Placing and retrieving an anchor isn't difficult once you understand the process. Learn more about safe anchoring at Boating and Sailing.
We discussed Boat Anchoring Basics here at Boating and Sailing and now it's time to look at how to properly set and retrieve an boat anchor.
Placing an Anchor - Placing and retrieving an anchor is always easier with two people, one at the bitter end of the rode and the other warm and dry in the cockpit. A suitable anchorage needs a good holding bottom and allows enough room for the boat to swing around on the anchor as the wind and current change. It is easy to set a plow or danforth anchor in a clay, silt or sandy bottom. Once you have selected the best spot to anchor, have the boat operator turn the vessel slowly into the wind. Ensuring the anchor is firmly attached to the rode, pay it out until you feel the anchor hit bottom. At this point, ask your boat operator to slowly back up as you pay out the scope required for the selected anchorage. When you have reached your desired scope, ask the operator to stop, secure the rode to the vessel and then ask the operator to back on the rode slowly. This action will take up the slack on the rode and drive the anchor sharply into the bottom. Once you are sure the anchor is set, the vessel can be shut-down and you can then move on to other tasks.
Retrieving an Anchor - The process is nearly the reverse of placing the anchor. While you are on the cold, wet bow of the boat, have your operator slowly approach the set anchorage. If everything is right in the world, the rode will be vertical in position and the flukes of the anchor will come free of the bottom. Retrieving an anchor with an appropriate anchor saves a great deal of pain and energy. If the anchor doesn't come free immediately, there are a couple things that can be tried. Have the operator reposition the boat to give the anchor stock a pull from a different direction. A couple pulls from a couple different angles is usually enough the solve the problem. Another trick is to use a anchor trip line. Most anchors have an attachment point for a trip line. It is at a point on the anchor where a pull on the line will back the anchor out of the bottom.
Anchoring Hints – Anchoring a boat is an exercise in physics. All is a function of heavy gear, applied force, friction and proper angles. Lean towards heavy ground tackle and invest in an anchor winch to retrieve it. Carry one anchor system onboard that is fully ready to be deployed during an emergency. Trying to find all the parts and pieces won't be enjoyable just after hitting a log or rock. Attaching a heavy weight near the junction of the chain and line of the rode can greatly keep the anchor stock down on the bottom. A heavy trolling or downrigger weight with a snap connector works well. Never attach an anchor rode to the stern of the boat. The boat won't ride well on the rode and water can be forced over the transom of many smaller boats.
Recommended Ground Tackle
- Main and backup anchors sized for the vessel and bottom conditions, equipped with shackles, chain and line rode
- Sea anchor with at least 200 feet of line
- Optional Items: Trip line and rode weight
