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Shallow anchor rope length
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Author:  yamahauler [ Wed Jul 10, 2013 9:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Shallow anchor rope length
We go to a spot on Lake Michigan where a lot of boats go close to shore and anchor in about 5ft. of water. With a sand bottom is there any rule of thumb how much anchor line should go out? Realize the shallower the angle the better but is there a general rule of thumb for my 268? A lot of boats and wave runners go in front and behind the anchored boats and worried about someone snagging the anchor line but yet need it to hold also.

Thanks
Mark
Author:  jfair [ Thu Jul 11, 2013 1:44 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Shallow anchor rope length
My boating manual says anchor chain should be 3 times the water depth in ideal conditions, 5 times in average conditions and 7 times in rough sea conditions. Rope recommendations range from 7 times to 10 times. You probably have about 40 yards of rope and 10 yards of chain spliced together? The more chain the better subject to being able to carry and stow it. Equally important is setting the anchor with moderate reverse propulsion and checking that it remains in place.
There are so many variables regarding the nature of the bottom, wind drag, current, wave action, etc that you have to develop techniques that work for you - until your next visit or the weather changes!
Author:  jnizi [ Thu Jul 11, 2013 6:53 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Shallow anchor rope length
We are anchoring just like yourself and we are finding more chain and a longer line is the trick on the stern anchor. We find about 30' - 40' in about 4' of water holds great. We tie fenders to the stern anchor line to help people see where it is.

With all the wave action, the anchor pulls easily so go long. We also normally let out about 35' of chain on the bow. Bliss may chime in since he anchors a 268 on the same beach.
Author:  Bliss36 [ Thu Jul 11, 2013 7:33 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Shallow anchor rope length
Mark,
We park at the beach in the same manner and I usually put out about 35-40' of rode in the front in calm conditions. I usually put out about the same in the rear depending on wind conditions to prevent swing. If we are planning to stay the night I'll put out more

Don't put out less rode because your concerned about someone snagging your line...that's their problem. If the wind and conditions suddenly change and you drag anchor into the boat next to you because you put out a short rode...then it's your problem :(

One final thought: If you put out more rode your exit from your beach spot should also be easier, and a straight shot out from the beach. Once you pull in your anchor you'll be out in front of the bows of the other boats preventing you from any mishaps.
Author:  jsimon [ Thu Jul 11, 2013 8:11 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Shallow anchor rope length
Bliss36 wrote:
Mark,
We park at the beach in the same manner and I usually put out about 35-40' of rode in the front in calm conditions. I usually put out about the same in the rear depending on wind conditions to prevent swing. If we are planning to stay the night I'll put out more

Don't put out less rode because your concerned about someone snagging your line...that's their problem. If the wind and conditions suddenly change and you drag anchor into the boat next to you because you put out a short rode...then it's your problem :(

One final thought: If you put out more rode your exit from your beach spot should also be easier, and a straight shot out from the beach. Once you pull in your anchor you'll be out in front of the bows of the other boats preventing you from any mishaps.


+1

Were we anchor alot, I have seen it several times when the wind suddenly changes form a good direction to a bad direction, kicking up 3 footers.

Its not a pretty sight to see whatching several boats whos anchors broke loose scrambling to not hit someone elses boat or end up on the sand bar :shock:
Author:  wkearney99 [ Fri Jul 12, 2013 12:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Shallow anchor rope length
I generally find it's better not to use two anchors (bow/stern). Better to let the boat swing around as the wind and current situations demand. The only time I'd ever use two would be if backed up to the shore with one on land. Also consider if there's anyone else in the anchorage area you'd all want to be using the same anchoring technique. If they're pivoting around on a single then you'd need to be doing the same. Otherwise someone's going to come swinging around...

I always use at least a 5:1 scope on the rode. The added length of rode allows for the weight of the line to help keep the anchor positioned to dig itself into the bottom as conditions change. This is also where having more chain at the anchor-end helps. The idea is keep that line as close to parallel with the bottom as possible. If you only use a 3:1 scope you're preventing the anchor from being positioned to do it's digging.
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