debris
  • Reattach the keeper line