The guide failed to mention how the anchor (all the various anchor types would be awesome too!) diggs into the bottom + the good tip that as you have dropped the anchor and the chain (while reversing slowly if need be), you should slowly continue to reverse the boat, until the anchor has dug in properly (= the boat doesnt reverse at all... cause it stuck..).
Diamond video much easy and needed by me these days as I slipped anchor month ago and woke up in Cromer.My ton anchor and only 8 feet of chain was just plain lazy.Many thanks.Never again.
Great video as a new boater with a 30' Sea Ray Sundancer I am scouring the internet for tips on just about everything. Thank you for this video, will be saving this on for sure.
Thank you so much for kind comments. A lot of planning, work and editing on the computer goes into making these videos. Your appreciation is well received. Thank you and safe sailing 😎
I love videos like this. Short, sharp, to the point and I'm a anchoring expert now. Should the need for me to drop anchor on my nonexistent boat somewhere I will be up to the task.
Powerboats or sailboats, we were doing it wrong so it is good to know - and in a couple weeks are posting our video about the time that we had to ABANDON the boat anchor! Sailing has been a huge learning curve so far as we start our journey around the world and videos like this are a great help!
I was so confused as a child as to how anchors work. I was told that the anchor goes straight down and just stopped the boat even if it's out at sea. This never made any sense to me. Now I know that I was just talking to stupid (and probably drunk) adults, who had no idea what on earth they were talking about. Thanks for the educational video :)
First off great Video! Well explained. The only thing I would like to add is for when are staying for longer periods of time you will deal with changing winds and tides. I find in a 24 hour period that I end up doing a completed circle around my original "drop zone". With this in mind it is wise to check the area around the "drop zone" as u may end up on the opposite side in the middle of the night.
interesting.. I came here bc I saw a anchor malfunction video and I realized... i have NO idea how anchors work.. initially i just wanted to know how deep anchors went.. and after watching this video I realized how wrong I was... I thought anchors held the boat bc the anchor went straight down. This makes a lot more sense :)
One of the best anchoring videos I've seen. I wish the Americans could structure their videos as succinctly as this one. They have good info but always seem to use 100bwirds where 10 will do.
Being an American, I wholeheartedly concur with the verisimilitude of your pithy rejoinder, Free Speech. We sure tend to obfuscate the thesis and eschew brevity in favor of loquacious blathering.
@ Free Speech I have a 5.1 meter (16 foot) boat, it's a good thing I've been boating for a long time or going by this video I'd think I needed to haul around enough anchor chain to damn near sink that little boat. I hope someone who doesn't have boating experience and is on a lake in the US or elsewhere doesn't watch this video and take it as gospel for all boats in all situations. Also, anyone who truly NEEDS 33 ft. of anchor chain probably already knows all of this stuff fairly well. Sometimes brevity is a good thing. Sometimes a few more words are needed to make things clear.
For those of us who go to sea, with tides, real weather, different bottom strata, etc. rather than fanny around in freshwater lakes, the video is a good reminder of what is required. I carry 30m chain, 30m rope, and still don't have really enough for some places I would wish to anchor, although short term it's OK
I've always wondered how much chain/rope per depth of water. Thank you very much for the information and making the video. You draw very well by the way.
Great video, but one thing I find is seldom mentioned is the actual setting... that is, applying reverse throttle to confirm that the anchor has set properly. To me this is a critical step which many new boaters are unaware of.
Great video, but one thing I find is seldom mentioned is the actual setting... that is, applying reverse throttle to confirm that the anchor has set properly. To me this is a critical step which many new voters may be unaware of.
I use a 10 lb danforth anchor with 8 ft of chain and 10 ft of marine rope to anchor two 3 seat waverunners (facing outward) with a rope attached to the rear of one of the waverunners running to a slide anchor on shore. Hold great. Never had a problem.
@@CoastalSafety its on a river bank in Parker Arizona...depending on the water level it usually in 4-6 feet about 30 feet off shore. I adjust the tension using the rope from the back of the ski to the shore anchor....you have to keep it tight so as not to bump into other watercraft due to the wake of passing boats.
A good guide, but maybe a video on anchor setting would be helpful. I almost dispensed with my danforth because I dragged on mud the first time I used it, but after a little practice and experimentation I now love it.
Absolutely, for nice days. We say 10m for the not so nice days when the wind is blowing harder and the tide is running faster. When the engine refuses to start and then we appreciate the anchor and the chain.
You say to use the right anchor, but at least in my experience, boats usually only carry one or two. In practice I find it is more a case of using the right type of sea bed for your anchor.
