Trial and error, you’re doing great. Every scenario is a new learning experience. You can be an extremely experienced captain and still have situations.
Hey man! Super cool that you're out facing these challenges! I did the same when I was 25 starting in the Florida Keys as well. 6 years later I'm still at it. Currently in Rio Dulce, Guatemala with my boat. If you can afford it I'd recommend you buy yourself some 5/16 chain. Mother Ocean in Key Largo sells some usually.. Get 100 feet at least. Also, those danforths anchors don't work when there's heavy wind shifts. It's better to sit on a single oversized anchor in my opinion. A single anchor also greatly reduces fowling issues. Sorry to be "that guy" haha... The first year out on the water is definitely the hardest! There's so much to learn. Keep your head up.
I appreciate all the "that guy" feedback. I've obviously got a lot to learn still which is why I like sharing my failures to see what I could be doing different. I have heard from several people now about mother ocean so will have to swing by and see what they have. I also keep hearing an oversized rocna anchor is the way to go. They are pretty pricy but at this point if it'll keep the boat in place then probably worth it.
That also sounds like quite the adventure you've been on yourself! That's the dream here but gotta survive the first year and see where the wind takes me from there.
@@damonrust you're doing it right. Being willing to fail is the key to success. And the fact that you're comfortable showing it is great. I've been sailing engineless for 7500nm now. Had my fair share of scary situations happen. It keeps me feeling like im really living haha! Maybe I'll see you out there one day.
Damon anchoring is not easy, get the Mantus. Safety is one of those costs you have to invest in. Make sure that all companies that you buy gear from know that you are starting out and are on TH-cam see if they will give you a discount or sponsor you. You are doing a great job with your sailing and videos young Captain. Thank you to all the seasoned Captains that are giving Damon good advice.
For starters, you are doing great! You are obviously enjoying yourself and you are learning along the way, just like the saying goes, smooth seas never made a skillful sailor. As far as your anchor situation goes, myself I would never ever put out 2 bow anchors at once. They are more likely to trip and foul each other and cause more problems than one good oversized anchor. That Bruce is not a bad anchor but not good either, If I was you I would be looking into a Mantus or Rochna. If you want to sleep well at night and not worry while your ashore, get a good oversized anchor.
This is great advice. Since this night I've done some reading up on anchoring techniques and would have to agree. I think one of my anchors drug and fouled the other. I'm currently talking with Mantus about upgrading to a 45lb M1 and purchased some more chain so hopefully this won't happen again
I like to say, sailing is easy, it is the experience to know what to do that's hard. Looks like you are getting that experience. Next thing is anchoring. That is hard to learn as everyplace you are at things are different. You will spend your life and still have stuff to learn about anchoring.
Wise words, the more I learn about sailing I learn I have even more to learn. I have been upgrading my ground tackle and anchors recently and see to be having better luck!
I recently picked up anchor in Miami for the first time in over a year and during this time the boat never moved, even in 60+ knots. The anchor is a Mantus and I had 300’ feet of chain out in 9’ of water. I slept soundly in even the worst storm, except when I was struck by lightning and another time struck by a 30’ Cobia doing about 40 captained by a drunk driver.
Yes I definitely need a upgrade on my anchor. This was a hard lesson to learn but I am currently talking with Mantus about getting a larger anchor for my boat and have added on 120ft of chain as well
I have gone ahead and got a slip here in the harbour so I can tie off for the peak of the season. I am pulling all the sails and panels off today. Only time will tell now.
Hi Damon, great to see your videos and also all the good advice that you are getting. I really like how you take the advice and understand how to possibly make things better. All the best 👍
Be sure you have an exit plan. You could get tropical storms coming up from the western Caribbean and GoM on you within a matter of days. Already two systems popped up there in the last week. With the right conditions they can head NE in a hurry. Also, you should think carefully about your anchor gear and strategy. Not a big fan of multiple anchors--more to deal with when shit goes sideways--as you now know. One anchor, properly sized and set, should be more than enough for a boat like yours. Simple is good. Fair winds my young friend.
I agree, I have gone ahead and got a slip inside the harbor here as my anchoring setup is definitely not adequate enough yet to survive any bigger storms. I'm planning on staying tied up here till the peak of the season passes and in the meantime, will be working on sizing up my anchor and doubling my chain.
@@damonrust I’ve found being at anchor is far safer than a slip during a storm. Had to fight like hell to save my boat at a marina during a hurricane, while at anchor I just set the anchor alarm and sleep without worrying about being bashed against the pilings.
One other thing I do is If I am at all concerned about where I have dropped the anchor, I swim out and look at it. In your case as a new sailor, you should do this every time, you will get to see what's happening with your anchor when you drop it, after a wind change and certainly after you think you may have drug. Looking at the sand will give you a good indication of what's happening.
You are doing Well and learning as you go...makes you More experienced..
You are doing things the right way! Always room to learn more! Stay safe! Art
Trial and error, you’re doing great. Every scenario is a new learning experience. You can be an extremely experienced captain and still have situations.
Hey man! Super cool that you're out facing these challenges! I did the same when I was 25 starting in the Florida Keys as well. 6 years later I'm still at it. Currently in Rio Dulce, Guatemala with my boat. If you can afford it I'd recommend you buy yourself some 5/16 chain. Mother Ocean in Key Largo sells some usually.. Get 100 feet at least. Also, those danforths anchors don't work when there's heavy wind shifts. It's better to sit on a single oversized anchor in my opinion. A single anchor also greatly reduces fowling issues.
