how to anchor a boat at the sand bar. NEED HELP AND IDEAS

[dkorzun21]

I was wondering.. Im going to the sand bar this weekend and was wonder how I anchor with 2 anchors. I know that you usally put one in the front and one in the back..Correct? Not sure how long the rope should be. And if I have to take the wind into factore. When I pull up to the sand bar I will be facing the land with my transom to the open lake. What should I do? And when I pull up do I just trailer up the motor and pull in once I get about 4 feet or so of water. Help would be great thanks to all.

Or just lmk what works for you.

 

[mphy98]

Re: how to anchor a boat at the sand bar. NEED HELP AND IDEAS

If I remember correctly it is 10 feet of rope for every foot of water. Bow and stearn is correct

 

[Adjuster]

Re: how to anchor a boat at the sand bar. NEED HELP AND IDEAS

Are you going to be beaching or anchoring out in water? Will there be other fast boat traffic creating wake near you? Safest way is to turn your boat around stern to the beach bow to open water. Bow anchor 30 feet out or so. Stern anchor into the sand on the beach. Position boat so it is in 2-3 feet of water. Let out line accordingly. You said lake right? Meaning no tides? If you are going to beach raise the motor and shove the boat up onto the sand. Driving the boat onto the sand risks too much debris getting sucked into the water pump. Use the bow anchor in the beach sand as a safety precaution in case a big wake comes by that could wash your boat off the sand. If appropriate you can tie up to trees or anything else solid on the beach.

 

[dkorzun21]

Re: how to anchor a boat at the sand bar. NEED HELP AND IDEAS

Are you going to be beaching or anchoring out in water? Will there be other fast boat traffic creating wake near you? Safest way is to turn your boat around stern to the beach bow to open water. Bow anchor 30 feet out or so. Stern anchor into the sand on the beach. Position boat so it is in 2-3 feet of water. Let out line accordingly. You said lake right? Meaning no tides? If you are going to beach raise the motor and shove the boat up onto the sand. Driving the boat onto the sand risks too much debris getting sucked into the water pump. Use the bow anchor in the beach sand as a safety precaution in case a big wake comes by that could wash your boat off the sand. If appropriate you can tie up to trees or anything else solid on the beach.

Ok, There is alittle bit of a wake that comes through there but mostly from boat just passing by or leaving only going like 5 mph.

So the best way would be pull up to the sandbar back in till about 4 feet of water. Turn off the boat with the bow facing the open lake stern facing shore and then pull it in till water more shallow to 2-3 feet and anchor front and rear 30 feet out?

Then when leaving pull up anchors pull boat out to about 4-5 feet of water jump in start it up and good to go?

 

[dkorzun21]

Re: how to anchor a boat at the sand bar. NEED HELP AND IDEAS

Ok, There is alittle bit of a wake that comes through there but mostly from boat just passing by or leaving only going like 5 mph.

So the best way would be pull up to the sandbar back in till about 4 feet of water. Turn off the boat with the bow facing the open lake stern facing shore and then pull it in till water more shallow to 2-3 feet and anchor front and rear 30 feet out?

Then when leaving pull up anchors pull boat out to about 4-5 feet of water jump in start it up and good to go?

??? AND HOW MUCH WEIGHT 15- 20 pounds,

 

[Mark42]

Re: how to anchor a boat at the sand bar. NEED HELP AND IDEAS

??? AND HOW MUCH WEIGHT 15- 20 pounds,

It all depends on the size of the boat.

 

[south texas]

Re: how to anchor a boat at the sand bar. NEED HELP AND IDEAS

It all depends on the size of the boat.

What's up with the font??

 

[Floatsum]

Re: how to anchor a boat at the sand bar. NEED HELP AND IDEAS

"Sandbar" - can I assume it's salt?

You'll have to take into account, wind direction and force, tide flow and change, traffic, others.

If you anchor in 4 ft on the bottom of the tide, how deep when you leave at flood tide? (or visa verse)

Stern to shore is always a good idea.

If you can find a place where the boat will anchor parallel to shore it's equally nice as long as the stern isn't setting to the slop.
If you can, anchore on a long line and run the stern line to shore and anchor. Pull the stern line and the boat comes to you.

If you can anchor on the off side and boat points towards land, but land seperates boat from the slop, just let out a long bowline.

It really does depend on conditions.

 

[Numlaar]

Re: how to anchor a boat at the sand bar. NEED HELP AND IDEAS

I am a bit confused... You said you are going to anchor on a sandbar, but that you want to point the bow facing the open "lake"??

Are you anchoring on a freshwater lake, or out along the coast somewhere?

(sorry for the silly question, just not used to seeing sandbars in lakes where i'm from)...