Generally speaking - a vessel will not carry a multitude of anchors, rather they carry the anchor type best suited to the area in which they operate. Some vessels also carry a kedge and/pr a spare anchor at the stern.
I would argue that it is the scope of the rode and a good anchor that keeps the anchor set, not the weight of the chain. In a strong wind or current, which is what will cause one to drag, the chain’s weight will do little to help. This is why kellets are no longer used. Having said that, II agree 10 meters is a good minimum as it prevents chafing of the rope on the bottom.
Video opening clearly states it is a system. However many 'old salts' will continue to believe it is the weight of the anchor. 10kg anchor vs 1000kg boat ... or more :-)
You need to know what type of anchor works for the bottom type you plan on being over. For example, Danforth is a good anchor, but absolutely useless in the California delta, unless you’re thing is dragging up “salad balls”. Here, the best bang for the buck Five Oceans “delta style” with appropriate chain length. Hint: never toss the anchor overboard, lower it while slowly retreating from it for quick first time set. Once you it touches bottom avoid pulling on it till you have let out enough scope (rope/chain) before you set and test. Ideally you just want the anchor’s arm to fall toward the retreating boat without a pile of chain on top of it. This is the best way to quickly get through a growth covered bottom. Happy boating!
A very nice video, but perhaps some things have moved on. I've used CQR, Danforth, Bruce, and grapnel anchors, but I've never seen a mushroom anchor in the flesh. A grapnel is suitable only for a RIB or dinghy. The other three can hold well once set, but they don't always set. I now use a Rocna (which always sets first time), with a Bruce or Danforth as a backup or kedge. With a modern anchor like a Rocna, a 4:1 rode is sufficient; and 3:1 will do for a "lunchtime hook". In really bad weather, the rode can be extended, but there's no point ever going longer than 8:1. If you want a swivel on the rode, don't put it on the anchor directly, but a metre or so away from the anchor (to avoid lateral pulls that could snap the swivel). Modern stainless swivels will easily pass through a chain tube. Stainless shackles look nice, but a good quality galvanised one will be stronger. If concerned that the anchor may get stuck, put a tripping line at the back of the anchor. If you have a windlass/capstan (manual or electric), motor the boat towards the anchor; don't use the windlass to pull the boat forward!
Hello, a good anchor works best in the angle 30 degrees. So when the robe is 4 thimes the deep of the water, this is ideal. the sinus of a corner of 15 degrees is 0,25..this is:. 0,25 multiplice deep.. For the rest, your video is so good, thank you…
How does your formulae include tidal stream, wind (current and predicted) and of course the mass of the vessel which will come in to play when there is movement producing momentum?
@@CoastalSafety F=P/v (N) F=force in the robe P=power off the vessel for min movement, depends of shape and waterdeplacement (mine vessel=0.2hp)v=streamspeed (in Belgium 2m/s) +windforce depend off surface off the vessel'.. power off the ancher with 15* depend off de mass off the ground: Fanchor=V.sortm. If Fanchor is bigger than F: the ancher shall hold.
Normally 2 anchors are dropped, so that the chain forms a "V" shape to spread the load. This is normally when strong winds are expected. Also, some people have a second anchor (a kedge anchor) which can be placed over the stern to "angle" the vessel so some specific reason. However, normally people use one anchor - for general use.
I have a few times....but that was "after the fact" ! I have dragged anchor a few times (a Bruce) after a wind change or/or increase. And this happened after dark and having gone to bed, of course!...I had a Danforth in reserve that I then deployed (with rope only)....motor up at an angle to about where the first anchor is...drop the Danforth and drift back until the pull and angle of both rodes were about the same. That saved me each time...from dragging further AND having to haul the Bruce back up into the boat to re-anchor.
Hi , my name is Ernie, in Australia, with the Damforth anchor I’ve found driving back over the anchor with power from the motor , not super fast , it will release.
It is only hooked when you have rope 3 or more times the depth of the water out. When you pull on the rope you bring the boat up to the anchor. When the boat is over the anchor, you keep pulling and it is easy to pull the anchor out now as it is a straight up pull.
If you suspect the seabed is rocky, you could attach a thin line to the second attachment point (tripping line) and place a buoy (or a fender) which floats above the anchor. This allows you to weigh the anchor "backwards" such that it does not attempt to "dig in" further. All in all, the Danforth is a good all round anchor at reasonable cost.
The only mention of scope ratio is 5:1. This is the minimum. Ideal ratio is 7:1. Many factors play a part in deciding scope ratio. The actual depth is NOT just the depth of water, but you must include the height from water surface to the anchor roller on the bow. So for example, if the depth of water is 36 feet, and the height from water surface to anchor roller is 4 feet, then the total depth is 40 feet. So if you choose a 5:1 ratio, the total length of anchor rode is 200 feet. Again, the rise in tide, wind speed, current etc. during your time anchored needs to be factored in. Better safe than sorry especially anchored overnight .
No, I’m not asking anything. Just wanted to point out some things regarding ratio and scope. The anchor rode I mentioned is the length of whatever you’re using between the anchor itself and the boat, be it all chain, all rope, or a combination of both ( which is the preferred method). The chain “assists “the holding power of the anchor, and the rope acts as shock absorber dealing with the swell and/or rise and fall of the tide. That’s all I’m saying here. Great video!
Try holding a 10m rope, with your friend at the other end. Try to make it "bar tight" ... you will feel how much energy it takes from your arms to make it "nearly" bar tight. You will feel the power taken to try to achieve this.
Would have been good go show how to retrieve you anchor. I've seen someone use the boat to get it out driving past the anchor. Is that correct method.? Would have been good to have a complete tutorial.. this was good.
Two things you didn’t touch on. 1, What size anchor to use for the size boat and 2, How to pick up anchor once you want to leave. Other than that good video.
A number of reasons, could be the type of seabed, chain not laid out properly .... generally more chain is better than a heavier anchor (than recommended)
If one is going from LA to Hawaii, on a small motor yacht and alone, I imagine the ocean will be too deep to lay anchor. So what does one do when one wants to sleep? Use auto-pilot? Just turn off the engine and drift?
Hey, that is a good topic for another video - thank you for the suggestion :-) Not everyone puts a tripping line on the crown of the anchor, so, yes, the anchor could become stuck. What do people do in this situation?
Important rule. Always shackle to the head of the anchor (the end that is attached to the blade) and use a breakaway to the tail (the end of the shaft that points to your boat). As a guide, a plastic zip tie or heavy fishing line that you can break with a strong pull is good. But what ever you use, practice breaking it a couple of times so that is is strong but not impossible to break while on the boat. It is surprising how hard even 12lb fishing line is to break with a hard pull, especially when the boat is rocking about.
@@77goanywhere The advice that you have given for a "break away anchor" may well be fine for a "secondary" anchor" for normal day to day use. HOWEVER if your engine is broken and you are drifting towards a rocky shore or a "non welcoming" breakwater, you will NEED a REAL ANCHOR that will HOLD your position and stop your vessel being smashed on the rocks. Please take this reply in good faith, no way are we insulting your reply, however people unaware may "forget" that the primary purpose of the anchor is in emergency situations to protect the vessel and the crew thereon. So often at COASTAL SAFETY, we see "newbies" put a couple of meters of chain on an anchor and that may well hold in "gentle" situations. However, the math is simple - cost of a lost anchor vs cost of a damaged or lost vessel. :-)
@@CoastalSafety Sorry, this is the advice that the Australian Coast Guard gives. If you shackle to the end of the shaft, you risk having to cut free if your anchor gets jammed in rock. I think you may have misinterpreted my comment.
@@77goanywhere My dear chap, I totally understand your point. However, in an emergency situation, if say, you were being pushed on to the rocks, when more strain than normal came on to your anchor, your system, would allow the anchor to break free. As I did mention in my previous reply, this may be fine in normal anchoring situations and you did not want to loose anchor. I am, however, referring to an emergency situation when you need the anchor to hold, at all costs, to prevent loosing the vessel. In any case, this dialog is developing beyond the scope of a "Quick guide to anchoring". You may of course continue this dialog further, our contact details are at www.coastalsafety.com You will be pleased to know that on more advanced and bespoke training, your point and method is discussed in greater detail.
Awesome Thanks! I learned a few things. 10 Meters of chain seems excessive for a 22' sailboat. Wouldn't the amount of chain depend on the size of the vessel?
The chain does most the work... more weight sitting on the floor the better. The anchor stops the chain and boat from dragging till it beds in then the weight of the chain is used for the movement of the boat
Hi from your accent you are probably in the UK. Hi we have a big problem in the USA, most of the anchoring guides give out bad information about the calculation for correct scope when anchoring. The common knowledge for me and in the uk has been to use say 3:1 x the depth of the water. So 30' in 10' depth of water etc. But in the USA the advise is to use the water depth plus the bow height x the scope! So with a 10' bow height this becomes 60' of scope in the same anchorage, not a good situation. Also a heck of a lot of extra chain to pull in later! Perhaps you can clarify this sometime in another post. If you read the USA guides , like boat us , west marine etc. you will be surprised I think Cheers Warren.
