T&T: An Anchor here, An Anchor there, Everywhere... an Anchor

[Mike Maurice]

I see that you have been having fun with anchors. Perhaps I can 
summarize. And, add a little amusement to the process. Keep in mind that 
I never have the anchor, line, winch or anchor watch system that I would 
have if I had any influence on the situation. Which is to say, that, 
what I see is what I get.

My anchors are too small, too large, with too much chain, too little 
chain; winches that don't work, are too small, have no motors. You got 
that right, a winch head and capstan with out the motor; on a brand new 
million dollar boat. What would you call that? Grand theft?

I have never had any serious dragging, except up in Alaska during a 70 
knot all night storm, anchored at the foot of a stream coming down the 
mountain up above; where the bottom was mud and sloped off into the very 
deep water near by. During the night we dragged about 150 feet towards 
deep water. Meanwhile the angle of pull was increasing and threatening 
to unhinge the whole affair.

I have had several times where getting a set was a problem. In the 
Galapagos where the bottom is hard clay consisting of volcanic ash. Once 
at Drakes Bay where the 65 pound plow anchor did not set the first time, 
had to be hand winched back aboard and reset in shallower water closer 
to the head of the bay.

Most of the coastal anchorages on the US West Coast are hard packed sand 
and once you get an anchor set, it won't pull out except by deliberate 
action on your part. I haven't anchored in every place, but the list of 
places I have is extensive; and ranges from So. California all the way 
to Neah Bay Washington.

The mud at Nantucket harbor was hard to get a set but did not drag. The 
harbor at Tahiti was sand and coral and hard to break out the anchors. 
The mud near the mouths of many Oregon/Washington rivers can make it 
difficult to prevent dragging.

I could add to this, but have to get back to real work.

Mike

_________________________
Capt. Mike Maurice
Tigard, Oregon (Near Portland).