Anchoring Question

[bigJake]

The last 3 years we have taken the boat out to watch fireworks from the lake. I get the boat positioned in perfect viewing position and drop anchor from the bow starboard side. Each time, within 5 minutes the boat has slowly rotated 180 degrees and we are now facing the wrong direction. Would anchoring from the rear of the boat make a difference or am I purely at the mercy of the tide and the shape of my hull. I see some other boats get spun around too but some not. Should I be doing something differently?

 

[RFoster130]

Spinning around the anchor line is kind of uncontrollable. You could anchor the front and rear both. I just use the front of the boat and dont really have any problems.

 

[LouDoo]

Jake,

This is pretty inconsiderate, I would ask if who ever controls the current at the lake or river, if they could reverse it while you watch the fireworks.

Your bro,

Lou

 

[bigJake]

thanks, that's what I thought. but getting tired of watching the fireworks in the rear view mirror

 

[LouDoo]

Hey Jake,

Get a pontoon boat, Sis likes pontoon boats!!!

Lou

 

[bigJake]

Jake,

This is pretty inconsiderate, I would ask if who ever controls the current at the lake or river, if they could reverse it while you watch the fireworks.

Your bro,

Lou

now that is a good idea Lou, I'll make a motion at the next POA meeting. Always knew you had the real brains in the family.

 

[crisso]

I know you have had your day but try this next time.Anchor up,facing the wrong way and when the tide takes you around,problem solved.

 

[ptyspeedster]

Spinning around the anchor line is kind of uncontrollable. You could anchor the front and rear both. I just use the front of the boat and dont really have any problems.

Foster, what size of anchor do you use? I anchored mine the first time the other weekend and had problems that the anchor would come out of the sand and drag along the bottom. I looked pretty dumb in front of the other boaters having to get in and move the boat back every 20mins.

 

[crisso]

Size is not so important.You have to have a length of good size chain attached to the anchor.This helps keep the line flat on the seabed and also acts like a shock absorber to the waves.Also.Let out more rope.1/5 to 1/7.If the water is 1yard deep,let out about 5-7 yards of rope.MINIMUM.The deeper the water you are in(like if you fish in the ocean)you should have a lot more chain attached.
A 18-20 foot boat should normally have about the same length of chain

 

[ptyspeedster]

Size is not so important.You have to have a length of good size chain attached to the anchor.This helps keep the line flat on the seabed and also acts like a shock absorber to the waves.Also.Let out more rope.1/5 to 1/7.If the water is 1yard deep,let out about 5-7 yards of rope.MINIMUM.The deeper the water you are in(like if you fish in the ocean)you should have a lot more chain attached.
A 18-20 foot boat should normally have about the same length of chain

Thank you Crisso!,
Apreciate the help.. my chain is only like 2 feet long off my anchor, I will try more chain this weekend and see how it it works! Apreciate it

 

[RFoster130]

For what i'm anchoring in, size does matter. I anchor in mostly muddy lakes and rivers. So i use a 15 lb mushroom type anchor with a 8 ft piece of chain. it works awesome.

Before that i was using an 8 lb and it sucked really. I am usually using over 100' of rope to hit the bottom though, so a heavier anchor helps. With sand, a folding danforth anchor would be your best bet. They work great on sand. Dont forget the chain, that is the most important part and a lot of people skip it.

 

[ptyspeedster]

For what i'm anchoring in, size does matter. I anchor in mostly muddy lakes and rivers. So i use a 15 lb mushroom type anchor with a 8 ft piece of chain. it works awesome.

Before that i was using an 8 lb and it sucked really. I am usually using over 100' of rope to hit the bottom though, so a heavier anchor helps. With sand, a folding danforth anchor would be your best bet. They work great on sand. Dont forget the chain, that is the most important part and a lot of people skip it.

Yea, im in sand, and no matter how far I was able to wedge it down, it always worked itself out. I use the folding type. I am anchoring only about 7 to 9ft down. Ill get some more chain.
Thank you Foster!

 

[crisso]

The folding danforth are a very good allround anchor.One with a sliding yoke ring will help retrieve the anchor if it gets stuck under something.My point is that there are many different anchors for different situations.
Rfoster .yes size does matter but I was generalising.Sorry mate.
I often fish in waters 30-50 fathoms on reefs so I use a heavy duty pick type anchor.A good sensible size anchor and a good length of heavy chain is a very good start.
In a strong tide or if the wind whips up,try letting out a lot more rope

 

[RFoster130]

I wasnt really disagreeing with you. Just sayin that size does help in some situations. Bigger is usually better. :cheers:

 

[crisso]

Rfoster.yes i do agree.I often drop the anchor overnite.Sometimes out in the ocean about 25 miles from shore.Most times ,inside, in about 30 foot of water.I've always been taught that more wind,more rope(or chain).I still regard a very good ,heavy chain,running from the anchor,is a great safeguard.I agree with you 100%.I shake your hand with agreement, and respect.