What is taught in the UK is 4X water depth for chain only, 6X for chain and rope. I take this from sea level, as opposed to deck/bow level, which in my case is ~2 metres.
Recently, no matter what I do the anchor won't set. I bought another anchor just to be sure there wasn't an equipment issue. I have an #10 danforth and a 24 ft. bow rider. Its been windy. The lake (dam) has been lowered. It took 4 times to get it right the last outing. Its also a crowded cove so there is no room for error. Its been quite frustrating. I'm thinking of switching anchor systems. Any suggestions?
@@CoastalSafety I believe the diameter is 3/8ths. The bed can vary from old tree branches, rocks, or silt. The dam is over a former town in PA. Thank you for responding. Its been quite frustrating the last few weeks!
Lots of anchors to cover - this is a short video that we use on practical courses to "refresh" students memory - actually it has become one of the most popular anchoring videos on youtube. Basically CQR is a cousin of the plough or delta ... with hinge :-)
Most of the sea is really deep though. How much chain do I need to anchor my boat in say 2000 meters of water? Usually I throw it out and just let it dangle and hopw the weight keeps me in the same place. I can't really tell but it doesn't look like the boat moves at all. What should I be doing?
You're not anchoring... You're drifting with style! Anchoring takes place for small boats in depths of up to 20 metres. If you're in 2000 metres you're off the edge of the "Continental Shekf" and are unlikely to need to stay in one place unless you're sending a UAV down to the Titanic. Hope that helps. You might think about taking some form of instructional course too. But if you're driving a boat that far offshore to 2000 metres deep I'd like to think you've got a ticket or two....
Even just putting the anchor and chain in the water will give drag. It will slow the drift. Also it will help keep the bow to windward and reduce rolling.
five times the water depth is overkill but whatever. the type of anchor you are using greatly affects this. for instance the danforth can anchor up on significantly less line because of its shape and its hinge.
I am sure that you appreciate that an anchor is your "emergency stopper" and when you are being driven on to rocks by an offshore wind, 10m of chain and 5X the depth will be appreciated. Of course, stopping for a sunny picnic is another matter :-)
@@CoastalSafety I only have 15feet of chain, and 400 feet of rope. I’m in an 18 foot aluminum boat from 1969 and float the Great Lakes in Canada 🇨🇦 I don’t have enough room to store more. Last time I needed it was a major electrical malfunction so my radio didn’t work and motor wouldn’t start. It was a rough, sleepless night as the waves topped 5 ft before morning rescue. GPS showed I hadn’t moved and so did the island I was looking at. P.S. I will NOT be caught with flares more then a year old ever again. They wouldn’t fire and they would’ve saved me the not so pleasant experience!!!
Hi thank you for the accurate description of how to calculate the total rode. Water depth x scope ratio .The USA guides are now incorrectly saying that you should use the bowroller HT to sea bed x the scope! In shallow water this can be double the rode causing all kinds of issues in a tight anchorage. The USA coast guard gives conflicting information in their seamanship guide they say it both ways! How do we get this corrected? Cheers Warren
Trawling: An act of searching for or examining something. I guess we use that as a colloquial expression, to use the anchor to search for something on the sea bed.
Quite often when "dropping the pick" for a picnic or spot of fishing.. it may be sufficient to anchor without proper chain. So might a cinder block and bailing twine. HOWEVER a wise seaman considers the anchor and CHAIN to be ESSENTIAL safety equipment in the rare emergency, when the engine is not available and weather/current are pushing the vessel towards danger. The question is ... do you primarily plan on relying on the Emergency Rescue Services or .... a JOLLY GOOD ANCHOR AND CHAIN 😎😎😎
I’m a novice so I’m gonna ask a very silly question!! What happens if the anchor get stuck down below against a rock, cliff,...etc? And How often does that actually happen?
Would have been nice now that we have seen the classroom theory to end off the video with seeing it in action. I would also like to see in real life how the ropes are tied to interact with the chain and how to set that up. I'm a trainer and coach so I am a big believer in theory being followed by a practical then you can start with how to use charts, weather etc to pick the spot to setting up ropes, amount of chain being laid and show how to let anchor out ... vertically ... and maybe a slight reverse to ensure anchor has taken etc.
@@CoastalSafety I use 9.5mm or 3/8 inch, and I only use about 2 meters. It seems to work pretty well, but I don't sleep aboard the vessel so its not so critical.
