how do you tie your anchor to your boat - Anchoring 101

[Fasterblaster]

Finally had enough of drifting around, so i bought an anchor kit.

My 200 BR has an anchor locker, but i'm a little concerned about how to get all that chain out of there without messing up my gelcoat. Any tips?

Also, how do you tie off? the cleats are on either side of the locker. do you use both?

 

[midway]

My 185 has an anchor locker, I have about 6' of chain with 150 feet of rope, I lift the anchor, then pick up the chain, if it hits at all it is in the opening not on the shiny part. You just have to handle the chain carefully to keep it off of the gelcoat, also when pulling the anchor you have to be carefull and not ding the gelcoat with the anchor.

I tie the loose end of the rope to a cleat, then put out the anchor, that way if the anchor rope should tangle it is at least attached to the boat and you do not lose it. When I have enough rope out I tie off to the other cleat.

 

[sebagoman007]

If you purchase the plastic/rubber coated chain, that should lessen the likelihood of gelcoat damage. That's what I have on my spare. (Main is in a bow pulpit on a 260DA)

Good luck,

Bill

 

[jrcinnh]

If your chain is relatively short, you can use an old bicycle inner tube to protect your gelcoat. Cut the valve section out, thread the rope through and pull until it covers the chain. A little soap may help.

The black will mark the gelcoat once in a while but it rubs right off.

 

[wadebmadden]

YOu just do your best to keep it off the gel. I have about 12 foot of chain.

The secret is to have your tackle sotwed properly. The bitter end goes in first, then as you add rope be sure you coil it in a manner that prevents tangles (dont just throw a wad of rope in) get all the rop in, then the chain, then the hook. This will allow you to deploy the anchor at short notice with very little untangling.

What I do to keep the metal off the gelcoat is pick up the anchor and set it aside (inside the locker) then I start pulling out the chain making big loops over my non chain getting hand. When this is done I will have 3 large chain loops in my left hand held up off the deck. then I pick up the anchor with the right and I can toss them both in at the same time,,, obviously you want to toss the chain and anchor in different directions to let the chain string out (dont just dump it all in one pile) after the chain is out you can start runnin gout your rope. It will help you a lot if you have your rope marked in some way,so that you know how much line you have out. with very distinctive (by day and night) indicators that you comming up on the bitter end.

As far as tieing off, a few figure 8 wraps around the cleat and a hitch tie off and youre all set! if you have a rope guide be sure to use it to help keep the rope off the gel coat as well!!!!

Hope this helps

 

[WinnipesaukeeSD240]

anchoring pitfalls

I use a heavy duty shower mat to protect the gel coat. It goes from the anchor hatch over the bow. The mat stays in place because it molds to the boat, and the large suction cups act as a cushion if something is dropped.

The rope is often prespliced, and the rope, chain, and anchor are attached with shackles. Wire is commonly used to secure the shackle, to keep the pin from unscrewing. Try not to leave sharp edges exposed. The shackles and wire will give you a cut if they run through your hand. :smt013 The originating end of the rode should be tied in the anchor hatch, so you don't accidentally throw all the rope overboard. :smt101 After the rode is deployed, tie it off on the bow cleat.

If using chain, the anchor can really dig in. Releasing it from the bottom can be surprisingly difficult. Try to use the boat, and leverage, and save your back. The rode has to be vertical for easiest release. Drive the boat over the anchor, taking in slack line so you don't foul your props with the line. :smt021 If it's stuck, tighten the line as much as possible on the cleat, being careful that fingers don't get caught. The boat's rocking may pop it loose. If not, nudge forward with the engine. This should break it free. :thumbsup: