Anchoring

[mnewb1]

Do folks usually just anchor the bow, or do you also anchor the stern?

In my short first season last year, I simply anchored at the stern, but I was always concerned that I would end up hitting another boat as we swung with the wind. I definitely took this into account with distance from others, but...

 

[shrew]

Re: Anchoring

1) Anchor the same way as everyone else around you. If everyone has a bow and a stern, then if you swing bow only, it will cause complications. If everyone is bow only, then if you go bow and stern it will cause complications. If everyone is anchored on the bow, then everyone swings in teh same direction, provided you're not using dispoportionatly longer or shorter scope than everyone around you.

2) Don't anchor stern only. Anchor bow only, or bow and stern depending on what everyone around you is doing.

3) Try to anchor near similar boats. Sailboats swing a bit differently than an express cruiser, which is different than a sportfisher. find similar boats and anchor with them the same way they are anchoring and you'll be fine.

 

[I Fish]

Re: Anchoring

Always anchor from the bow first, especially if there is, or any chance of, current. If I could find the pics, I'd show you what happens if anchoring from the stern. The current pushing against the transom with the anchor rope pulling it could cause you to take water over the back. Definately a dangerous situation. A friend sunk his 16' jon boat in 10' on his maiden voyage doing this. We got his boat back, minus some equipment, but it was a long, cold day.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Anchoring

basically just anchor the same way everyone else does. (personally i'd say find a spot with fewer people!) Stern anchoring by itself isn't bad, you have to take into account where you are stern anchoring. a couple hundred acre fishing pond where the largest boat is a 16ft tinny? yeah perfectly acceptable!

 

[mnewb1]

Re: Anchoring

oops realized I put that I anchor by the stern...I meant I anchor at the bow, but I have thought I should anchor at the stern as well to stay more steady in one spot.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Anchoring

I'd say anchor like everyone else if they know what they are doing. Stern anchoring in current or waves (includnig wake) is very dangerous unless you really know what you are doing and really know your conditions. I watched a nice 25' boat sink in minutes when stern anchored in the harbor on a calm day.
Also, "anchoring" can mean a lot of things--beaching? overnight? unattended?

 

[wingless]

Re: Anchoring

My favorite was the couple in a go fast boat that anchored to the side cleat.

When the launch picked them up, her in high heels, I asked him why. He said it was easier than going up to the bow.

 

[PiratePast40]

Re: Anchoring

It depends on your boat and the water. In my closed bow runabout, we almost always anchor at the stern but this is in lakes in calm water, typically fishing in a no wake zone. It gets real interesting trying to crawl out on the bow to tie off to a forward cleat.

You mentioned that you have always tied off to the stern. I'm making an assumption that, for some reason, it's easier to go that route. Use common sense when anchoring in current or if waves are possible. You can make up some rigging so that's it's possible to anchor from the bow in a closed bow boat. You'll need to rig a bridle and use a boat hook but it's definately doable and to your advantage to figure this out. You'll need to search but there are some good threads with specific instructions about this very topic.

 

[VegasNordie]

Re: Anchoring

i always anchor at the stern do to a very low freeboard boat on a rougher lake! i may have a foot of freeboard at the stern! also tied to my anchor line i use a bungee cord to the bow to be somewhat forgiving when the 2 foot rollers come into the coves! sometimes when i anchor near a beach i will face the bow out towards the lake where the waves are coming in and i will run a line from my transom tie downs and put a steak into the beach to keep the boat from swinging into someone elses...beaching is almost always out of the question for me cause one or two good waves and she's going down!

 

[sasto]

Re: Anchoring

1) Anchor the same way as everyone else around you. If everyone has a bow and a stern, then if you swing bow only, it will cause complications. If everyone is bow only, then if you go bow and stern it will cause complications. If everyone is anchored on the bow, then everyone swings in teh same direction, provided you're not using dispoportionatly longer or shorter scope than everyone around you.

2) Don't anchor stern only. Anchor bow only, or bow and stern depending on what everyone around you is doing.

3) Try to anchor near similar boats. Sailboats swing a bit differently than an express cruiser, which is different than a sportfisher. find similar boats and anchor with them the same way they are anchoring and you'll be fine.

Very good advice, and well put.....in my opinion...shrew

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Anchoring

I sure hope he means "bow." And nothing's worse than sand on your steak no matter how you grill it

i always anchor at the stern do to a very low freeboard boat on a rougher lake! i may have a foot of freeboard at the stern! also tied to my anchor line i use a bungee cord to the bow to be somewhat forgiving when the 2 foot rollers come into the coves! sometimes when i anchor near a beach i will face the bow out towards the lake where the waves are coming in and i will run a line from my transom tie downs and put a steak into the beach to keep the boat from swinging into someone elses...beaching is almost always out of the question for me cause one or two good waves and she's going down!

 

[VegasNordie]

Re: Anchoring

I sure hope he means "bow." And nothing's worse than sand on your steak no matter how you grill it

are you serious? you knew what i meant!