Any Tricks For A Stuck Anchor?

[Captain Nemo]

I lost my anchor the other day on what must have been a rocky bottom on Lake Winnipesaukee. It was a windy day, maybe that's why. Any words of wisdom how to deal with a stuck anchor in the future? I appreciate your input. Happy 4th of July everyone!

 

[Captain Nemo]

oops, sorry, wrong category. How can I move this to the "General Discussion" category?

 

[Hampton]

The key is to not pull on it in such a way that it continues to function as designed and hoping to pull hard enough to break it free. If you can drive straight toward the anchor until you are directly over it, taking in line as you go, then secure the line and continue past the anchor in the same direction, it should overcome the grip it has on the bottom and break it free without exceeding the capabilities of the anchor or rode.

If you do that, and it's still stuck, consider keeping the boat over the top and try raising and lowering it as much as possible to release the log or cable that it may be caught on. If you can, snorkel down to help free it. Beyond that, there's not much more I know that you can do. There are techniques with separate lines, but I'm no expert with them.

Make sure you don't run over your own line. If the anchor is simply in the sand, rock, and mud, pulling from the opposite side from the way you were anchored should do the trick.

 

[At Ease]

If you are in an area like Winnepesaukee which has a rocky bottom, you may want to invest in a product like anchor saver. I have heard from others that they work will and have saved their anchor. Just a thought.

http://www.quickline.us/anchorSaver.asp

 

[mistercomputerman]

Don't let this become you:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/03/27/florida.nfl.capsize/

You did the right thing by ditching the anchor.

 

[Captain Nemo]

This Anchor Saver product is very interesting. I already went to their website, will watch their video and study it. I appreciate this great hint, thanks!

 

[Captain Nemo]

John, I did just about everything you described, to no avail. In addition to driving the boat over it, I extended the line a lot and yanked it, hoping that the shallower angle of attack might unlock the anchor. Windy as hell, I think that drove in the anchor between rocks too good to be tampered with without causing unnecessary damage... I appreciate your advice, have a nice evening.