Reason I ask is, if its out in "open water", I was advised by marine officers to never ever use 2 anchors (bow and stern) because of the waves (I had mine like this and they almost cited me for it)... it doesnt allow the boat to ride the wave properly, and can sink/swamp it if a big wave comes over the front/back...

If you are on a lake, then the chance of "large" waves is probably slim (except from other boat wakes), so you would be fine with 2 anchors.

That being said, the anchor you want to use really depends on the bottom... if its mostly sandy, then I use a Danforth/Fluke type anchor (we call em sand spikes )...

I assume by your posting the big question with weight, you want to know how heavy of an anchor to get...

here is a link to them here Anchorsand you can pick out which is the best for your boat...

My general rule of thumb is, more is better, and I usually go with the next weight size up for my boats, that way if it gets windy I know I have a good solid heavy hold...

Hope that helps!

 

[dkorzun21]

Re: how to anchor a boat at the sand bar. NEED HELP AND IDEAS

Ok thanks for the above advice, Here is what im faced with I have never been to a sand bar before so i have no clue how to anchor with the wind. I have a 20ft open bow boat which weights about 2800 pounds. Im boating on a lake with a sandy bottom at the sand bar. Im unable to anchor on land or tie a rope around a tree. Im Know I should get a danforth anchor, rope and chain but here are my questions.

1. Im getting a danforth anchor how heavey should it be for a 20 ft boat?
2. Im getting 3 feet of chain but how long should my rope be?
3. How to a park when I pull up to the sand bar? Bow facing the land , stern facing the lake?
4. how far should the ropes be in the front and back of the boat so its not hitting other people boats?
5.Should I place the anchor in the front and back or is there a better way. And where do you anchor to the tube pull hook in the middle or just the dock hooks on the left or right( just pick one)

This is what im think lmk if you have any trick or think i should do this diffrent this weekend.

Go buy a danforth 15lb anchor 3 feet of chain and 40 ft of rope.

At the lake.
pull up to the sand bar, Find a spot back the boat in until im at about 3-4ft of water and then jump out pull the boat closer to shore about 2-3 ft of water and raise the lower unit so it doesnt hit against the bottom.

Then anchor the front and back of the boat about 20 feet out from the boat in the front and the back and barry the anchors under sand and im good to go? NO matter what the wind might bring? PLEASE HELP ME OUT AND WHAT YOU THINK SORRY TO CONFUSE PPL BUT IM KINDA NERVOUS ABOUT DOING THIS EVERY ONES LIKE YOU DONT WANT TO MESS UP YOUR LOWER UNIT OR PROP AND YOU DONT WANT TO MESS UP ANCHORING AND HAVE YOUR BOAT BUMP INTO SOMEONE ELSES. BECOMING MORE STRESSSFUL THEN I THOUGHT.

 

[arks]

Re: how to anchor a boat at the sand bar. NEED HELP AND IDEAS

If there is ANY significant wave action you should anchor with the bow facing the waves. Doesn't matter if it's salt or fresh, lake or coastal.

For normal conditions, a 7:1 scope is recommended. For example, if the water depth is 6' and your anchor is cleated 2' above the surface you'd need to deploy 56' of line. Rough or windy conditions require more scope, typically 10:1.

I boat in tidal waters and often use bow and stern anchors during good weather. Here's a shot of last weekend where I had both anchors out and a few friends tied to my boat. The sandbar was to my stern and waves came from the bow.

The conditions that day were good - but not great - because the wind was blowing 15-20 from the stern (note the flags). It was a bit tricky to set the bow anchor and back INTO the wind, but I was able to do it without any issues. I made sure my stern anchor was firmly set because that anchor actually did most of the holding all day. As the tide changed I adjusted the lines to keep them both tight and maintain enough depth to prevent the boat from touching.
BTW- my stern anchor is a Fortress FX-16 which is rated for boats up to 38'. I have it rigged exclusively for use as a stern anchor and keep 6' of chain and 50' of line on it. Fortress anchors make great stern anchors because they're lighter than conventional steel anchors. Here's a good anchoring guide from them: http://www.fortressanchors.com/safe_anchoring.html

 

[JoLin]

Re: how to anchor a boat at the sand bar. NEED HELP AND IDEAS

Ok thanks for the above advice, Here is what im faced with I have never been to a sand bar before so i have no clue how to anchor with the wind. I have a 20ft open bow boat which weights about 2800 pounds. Im boating on a lake with a sandy bottom at the sand bar. Im unable to anchor on land or tie a rope around a tree. Im Know I should get a danforth anchor, rope and chain but here are my questions.

