Anchoring - Marine 10 M Owner's Manual

Spring lines are especially valuable when tide movement is significant. They also help in
controlling the boat when leaving a dock.

ANCHORING

The rode is the line connecting the anchor to the boat.
Nylon line is ideal because it is light, strong, stretches, can be stowed wet and it
is easy to handle.
Add a short chain between the anchor and thy nylon line to prevent abrasion of
the line on the sea bottom and for placing the anchor.
The scope is technically defined as the ratio of the rode length to the vertical distance from the
bow to the sea floor.
Scope depends on the type of anchor, bottom, tide, wind and sea conditions.
Minimum is 5:1 for calm waters; norm is 7:1; severe conditions require 10:1.
Since you want to know how much rode to use when anchoring, the formula is:
Rode Length = (Bow Height + Water Depth) x Scope
Lowering Anchor
SINKING HAZARD – Anchor from the bow if using one anchor. A small current can make a
stern-anchored boat unsteady; a heavy current can drag a stern-anchored craft under water.
COLLISION HAZARD – Anchor only in areas where your boat will not disrupt other boats. Do
not anchor in a channel or tie up to any navigational aid. It is dangerous and illegal.
Be sure there is an adequate rode.
Secure rode to both the anchor and the boat.
Stop completely before lowering the anchor.
If using windlass, refer to windlass operator´s manual.
Keep feet clear of coiled line.
Turn on anchor light at night and in reduced visibility.
Setting Anchor
There is no best way to set an anchor. Experiment to see how your anchor performs.
One method is to turn the rode around a bit and slowly pay out as the boat backs from
the anchor site. When the proper scope has been reached, snub the rode quickly,
causing the anchor to dig into the bottom.
Reverse engine slowly to drive the anchor in and prevent it from dragging.
Secure the rode to the bit or cleat.
Weighing Anchor
Run the boat slowly up to the anchor, taking in the rode as you go.
The anchor will usually break out when the rode becomes vertical.
Coil lines to let them dry before stowing.
Be careful that trailing lines do not foul in the propeller.
Clearing a Fouled Anchor
A fouled anchor can test your patience and ingenuity. One of the best methods of breaking free
is to set a tripline before you lower anchor.
WARNING!
25
OPERATION