Auto anchors

[Big Pete]

Hi My 200 Cuddy has one of them power winched Anchors that sit at the front.

Now how do you use them ?

Do you just release anchor and unwind 5 times water depth , and then use the power winch to pull all the line back and the boat back and sit back and watch ?

or do you drop anchor drift 5 times depth , when time to recover use slow forward with the winch to recover ?

I have not got a clue so whats the routine ?

 

[fc3]

Auto anchors. Never saw the need for them. Usually just set the car's or truck's transmission in park and set the parking break. I guess if you live in a very hilly place or have a manual transmission, an anchor might be a good idea, but darned if I know how to set the flukes in asphalt.

Best regards,
Frank

 

[randmhall]

Damn Frank, that was a good answer. But I know for a fact that flukes don't work, unless there are pot holes. I use one of the mushroom type on my truck when i'm on a hill. that or just let it ease back into the car downhill so I don't scratch it.

 

[Big Pete]

Well, I guess we should give him the benefit of doubt, being that he is a Spaniard and all.

The motor in your windlass is not meant for pulling your boat's weight during the retrieval of your anchor. Thus, you should motor ahead as you retrieve the rode.

As for scope, 7 to 1 plus the height of the bow above the water is a good number in most cases, but on a calm day, with your boat being rather light, 5 to 1 will work in a pinch.

Ok thanks for that , i figured that would be the way , would be better and easier if they made it actually pull the boat back and lift anchor .

But if thats the way then thats the way i guess ..