1. Im getting a danforth anchor how heavey should it be for a 20 ft boat?
2. Im getting 3 feet of chain but how long should my rope be?
3. How to a park when I pull up to the sand bar? Bow facing the land , stern facing the lake?
4. how far should the ropes be in the front and back of the boat so its not hitting other people boats?
5.Should I place the anchor in the front and back or is there a better way. And where do you anchor to the tube pull hook in the middle or just the dock hooks on the left or right( just pick one)

This is what im think lmk if you have any trick or think i should do this diffrent this weekend.

Go buy a danforth 15lb anchor 3 feet of chain and 40 ft of rope.

At the lake.
pull up to the sand bar, Find a spot back the boat in until im at about 3-4ft of water and then jump out pull the boat closer to shore about 2-3 ft of water and raise the lower unit so it doesnt hit against the bottom.

Then anchor the front and back of the boat about 20 feet out from the boat in the front and the back and barry the anchors under sand and im good to go? NO matter what the wind might bring? PLEASE HELP ME OUT AND WHAT YOU THINK SORRY TO CONFUSE PPL BUT IM KINDA NERVOUS ABOUT DOING THIS EVERY ONES LIKE YOU DONT WANT TO MESS UP YOUR LOWER UNIT OR PROP AND YOU DONT WANT TO MESS UP ANCHORING AND HAVE YOUR BOAT BUMP INTO SOMEONE ELSES. BECOMING MORE STRESSSFUL THEN I THOUGHT.

Take a deep breath. I don't know why you didn't simply continue this same thread from the other day. I advised you to use google to understand the basics of ground tackle and anchoring a boat.

Your first, best source of information is other boaters who are boating in that same area. What are they using? You were at that sand bar once before and got turned away. How were the other boats anchored? Bow in? Bow out? On a protected lake it might not make any difference- on Lake Michigan it might.

That said, some general information:

1. Danforth anchor weight for a 20' boat? GO TO THE DANFORTH ANCHOR SITE, but I'm betting it's around 7 or 8 lbs. Your stern or secondary anchor can usually be lighter

2. length of rope needed is all defined by formulas that you'll find quickly when you look up the correct anchor weight. Rule of thumb is:

Depth of water + distance from surface of water to your tie-off cleat, TIMES a factor of from 3 to 7 depending on wind and wave conditions. If you're anchoring in 10 feet of water on a calm day, and your anchor cleat is 3' above the surface of the water...

10 + 3 X (3 or 4) = 39 to 52 feet of rode. Anywhere from 40-50 feet should work fine. BUT, this is going to vary depending on how much wind and wave force you're subjected to. If your anchor has a good "bite" on the bottom, a factor of 5 should generally see you through whatever you'd be out in. If your anchor drags you can put out more rode

3. Same as all or most of the others. If they're pointed every which way, that's a good indication that that area isn't subject to a lot of wave action. In that case pick whatever's easiest for you to get on and off the boat.

4. You want to put out roughly the same length or rode, fore and aft, as everyone else so your boat floats and sways in synch with the others.

5. Don't secure your anchor rode to your tow hook. Secure it to your bow or stern cleats

Don't get so stressed out that you forget to enjoy it....

And by the way- do everyone on the water (including yourself) a favor and take a boating course

 

[arks]

Re: how to anchor a boat at the sand bar. NEED HELP AND IDEAS

OK I'll try....

1. Im getting a danforth anchor how heavey should it be for a 20 ft boat?

IMO at least 12 pounds, but bigger is always better.

2. Im getting 3 feet of chain but how long should my rope be?

Depends on how deep you EVER intend to anchor. Remember that 7:1 rule. I boat in relatively shallow water and keep 200 feet of rode (the name for anchor line).

3. How to a park when I pull up to the sand bar? Bow facing the land , stern facing the lake?

How you anchor ALWAYS depends on the waves- the bow has to be facing them. NO EXCEPTIONS.

4. how far should the ropes be in the front and back of the boat so its not hitting other people boats?

Don't really understand this question. Always anchor clear of other boats.

5.Should I place the anchor in the front and back or is there a better way.

There are many different ways to anchor but for nice days where you don't want the boat to swing, bow and stern anchoring works best.

And where do you anchor to the tube pull hook in the middle or just the dock hooks on the left or right( just pick one)

Doesn't really matter but make sure the "hooks" (cleats) are plenty sturdy- they should have some kind of backer plate underneath the fiberglass.

Go buy a danforth 15lb anchor 3 feet of chain and 40 ft of rope.

Good size but I'd pack more rode- 75' minimum, better to have 100'.