That should be fine in sheltered conditions and short stops whilst enjoying a picnic or fishing. If ever the wind or tide were to pick up and your engine failed, that would be the time to break out the 10m :-)
Sorry to hear that. Maybe suggest that they tie a spare fender or buoy to the end of the anchor rope in future. Something that floats will show where the anchor is. You can then use another anchor and drag in the area, hopefully you may find the first anchor.
Why does all anchor videos claim that the wight of the chain is holding the boat. It just isnt! It makes the pull on the anchor better but its not the ”weight of the chain” that holds the boat. Try to remove the chain, works fine, then try to remove the anchor....
10m of chain? That is a lot of chain. I always heard that you need 1/3 - 1/2 the length of the boat. If you have a 20ft boat, 10m is way overkill. Most anchor sites are less then 10m of water, and if you are using a rope/ chain combo, the only thing the chain does is ensure the anchor is pulled flat across the bottom
Depends if you are anchoring in a nice sheltered location for a picnic ..... or if your engine is not operational and a strong wind / tide is pushing you on to the rocks. Most people think of the anchor, chain and rope as a convenience... thankfully they don't need to use it as safety equipment to protect their boat and investment.
We have a 23ft sailboat on lake Erie. We have around 10ft of chain on a Danforth anchor. The bottom is mostly sand or muck. We rarely anchor much deeper then 15-20ft, but have successfully anchored in 50ft. I would not have trusted it in a storm though because we only had a 150ft rope
If you know anything about lake Erie, you would know that it is basically a giant bathtub. A gentle wind can produce disproportionate sized waves. Given that, it is unpleasant to be out in any kind of foul weather in a 23ft boat. If there is any questionable weather, we don't set sail and are safe in our harbor
No worries I’ll modest enough to admit when I asked it I had no clue and still probably could learn more. Since then I’ve learn lots and getting ready to be a boat owner.
So excited about the video. I bought an anchor. Now I need a boat
You are most welcome :-)
This is a favourite answer - still makes me smile :-)
😁😁😁😁
So funny 😂😂😂
You got an anchor before the boat....LoL
I've been at sea 44 years and have never seen a better instructional video. Well done.
Have u ever seen a mermaid
The guide failed to mention how the anchor (all the various anchor types would be awesome too!) diggs into the bottom + the good tip that as you have dropped the anchor and the chain (while reversing slowly if need be), you should slowly continue to reverse the boat, until the anchor has dug in properly (= the boat doesnt reverse at all... cause it stuck..).
Diamond video much easy and needed by me these days as I slipped anchor month ago and woke up in Cromer.My ton anchor and only 8 feet of chain was just plain lazy.Many thanks.Never again.
10m of chain gives for a good night sleep - happy to be of assistance 😎 Sharing is caring 😎
Great video as a new boater with a 30' Sea Ray Sundancer I am scouring the internet for tips on just about everything. Thank you for this video, will be saving this on for sure.
That's great feedback. It's good to know who our subscribers are and what boating they do - "learn well, enjoy more"
get a,wíñdkesß
Very good and clear. Quick and simple guide for small boat captains. Good advice for candidates learning for "FTA Small Boat" licence.
Try one of our Buoy self test videos th-cam.com/video/Wjwm5mF8CNk/w-d-xo.html
This is still an all time classic instructional video for small boat anchoring -- and great to watch every few months as a refresher :-)
You are most welcome :-)
So excited about the video. I bought the chain and the rope, now and I need an anchor and a boat.
Is good to ensure that you have the proper safety equipment before going to sea. Well done 😇
Egy korrekt, egyenes tájékoztatás. Gratu!👍
Very nice delivery and presentation. Thank you for your video! 😁😄😄😄😄💖
You are most welcome. Please share the video and our channel with your friends.
Absolutely great info,,and loved the drawings,,,your so fast !
Many thanks for your appreciation. We aim to deliver pertinent information clearly and without waffle 😎
This was a well rounded video which I thoroughly enjoyed watching...great job
Thank you so much for kind comments. A lot of planning, work and editing on the computer goes into making these videos. Your appreciation is well received. Thank you and safe sailing 😎
I love videos like this. Short, sharp, to the point and I'm a anchoring expert now. Should the need for me to drop anchor on my nonexistent boat somewhere I will be up to the task.
You are most welcome :-)
Great video. Loved the drawing.
Thanks. We appreciate your kind words.
This was a really good video explaining it in an understandable way.
Thank you for your kind words :-)
The "HEY, ITS BRUCE" Anchor, Always has been my favorite.
Yes YEs, a great all round anchor - especially in mud and sand. What do you suggest for a rocky bottom?
