Dumb NuB Question...

[huskerdaninva]

Feel free to laugh, but I'm a newbie to boating and asking questions is the best way I've found to learn, so....

What is the best/safest way to attach my anchor line to my little 14' Chrysler Cathedral hull? Tie it off to one of the cleats and drop anchor? Is there some kind of an "anchor" kit for small craft? How much anchor line do I need? Does it vary based upon water depth? I'd like to be able to anchor and do some fishing or what have you out on our local waterways. Any advice is greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance...

 

[Pez Vela]

Re: Dumb NuB Question...

Fasten the bitter end of your anchor line to a galvanized steel snap of the appropriate size and clip it to your bow eye for safety if you cannot find something more suitable inside your boat. Pre-spliced anchor & rode packages are available ... $155 at WM for your size boat ... includes anchor, chain and line ... Done!

 

[SteveRoss]

Re: Dumb NuB Question...

Hi There....

Here's pretty much all you need to know...

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=388835

Anchoring all depends on the bottom type and the sea state... In my little 14 foot Jon Boat, a long scope isn't necessary for a short fishing stop. However, if you intend to anchor in a larger boat an want to keep it where you put it, use at least a 7:1 scope.

And .... LOL... No questions are "Dumb Ones".... unless you haven't used the search feature. Sorry....

Respectfully...
Steve

 

[GatorMike]

Re: Dumb NuB Question...

Everytime I come across one of these anchor threads I have to laugh at myself. Years ago we were bringing 2 boats home from Bimini and due to a power outage on the island I couldn't fuel up before crossing. I ran out of fuel just a couple of miles from Ft Lauderdale. The wind was blowing out twards the gulfstream and we were less than a mile from the west wall. My buddy boat went for a fuel run but I was scared to death of drifting into the gulfstream without power and getting caught up in the northbound current. I was in 600 ft of water and obviously did not have 3000 ft of anchor line. I got a brilliant Idea. I had a Penn 12/0 reel on board with 1000 yds of 130 lb test line. I tied my anchor off to it and let out a couple thousand feet. When my buddy arrived with 5 gallons of gas they wanted to know who was going to reel that anchor in. I took out my trusty pocket knife and cut loose $100 worth of anchor and fishing line.

 

[Beefer]

Re: Dumb NuB Question...

Everytime I come across one of these anchor threads I have to laugh at myself. Years ago we were bringing 2 boats home from Bimini and due to a power outage on the island I couldn't fuel up before crossing. I ran out of fuel just a couple of miles from Ft Lauderdale. The wind was blowing out twards the gulfstream and we were less than a mile from the west wall. My buddy boat went for a fuel run but I was scared to death of drifting into the gulfstream without power and getting caught up in the northbound current. I was in 600 ft of water and obviously did not have 3000 ft of anchor line. I got a brilliant Idea. I had a Penn 12/0 reel on board with 1000 yds of 130 lb test line. I tied my anchor off to it and let out a couple thousand feet. When my buddy arrived with 5 gallons of gas they wanted to know who was going to reel that anchor in. I took out my trusty pocket knife and cut loose $100 worth of anchor and fishing line.

Now that's creative thinking! Did it hold well?

 

[GatorMike]

Re: Dumb NuB Question...

It held well enough, the seas were pretty calm and wind fairly light. 130 lb test is pretty strong against a constant pull. If there had been any chop it might have been different.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Dumb NuB Question...

McGuyver at its best.

You can tie that off to a cleat but I would throw the line out first so you don't misjudge and rip your cleat off or get an Anchor Mate, it is like a fishing reel for your anchor line, pretty handy and you don't get your hands all wet, can be had here at iboats for @ $40.

If you want to get really fancy you can get a Minn Kota deck hand electric anchor winch, got one last year and will never go back, agian here at iboats @ $150

As far as how much line to let out it depends on conditions, in calm water no current you will need alot less than if there is wind and current.

I fish a river and it usually works out to twice water depth, I use a 12lb mushroom that works well in almost all conditions but I also have an old brake roter that I filled with lead if the main anchor doesn't hold.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Dumb NuB Question...

husker, don't anchor from the stern; your boat can be pulled down and you ship water over the transom and swamp.