Sorry to be "that guy" haha... The first year out on the water is definitely the hardest! There's so much to learn. Keep your head up.
I appreciate all the "that guy" feedback. I've obviously got a lot to learn still which is why I like sharing my failures to see what I could be doing different. I have heard from several people now about mother ocean so will have to swing by and see what they have. I also keep hearing an oversized rocna anchor is the way to go. They are pretty pricy but at this point if it'll keep the boat in place then probably worth it.
That also sounds like quite the adventure you've been on yourself! That's the dream here but gotta survive the first year and see where the wind takes me from there.
@@damonrust you're doing it right. Being willing to fail is the key to success. And the fact that you're comfortable showing it is great. I've been sailing engineless for 7500nm now. Had my fair share of scary situations happen. It keeps me feeling like im really living haha! Maybe I'll see you out there one day.
Haha wow that's impressive going that long without a engine. If our paths do cross one day I'd love to hear the stories ✌️⛵️
Dont worry you doing fine 😀
I hope you’re ok out there, looking forward to an update
Yes I am all well. I got a boat slip and left the island for a few weeks but am back now so might have another video sometime next week🤞
Damon anchoring is not easy, get the Mantus. Safety is one of those costs you have to invest in. Make sure that all companies that you buy gear from know that you are starting out and are on TH-cam see if they will give you a discount or sponsor you. You are doing a great job with your sailing and videos young Captain. Thank you to all the seasoned Captains that are giving Damon good advice.
I just received a Mantus 45 today in the mail! I'm excited to give it a try and see how well she holds
I like that anchoring system. I’ll have to try that. Great video 👍
You did great man. It was a hell of a night at sea little buddy. Don't beat yourself up. Still afloat, still a boat! 😂 it's rough at this anchorage.
Cool video with good anchoring ideas.
You are killing it Cap. D. How are you getting your second anchor out so far? Using the dingy? Just loving your content and adventure!! ❤
For starters, you are doing great! You are obviously enjoying yourself and you are learning along the way, just like the saying goes, smooth seas never made a skillful sailor. As far as your anchor situation goes, myself I would never ever put out 2 bow anchors at once. They are more likely to trip and foul each other and cause more problems than one good oversized anchor. That Bruce is not a bad anchor but not good either, If I was you I would be looking into a Mantus or Rochna. If you want to sleep well at night and not worry while your ashore, get a good oversized anchor.
This is great advice. Since this night I've done some reading up on anchoring techniques and would have to agree. I think one of my anchors drug and fouled the other. I'm currently talking with Mantus about upgrading to a 45lb M1 and purchased some more chain so hopefully this won't happen again
Hang in there Big guy, you got this,maybe I’ll see you in KW I have a home in old town, if you need a place to stay 6:11 6:13 6:17
I appreciate it, I will let you know if I need a place to crash.
I like to say, sailing is easy, it is the experience to know what to do that's hard. Looks like you are getting that experience. Next thing is anchoring. That is hard to learn as everyplace you are at things are different. You will spend your life and still have stuff to learn about anchoring.
Wise words, the more I learn about sailing I learn I have even more to learn. I have been upgrading my ground tackle and anchors recently and see to be having better luck!
I recently picked up anchor in Miami for the first time in over a year and during this time the boat never moved, even in 60+ knots. The anchor is a Mantus and I had 300’ feet of chain out in 9’ of water. I slept soundly in even the worst storm, except when I was struck by lightning and another time struck by a 30’ Cobia doing about 40 captained by a drunk driver.
Yes I definitely need a upgrade on my anchor. This was a hard lesson to learn but I am currently talking with Mantus about getting a larger anchor for my boat and have added on 120ft of chain as well
You are definitely in the Florida Keys at the wrong time of the year. Hurricane season is predicted to be bad this year. Stay safe.
BE CAUTIOUS CAPTAIN DAMON‼️‼️🇺🇸
I have gone ahead and got a slip here in the harbour so I can tie off for the peak of the season. I am pulling all the sails and panels off today. Only time will tell now.
Damon, what year make and size is your boat?
It is a 1983 hunter 34
Hi Damon, great to see your videos and also all the good advice that you are getting. I really like how you take the advice and understand how to possibly make things better. All the best 👍
Be sure you have an exit plan. You could get tropical storms coming up from the western Caribbean and GoM on you within a matter of days. Already two systems popped up there in the last week. With the right conditions they can head NE in a hurry. Also, you should think carefully about your anchor gear and strategy. Not a big fan of multiple anchors--more to deal with when shit goes sideways--as you now know. One anchor, properly sized and set, should be more than enough for a boat like yours. Simple is good. Fair winds my young friend.
I agree, I have gone ahead and got a slip inside the harbor here as my anchoring setup is definitely not adequate enough yet to survive any bigger storms. I'm planning on staying tied up here till the peak of the season passes and in the meantime, will be working on sizing up my anchor and doubling my chain.
@@damonrust I’ve found being at anchor is far safer than a slip during a storm. Had to fight like hell to save my boat at a marina during a hurricane, while at anchor I just set the anchor alarm and sleep without worrying about being bashed against the pilings.
One other thing I do is If I am at all concerned about where I have dropped the anchor, I swim out and look at it. In your case as a new sailor, you should do this every time, you will get to see what's happening with your anchor when you drop it, after a wind change and certainly after you think you may have drug. Looking at the sand will give you a good indication of what's happening.
I think that's a smart idea, good to see the anchor in action and how it reacts to different anchorage bottoms
Maybe see you the fourth of july
I will be there!
Please don't make videos with a headstrap light on your head.