T&T: Anchor clone thoughts

[Wayne & Lynn Flatt]

A well fitted anchor to the bow of your boat isn't doing you much good, if it
drags when on the bottom.  You can always fix the boat end to work with the
anchor.



Anchors and anchoring and anchoring systems are a combination of practical
function, technique, and an art form or perhaps simply witchcraft and personal
philosophy.  It would be all technique and practical function if we could just
see how the darn thing is working underwater.  But, alas, we cannot so we have
to guess and make judgement calls by feel through the chain and the boats
actions.



If you anchor a lot find the anchor you like or think will work. Take it out
and laboriously play with it using different scopes, speed of backing or
drifting down on it. Most captains back down too fast to properly set the
anchor where they want it. Also seek out different textures of known bottoms
to practice on.



The only thing better than a good anchor is a larger good one.



While important to have a good anchor it is more important to have good
technique.  It is really easy for me to blame an anchor when I screw up the
technique.  But most importantly you most have confidence in both your anchor
and technique.  That is what allows you to sleep at night without concern.



Occassionally your going to get lazy with your methods, or anchor is not right
for the conditions or not heavy enough and your going to drag once in a while.
But you can minimize dragging with skill and proper selection of gear.



In five years we have dragged anchor twice, both times my fault, not the
system.



Good luck and good anchoring,



Bones



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