I typically prefer a cast iron v6 engine block.
Powerboats or sailboats, we were doing it wrong so it is good to know - and in a couple weeks are posting our video about the time that we had to ABANDON the boat anchor! Sailing has been a huge learning curve so far as we start our journey around the world and videos like this are a great help!
I was so confused as a child as to how anchors work. I was told that the anchor goes straight down and just stopped the boat even if it's out at sea. This never made any sense to me. Now I know that I was just talking to stupid (and probably drunk) adults, who had no idea what on earth they were talking about. Thanks for the educational video :)
Same
You are most welcome :-)
That's a scary thought to be out at sea with drunk stupid adults.
@@jejoko lol, we weren't at sea.
If in doubt, put more chain out
Very clear and informative. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for posting this very useful
Glad it was helpful!
Short simple and clear.....spot on, thanks for posting.
You are most welcome :-)
First off great Video! Well explained. The only thing I would like to add is for when are staying for longer periods of time you will deal with changing winds and tides. I find in a 24 hour period that I end up doing a completed circle around my original "drop zone". With this in mind it is wise to check the area around the "drop zone" as u may end up on the opposite side in the middle of the night.
good point! thanks
interesting.. I came here bc I saw a anchor malfunction video and I realized... i have NO idea how anchors work.. initially i just wanted to know how deep anchors went.. and after watching this video I realized how wrong I was... I thought anchors held the boat bc the anchor went straight down. This makes a lot more sense :)
True - many people think that the anchor "magically" attached to some rock and that is how it works :-)
One of the best anchoring videos I've seen. I wish the Americans could structure their videos as succinctly as this one. They have good info but always seem to use 100bwirds where 10 will do.
Thank you for your kind comments
Being an American, I wholeheartedly concur with the verisimilitude of your pithy rejoinder, Free Speech. We sure tend to obfuscate the thesis and eschew brevity in favor of loquacious blathering.
What you said 😁
@ Free Speech
I have a 5.1 meter (16 foot) boat, it's a good thing I've been boating for a long time or going by this video I'd think I needed to haul around enough anchor chain to damn near sink that little boat.
I hope someone who doesn't have boating experience and is on a lake in the US or elsewhere doesn't watch this video and take it as gospel for all boats in all situations. Also, anyone who truly NEEDS 33 ft. of anchor chain probably already knows all of this stuff fairly well.
Sometimes brevity is a good thing. Sometimes a few more words are needed to make things clear.
For those of us who go to sea, with tides, real weather, different bottom strata, etc. rather than fanny around in freshwater lakes, the video is a good reminder of what is required. I carry 30m chain, 30m rope, and still don't have really enough for some places I would wish to anchor, although short term it's OK
thank you for sharing sa bagong vidio napakagaling po
salamat po sa inyo po
I've always wondered how much chain/rope per depth of water. Thank you very much for the information and making the video. You draw very well by the way.
Thank you for your kind words :-)
Good explanation And good information that I can use for myself and my viewers !
Thanks
Trumper Fishing
Yes, please share - make the sea a safer place 😎👍
Great video, but one thing I find is seldom mentioned is the actual setting... that is, applying reverse throttle to confirm that the anchor has set properly. To me this is a critical step which many new boaters are unaware of.
Yes, a good point. Maybe we will take a camera and film the setting and perhaps "simulate" dragging also :-)
Maybe also how to dislodge an anchor once set when ready to get underway.
Thank you for a great suggestion. Happy that you enjoyed the video also ... many thanks 😊
Great tips and advice Thank you
You are very welcome 😎
What other topics would you like to see?
Great video, but one thing I find is seldom mentioned is the actual setting... that is, applying reverse throttle to confirm that the anchor has set properly. To me this is a critical step which many new voters may be unaware of.
Voters or boaters?
I use a 10 lb danforth anchor with 8 ft of chain and 10 ft of marine rope to anchor two 3 seat waverunners (facing outward) with a rope attached to the rear of one of the waverunners running to a slide anchor on shore. Hold great. Never had a problem.
Sounds good
What depth of water is that?
@@CoastalSafety its on a river bank in Parker Arizona...depending on the water level it usually in 4-6 feet about 30 feet off shore. I adjust the tension using the rope from the back of the ski to the shore anchor....you have to keep it tight so as not to bump into other watercraft due to the wake of passing boats.
Great penmanship 👍
very helpful thanks now to put it into practice
Practice makes perfect 😎👍
Very informative video
Glad you think so!
