A little anchor talk - revisited

Mario G · Post by **Mario G** » Sun Jun 06, 2010 2:36 pm

This is where that air horn comes in handy, mine sets close to the hatch way.

trev · Post by **trev** » Sun Jun 06, 2010 4:36 pm

CaptainScott · Post by **CaptainScott** » Mon Jun 07, 2010 6:49 am

Wow. Sorry to here about the lost anchor however you were not hit so that is good!

As far as what you could have done better? Not much. Just consider where you were anchored and why this idiot was screaming through after dark on a plane. If you were in a normal travel way then move somewhere else. If you were in a protected area and this guy was just being and idiot then you can do very llittle to help.

When I anchor and am aware there are other boats traversing the area I have every light on that is visible on deck exept running lights.

Lastly if this is a common problem, an anchor sentinel might be a good compromise. This will help sink your anchor rode better and cause you to swing a little less.

Scott

Alanhod · Post by **Alanhod** » Mon Jun 07, 2010 8:28 pm

trev · Post by **trev** » Tue Jun 08, 2010 2:30 am

CaptainScott · Post by **CaptainScott** » Tue Jun 08, 2010 5:51 am

Quite frankly, I'd not bother with a sentinal. For either reason.
I think I'd look more closely at where I anchored though. If you were anywhere near a place boaters travel you are at high risk no matter what you do. remember, bubba usually has had a few beers and is not likely aware of where he is.

If your boat is weather vaning there are several things you can do. If you are regularly anchoring out then you likely have a smaller spare "lunch hook" or a small anchor used when anchoring very temporarily. You can use this anchor off the stern to hold your bow into the wind/current.

Alternatively you could use a riding sail. These can be costly and are used off the back stay to capture the wind if as you slip to one side or the other. They push you back. I've never used one.

Another option and one of my faves is pretty expensive and hard to build but it seems to work nicely. Get a five gallon bucket and drill several 1" holes around the center about half way up. Tie a ten foot line to the handle. Now you ti the other end to the stern of your boat. Toss the bucket in and sink it. There. It is like a mini sea anchor! It will not stop you from vaning but it will slow you down! This bucket will also be great for bringing water aboard for rinsing dishes, deck, coolers, or whatever you need the water for. The holes allow about 1/2 the water to quickly escape so you don't rip your arms off! They also help the bucket to sink so it does not just sit there and float like your boat!

Last thing to remember though. If you anchor amongst similar boats and you now swing much less than they do then you are at risk of hitting or being hit by another anchored boat. Picture a water dance! As the wind shifts, all the boats swing kind of the same way and kind of the same speed. If you change the rules and are the odd boat out you must be very aware of it!!

Scott

PS: Never use your running lights when at anchor! Other boats may not realize your boat is anchored.

trev · Post by **trev** » Tue Jun 08, 2010 7:17 am

Thanks for all the tips Scott.

I am going to make sure all my lighting meets the legal requirements(it does now as I don't believe the anchor light has to be on top of the mast) , watch closely where we anchor and keep my fingers crossed.

Unfortunately the traffic will only get worse as right now there is a night time fishing ban that lifts pretty soon.

Bhacurly · Post by **Bhacurly** » Tue Jun 08, 2010 11:21 am

Things that make you go ARRGGHH

I've always thought it would be cool to have a "Potato Canon" mounted on the bow or stern,, then you could have fired a round across the bow with a glow stick shoved into a potato to get his attention.. or just aim to bean him as he passed by anyway...

Seriously tho, glad your all ok,, could have been worse as we all know.

Capt. Bondo · Post by **Capt. Bondo** » Tue Jun 08, 2010 11:45 am

I have seen folks mark their anchor with a cheap buoy like a old milk or juice jug, when they use a anchor to keep their boat pulled off a jetty or rocky shore.
Weather Bubba woulda/coulda seen or made sence of it...who knows.

Trev, the problem where we sail is that most boats have more horse power than brains

I like the really BIG flash light idea...blind them with a couple million candle power, and they should slow down

lecker68 · Post by **lecker68** » Tue Jun 08, 2010 7:36 pm

the only problem with a bright light if they hit you their liar oops lawyer would tell them to say that you blinded them. I agree on the more hp less brains similar to the saying around here is Bayliner which is the similar meaning to a part of the body you sit on.