At the lake.
pull up to the sand bar, Find a spot back the boat in until im at about 3-4ft of water and then jump out pull the boat closer to shore about 2-3 ft of water and raise the lower unit so it doesnt hit against the bottom. Then anchor the front and back of the boat about 20 feet out from the boat in the front and the back and barry the anchors under sand and im good to go? NO matter what the wind might bring?

That's pretty accurate- it's best to set an anchor while still in deeper water and back into the shallow. Once in the shallow, tie the second anchor to the boat, get off the boat and walk it out and push it into the bottom. Get back aboard and snug up both rodes.

PLEASE HELP ME OUT AND WHAT YOU THINK SORRY TO CONFUSE PPL BUT IM KINDA NERVOUS ABOUT DOING THIS EVERY ONES LIKE YOU DONT WANT TO MESS UP YOUR LOWER UNIT OR PROP AND YOU DONT WANT TO MESS UP ANCHORING AND HAVE YOUR BOAT BUMP INTO SOMEONE ELSES. BECOMING MORE STRESSSFUL THEN I THOUGHT.

Don't stress out too much- it's not that difficult. You just need some practice! PLEASE start by anchoring somewhere on a nice (calm) day where there are no boats nearby. You'll quickly figure out what to do- and what NOT to do.
Good luck!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: how to anchor a boat at the sand bar. NEED HELP AND IDEAS

completely covered here http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=300472

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: how to anchor a boat at the sand bar. NEED HELP AND IDEAS

This is how I also do it and it works out well for my 20' bowrider, when pulling up to bank I time killing the engine so when I touch on the bank gentley the sterndrive is already raised and I am on the stern ready to throw my anchor in and tie her off by the time I touch up, rope is taunt, I jump off the bow and grab my bow line and have a stake driven into the ground to tie off to, by then the stern is good and taunt the bow is tied off, I am beached! pics show what I mean.

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: how to anchor a boat at the sand bar. NEED HELP AND IDEAS

dkorzun21,

Here is what i do in the 26ft wellcraft-high profile& catches lot of wind- swings back and forth on a single anchor off the bow- thats why I set TWO anchors off the bow facing the wind-spead them out at 45degrees apart-7/1scope.
i use danforth anchors-they dig into the sand-light weight and are cheap!

i do this every weekend on a very crowded sanbar on lake grapevine. boat will swing with the wind but not back & forth.

BTW- be careful backing into a sandbar- outdrives/outboards have some shock protection going forward but when they strike an object in reverse there is none. raise drive and float or jump out and push back.

there are many beautiful sand bars in freshwater rivers & lakes where i am from--

Take your time and have fun!

 

[Les Robb]

Re: how to anchor a boat at the sand bar. NEED HELP AND IDEAS

With all the information given you should be able to anchor any boat under any conditions if you heed the advice posted. At least you made the effort to learn before you jumped into a possibly dangerous situation.

In Stuart Fl my wife and I used to go out to a natural reforming sandbar despite all the dredging to watch the 4th of July comedy hour. ( or perhaps the tradgedy ) Anyway, you had wind tides current not to mention the huge number of weekend cruisers plowing out the inlet producing monster wakes. To make a long story short many boats were awash, a few wound up high and dry on the bar, and one even broke loose although kind boaters were able to secure it and return it to the owner. Ah the good ole days. Be glad you have learned a little about anchoring, it could save your life if you ever are in coastal waters on a strong outgoing tide and you loose your engine. Drifting out the inlet with no power and incoming waves outgoing tide put your PFD on and call for help.

Safe boating ya'll

 

[RWilson2526]

Re: how to anchor a boat at the sand bar. NEED HELP AND IDEAS

I see you are in albany....are you going to lake george by chance...if you are dont sweat it .....just drop you anchor, let out some line...make sure your not still moving....if you are , put out a little more.

 

[highN'dry]

Re: how to anchor a boat at the sand bar. NEED HELP AND IDEAS

I gauge where I want the boat to be and where I need the front anchor, a light weight Fortress with 10 feet of chain (19 foot BW Outrage), and I motor to that point and drop the anchor, snug it into forward gear and spin the boat to point at the beach, momentarily snug the anchor to set it and then slack it off and when I am where I want the rear anchor toss it over and then I pull up on the bow anchor to swing the boat stern in and take up some rode. Then I set the rear anchor with a short pull and tie it off. Now I am suspended between two anchors in about three or four feet or less. An anchor buddy on the stern anchor is nice. I use an 8 pound mushroom for the stern, the Fortress is about a 4 or 6 pound, cannot remember, it is aluminum.

 

[Floatsum]

Re: how to anchor a boat at the sand bar. NEED HELP AND IDEAS

3 foot of chain for a 20 foot boat?

Perhaps I've been in the salt too long after all. :redface: