How Well Do You Sleep at Anchor?

ric · **Posted:** Tue May 07, 2013 9:10 am

I've been having anchor issues with my new boat but I must have at least 2 weeks worth of overnighting on it already. Sure a cuddy isn't the space of a cruiser, but considering my HOA has a 22ft limit its the best I can get!

Backdraft · **Posted:** Tue May 07, 2013 9:18 am

Using an anchor alarming device/app sounds like a great idea. Found a bunch of so-so free apps on Google Play, but there's one on there for around 6$ that has excellent reviews... Wish Navionics would add that feature!

ric · **Posted:** Tue May 07, 2013 9:24 am

Are you android? I'll try to find a hacked version of the top paid anchor apps

Bliss36 · **Posted:** Tue May 07, 2013 9:34 am

I have an Android and have been playing with that app that jgreve75 recommended called Drag Queen. It was also recommended by Active Captain and was free. Seems like it might work well and has a cool alarm.

Backdraft · **Posted:** Tue May 07, 2013 9:41 am

Yep, using Android. "My Anchor Watch Pro" seems like the best value and has solid reviews for being installed over 1,000 times. Don't mind buying the app to support the developer! $6.00 is fair, $15.00 on the other hand for "Anchor Alert" is a bit overpriced IMHO!

Decision · **Posted:** Tue May 07, 2013 9:45 am

I think everyone will agree that the prudent thing to do when considering anchoring overnight is to evaluate the following:

- suitablity of your existing anchor size and style, including your rode/chain and hardware for the area in which you plan to overnight.

- What is the expected winds and forecasted wind changes (and for you tidal guys - current changes). Is there potential for storms while you are at anchor?

- What are the risks if your anchor does drag or break free?

Spending some time reading about anchoring techniques is time well spent. If you are interested in considering using two anchors and why you may want to use two depending on your specific circumstances google "Bahamian Moor" and using two anchors at 45 degrees.

If I was replacing my anchor, rode and chain I would absolutley upsize as best I could within the limitations of my windlass, then I to would be more comfortable using one anchor depending on where and how I want to anchor.

Good thread.

Mike.

rpengr · **Posted:** Tue May 07, 2013 10:59 am

Anyone sleep out on a Horizon or other open boat? I have been thinking about it since I have the futon style bench seat, and also have bow filler cushions. Would never be able to talk the admiral into it though.

I once slept on the bow of my 16' ski boat anchored in Biscayne Bay Miami, about 100 yards west of Eliott Key. Didn't sleep much though, but had to go out there because the mosquitoes were so bad on the island, but they don't cross the salt water.

ric · **Posted:** Tue May 07, 2013 11:12 am

Ppl put mosquito nets over their bimini

JAK · **Posted:** Wed May 15, 2013 5:46 am

Ben, I sent you a PM.

Paul I. · **Posted:** Wed May 15, 2013 8:11 am

Jdpber wrote:

Check your gps. I know Grandads 65' has an anchor warning you can set. Aka I'd boat moves more than regular swing it sounds when anchor pulls.

Yep!!

Just set the anchor drag alarm on the GPS.

wkearney99 · **Posted:** Sun May 19, 2013 11:47 am

Problem with using the setting on the chart plotter is those often draw QUITE a lot of power. I'd kill my banks of batteries if I left the plotter running overnight just for that. That and the alarm is makes isn't really loud enough to wake us down below.

The phone apps work, just don't set it for too tight a swing. Depending on where you're anchored the boat could swing around quite a lot during the night.

In the end it's often better to just make sure you've got the right ground tackle on board and that you've made secure use of it. Because even with the anchor alarm are you REALLY prepared to get jolted awake and be ready to do something about it RIGHT AWAY? Cripes, I've had the CO alarms go off (low battery trigger) and even THAT was an adventure trying to unravel at 3AM while still half-in-the-bag... Try reading that tiny-ass print in the sensor's manual in the wee hours after a few pitchers of margaritas...

Paul I. · **Posted:** Tue May 21, 2013 8:36 am

I have a Garmin 740 and I have no problems with it killing my battery. I do turn the screen and use a LED anchor light.

But the phone app I have heard of from other boaters. There main reason was, they would leave the wifs phone on board running the app. If the anchor slipped, than the wifes phone would call the husband to warn them. Now thats good!!

Ccmblack · **Posted:** Thu May 23, 2013 1:13 am

Take a GPS reading of the hook point. Then, when you can't sleep, take a look at the GPS and don't have to climb out of the sack.

wkearney99 · **Posted:** Thu May 23, 2013 4:48 am

Ccmblack wrote:

Take a GPS reading of the hook point. Then, when you can't sleep, take a look at the GPS and don't have to climb out of the sack.

Right, wake up in the middle of the night, read the small print and try and do the math on degrees, minutes, seconds off the previous numbers? Or just set-and-forget an app on the phone.

john55c · **Posted:** Thu May 23, 2013 6:33 am

Any recommended apps for an iPhone? I found "DragQueen Anchor Alarm" in the app store, just not sure what kind of alarm I would get with an app name like that! :lol:

www.iFourWinns.com

How Well Do You Sleep at Anchor?

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