T&T: Stern line for anchoring?

[Bob Austin]

We did use a stern line both in the PNW and in the Med.  Sometimes we found it
necessary to limit the boat's swing in deep coves (100 feet or more).
Sometimes one uses current from rivers and water falls to help with the stern
anchoring.

We used our normal stern anchor lines (1/2 to 5/8" nylon), but had a 50 foot
piece of 5/8" poly prop with eye splices in both ends (3 strand) which we
would shackle or loop one of the stern anchor lines thru.  We also had several
25 foot chains with a shackle we would use for stern to the rocks.

I also carried 300 feet of 3/8" double braid  nylon on the stern which we
would use to guide the boat in if stern too a    quay, as in med mooring. We
didn't rely on this line as an anchor or dock line.

I would not use a line as light as 3/8" poly prop.  Also there is no reason
for elasticity in a line to the bank--the elasticity is to keep the anchor
from being jerked out....and absorbing shock for the anchor/chain.  This does
not apply to a line around a tree , eye bolt or rock.

Bob Austin