T&T: Anchoring

[Mike Maurice]

I rarely have the anchor of my choice, since it is always someone else's 
boat.

An anchor is just a tool. Anchors with small fluke areas are more prone 
to dragging in soft materials. There is no magic where fluke area is 
concerned.  An anchor that has not penetrated and obtained a set is 
likely (but not absolutely) to drag. Sometimes just a hunk of cement 
will do the job.

The more wind, the more current, the better the penetration needs to be 
and the more fluke area that is needed to prevent pulling the anchor out.

Issues of self resetting and recovery are secondary ones, but not 
without merit. Anchors are not magic. A magic anchor would consist of a 
push pin with rope attached, installed by mere thought.

Choice of ratio of chain to anchor line, size and weight of all 3 
components has a significant impact on whether the anchor will drag or 
pull out. Since weight and size can be substituted for using your wits 
and since I would generally like bigger anchors, heavier and longer 
chain, more rode, less wind and a nice fat dock to tie; I generally put 
up with what I am given and make do.

If the anchor is big enough, it doesn't need to dig in. The rest of the 
time, if it is not, you tailor your setup to fit the conditions and keep 
an anchor watch if you are still nervous. The only substitute I know of 
for an anchor that is not big enough, is knowing how to use what you 
have. Earl Hinz's book is a good read.

Mike

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