[C320-list] Anchoring tips?

[Scott Thompson]

I know it sounds obvious, but pay attention to the water depth not just 
where you are, but where you might be after a wind or tide shift.  You'd 
be amazed at how many boats anchor in deep water only to find themselves 
aground after a wind shift.  On the Chesapeake we don't have to worry 
about tides much, but in Maine you will also need to take careful 
account of the tide.

Regarding scope, it's rare that I have the luxury of even 7:1 scope in 
the narrow creeks and sometimes crowded anchorages around here.  You 
will need to look at what others are doing and make sure that you have 
enough swinging room.  Vessels using all chain will typically have less 
scope and will swing in a smaller circle than vessels using a lot of 
rope.  Remember that deeper draft vessels will swing more slowly with 
the wind and will be affected more by tidal currents.  Large power boats 
tend to swing more quickly with the wind due to lots of windage.

If you tow a dinghy, watch out for the tow line when backing down.  I 
learned the hard way.

Mostly, don't sweat it.  Anchoring out is easy.

Scott

Paul Rickman wrote:
> Robert,
> 
> Make sure you check the charts, try to anchor in mud, sand, not rocks. 
> Turn directly into the wind -- drop the anchor and put down 7 to 1 scope, 10 to 1 in
> a blow. Just let the boat fall back trying to keep her into the wind by snubbing some
> on the the rode. When you think the anchor is set, back down on it to get a good set.
> 
> Then watch to make certain you are drifting.
> 
> Here in the Chesapeake Bay, I try not to anchor out in the wind. Find a nice cove, creek etc.
> You can search out some anchoring techniques on the WEB. 
> 
> Good luck.
> 
> Paul
> Affinity 657
> Bay Bridge Marina
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ________________________________
> From: Robert Seastream <robert.seastream at comcast.net>
> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
> Sent: Mon, July 5, 2010 8:02:56 PM
> Subject: [C320-list] Anchoring tips?
> 
> All:
> 
> We're going to have our first try at anchoring out overnight on our 320 this summer.  Vaughn Island (ME) is one of our stops next week as we work our way up to Yarmouth, ME for the clam festival.  Vaughn only has an anchor field  We understand the concept of anchoring (set the anchor, have enough scope out, etc.), but theory is one thing, experience another.  We'd welcome input from those who've 'been there, done that' with their 320.  We have a Delta 'Fast Set' anchor, along with about 30' of chain rode and 250' of line.
> 
> Bob Seastream
> Intuition # 906
> 

-- 
Scott Thompson
Surprise, #653