Anchoring follies

[Stagdad]

I'm sure most here are old pros at anchoring but for newbies and first time owners, here are the numerous mistakes I see at my lake. (1)Buy an anchor that suits your bottom topography. I see the people dropping "mushroom" style, soft bottom anchors at our rocky craggy lake. Hard to beat a Danforth style for all-purpose. (2) Use an anchor that is larger than something seen on a Mr. T starter kit jewelery chain. Dispense with the 3 lb. one that came with the orange Mae West life jackets or use it as secondary. (3) Put at least a 4 ft. or better yet 6 ft. of coated or galvanized chain between the anchor and the anchor rope. (rode). This keeps the anchor digging into the bottom and the rode will pull on the chain and not trying to uproot the anchor. (4) Use plenty of scope. Not mouthwash, but simply more line. The books call for 7:1 or better depth to rode ratio but sometimes it's just not possible. In other words don't try to anchor in 40 ft of water with a 50 ft. rode.(5) Don't anchor in the middle of the channel. I have gained many new "neighbors" on a windy day when they inevitably drift into my once secluded area. Again, just offering up some friendly advice for those not in the know. I am not an old navy, coast guard or licensed skipper and still have lots to learn, but have seen all of these things over years of recreational boating. Stay safe, Brian

[Cobalt262]

We've all been there Stagdad!

[Cobalt262]

I even hit the same rock...TWICE. My wife likes to bring that one up when she's mad at me.

[Big Block Power]

I even hit the same rock...TWICE. My wife likes to bring that one up when she's mad at me.

With your anchor. That's pretty good.
We can't see our rocks in our lake of their in a foot or more water. Lol

[tgrace98]

Great post Stag! I boat on a man made lake. So lots of sunken trees and rock to grab on to. It is also a very deep lake as it’s carved out of the Ozark mountains. So I have a 7lb digger anchor with 100ft of rope. It grabs like crazy! I’ve almost given up and tossed the rope in the water a few times. Last time I anchored this past season I spent 5 minutes yanking at it with the boat going forward and reverse. Finally I snapped the branch it was lodged around and pulled up half a tree lol.

[cmattj]

I even hit the same rock...TWICE. My wife likes to bring that one up when she's mad at me.

With your anchor. That's pretty good.
We can't see our rocks in our lake of their in a foot or more water. Lol

Ahh yes the "whats on the anchor?" as it comes into view 4 inches form the surface.


Nice Share Stagdad. Always good to reflect on different methods and terrains for anchoring!

[AsLan7]

Great stuff stagdad!

[Ytmsn]

Stag I know you're new here and I thought you were speaking BBisms when you kept calling the rope a rode. Then I saw you used parenthesis, and you meant too. Then I Googled it. Oh Jeesh. I almost pulled a BB...

Oh, okay. Shut up yt and just set over there nodding your head up and down when Stag is talking. Try not to look to confused because you might learn something here. This guy knows what he is talking about. Great post!

[Alaskabound]

Hey Yt, he’s from Ky. Kentucky . . . .fast horses, great bourbon, beautiful women, and knowledgeable boaters!

Dub

[Stagdad]

Did I mention that most of my drifting "neighbors" are from the "Buckeye Navy" that is in full force on weekends?

[NautiGirl]

Did I mention that most of my drifting "neighbors" are from the "Buckeye Navy" that is in full force on weekends?

Ahhhh the OHIO Navy....