Good. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for your appreciation. Learn online - be safe on sea :-)
Very well presented
Thank you for your kind words.
If you have any suggestions for new videos, please let us know 😎😎
Great video
Try one of our Buoy self test videos th-cam.com/video/Wjwm5mF8CNk/w-d-xo.html
Thanks guys 👍🇦🇺
Our pleasure!
I don’t even own a boat I just find this interesting
You are most welcome :-)
A good guide, but maybe a video on anchor setting would be helpful. I almost dispensed with my danforth because I dragged on mud the first time I used it, but after a little practice and experimentation I now love it.
Thanks for the feedback - good topic idea 😎
great class
Thank you - appreciation is appreciated :-)
Can you do more videos about sailing/ cruising / navigating the coast of Sri Lanka please ?
Sri Lanka - awesome sailing area. Outstanding scenery and diving. www.clubsrilanka.com
Good video but small trailer boats 10m of chain is heavy so I’ve found a chain the length of the boat is usually sufficient.
Absolutely, for nice days. We say 10m for the not so nice days when the wind is blowing harder and the tide is running faster. When the engine refuses to start and then we appreciate the anchor and the chain.
You say to use the right anchor, but at least in my experience, boats usually only carry one or two. In practice I find it is more a case of using the right type of sea bed for your anchor.
Generally speaking - a vessel will not carry a multitude of anchors, rather they carry the anchor type best suited to the area in which they operate.
Some vessels also carry a kedge and/pr a spare anchor at the stern.
Nice explanation
Hey. Thanks for the appreciation ❤😎🇱🇰🙏
Which other videos do you like to see.?
I would argue that it is the scope of the rode and a good anchor that keeps the anchor set, not the weight of the chain.
In a strong wind or current, which is what will cause one to drag, the chain’s weight will do little to help. This is why kellets are no longer used. Having said that, II agree 10 meters is a good minimum as it prevents chafing of the rope on the bottom.
Video opening clearly states it is a system. However many 'old salts' will continue to believe it is the weight of the anchor. 10kg anchor vs 1000kg boat ... or more :-)
You need to know what type of anchor works for the bottom type you plan on being over. For example, Danforth is a good anchor, but absolutely useless in the California delta, unless you’re thing is dragging up “salad balls”. Here, the best bang for the buck Five Oceans “delta style” with appropriate chain length. Hint: never toss the anchor overboard, lower it while slowly retreating from it for quick first time set. Once you it touches bottom avoid pulling on it till you have let out enough scope (rope/chain) before you set and test. Ideally you just want the anchor’s arm to fall toward the retreating boat without a pile of chain on top of it. This is the best way to quickly get through a growth covered bottom. Happy boating!
Try one of our Buoy self test videos th-cam.com/video/Wjwm5mF8CNk/w-d-xo.html
Nice video
Brilliant - many thanks for your comments
A very nice video, but perhaps some things have moved on. I've used CQR, Danforth, Bruce, and grapnel anchors, but I've never seen a mushroom anchor in the flesh. A grapnel is suitable only for a RIB or dinghy. The other three can hold well once set, but they don't always set. I now use a Rocna (which always sets first time), with a Bruce or Danforth as a backup or kedge. With a modern anchor like a Rocna, a 4:1 rode is sufficient; and 3:1 will do for a "lunchtime hook". In really bad weather, the rode can be extended, but there's no point ever going longer than 8:1. If you want a swivel on the rode, don't put it on the anchor directly, but a metre or so away from the anchor (to avoid lateral pulls that could snap the swivel). Modern stainless swivels will easily pass through a chain tube. Stainless shackles look nice, but a good quality galvanised one will be stronger. If concerned that the anchor may get stuck, put a tripping line at the back of the anchor. If you have a windlass/capstan (manual or electric), motor the boat towards the anchor; don't use the windlass to pull the boat forward!
Hows about doing a bit on releasing the anchor? wind picks up..oh boy..
Yes, that is a splendid suggestion :-)
I wold add the water depth to the height of bow roller above the waterline, and use that combined measurement, for working out chain length
Great tip!
it helped with my science
That is great we're really happy to help you
thank you
Keep watching the videos and you can learn more and more
Hello, a good anchor works best in the angle 30 degrees. So when the robe is 4 thimes the deep of the water, this is ideal. the sinus of a corner of 15 degrees is 0,25..this is:. 0,25 multiplice deep..
For the rest, your video is so good, thank you…
How does your formulae include tidal stream, wind (current and predicted) and of course the mass of the vessel which will come in to play when there is movement producing momentum?
@@CoastalSafety F=P/v (N) F=force in the robe P=power off the vessel for min movement, depends of shape and waterdeplacement (mine vessel=0.2hp)v=streamspeed (in Belgium 2m/s)
+windforce depend off surface off the vessel'.. power off the ancher with 15* depend off de mass off the ground: Fanchor=V.sortm. If Fanchor is bigger than F: the ancher shall hold.
Excuus my englisch, my matymatics is better. If you have quentions. no problem, good forntune
Solid tips
Do people ever drop two anchors for extra peace of mind? Perhaps two different kinds to cover mixed terrain?
Normally 2 anchors are dropped, so that the chain forms a "V" shape to spread the load. This is normally when strong winds are expected.
Also, some people have a second anchor (a kedge anchor) which can be placed over the stern to "angle" the vessel so some specific reason.
However, normally people use one anchor - for general use.
I have a few times....but that was "after the fact" ! I have dragged anchor a few times (a Bruce) after a wind change or/or increase. And this happened after dark and having gone to bed, of course!...I had a Danforth in reserve that I then deployed (with rope only)....motor up at an angle to about where the first anchor is...drop the Danforth and drift back until the pull and angle of both rodes were about the same. That saved me each time...from dragging further AND having to haul the Bruce back up into the boat to re-anchor.
I usually drop one from the bow, and one from the stern on the upstream side when anchoring on a sand bar
What I'm needing to know is how you retrieve the anchor if it's hooked into the bottom?
Hi , my name is Ernie, in Australia, with the Damforth anchor I’ve found driving back over the anchor with power from the motor , not super fast , it will release.
It is only hooked when you have rope 3 or more times the depth of the water out. When you pull on the rope you bring the boat up to the anchor. When the boat is over the anchor, you keep pulling and it is easy to pull the anchor out now as it is a straight up pull.
With a Danforth there is a second spot for the smaller release line, it pulls from the anchor pivot point and pulls the point out
If you suspect the seabed is rocky, you could attach a thin line to the second attachment point (tripping line) and place a buoy (or a fender) which floats above the anchor. This allows you to weigh the anchor "backwards" such that it does not attempt to "dig in" further. All in all, the Danforth is a good all round anchor at reasonable cost.
The only mention of scope ratio is 5:1. This is the minimum. Ideal ratio is 7:1. Many factors play a part in deciding scope ratio. The actual depth is NOT just the depth of water, but you must include the height from water surface to the anchor roller on the bow. So for example, if the depth of water is 36 feet, and the height from water surface to anchor roller is 4 feet, then the total depth is 40 feet. So if you choose a 5:1 ratio, the total length of anchor rode is 200 feet. Again, the rise in tide, wind speed, current etc. during your time anchored needs to be factored in. Better safe than sorry especially anchored overnight .
If you are asking "should I put out more chain?" .... the answer is probably yes.
No, I’m not asking anything. Just wanted to point out some things regarding ratio and scope. The anchor rode I mentioned is the length of whatever you’re using between the anchor itself and the boat, be it all chain, all rope, or a combination of both ( which is the preferred method). The chain “assists “the holding power of the anchor, and the rope acts as shock absorber dealing with the swell and/or rise and fall of the tide. That’s all I’m saying here. Great video!
Try holding a 10m rope, with your friend at the other end. Try to make it "bar tight" ... you will feel how much energy it takes from your arms to make it "nearly" bar tight. You will feel the power taken to try to achieve this.
Generally, you cannot have too much chain ... however sometime we have to anchor in 50m of water ... then it is a problem!
good video
Great. Glad that you enjoyed enjoyed it. Happy sailing!
Would have been good go show how to retrieve you anchor. I've seen someone use the boat to get it out driving past the anchor. Is that correct method.? Would have been good to have a complete tutorial.. this was good.
Good point. We are making more videos ...
Succinct info thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Two things you didn’t touch on. 1, What size anchor to use for the size boat and 2, How to pick up anchor once you want to leave. Other than that good video.
Thank you for your kind words :-)
very nice
Thanks - much appreciated
Depth of the water = depth + high tide+ freeboard height to the bow roller, then X scope
More chain .. better holding 😎
@@CoastalSafety All of the above need to be added before calculating scope or you won't have enough chain out.
If in doubt ... put more chain out 🙂🙂🙂
Amazing how many people say they are happy with only 2m of chain!
@@CoastalSafety Until they drag on a lee shore lol
What software used for the animation in the video, that fantastic!
Explaine software
It's a long time to make that animation. Like two weeks.
So .... its good to have someone appreciate the effort 😀😀
@@CoastalSafety Sorry for the lateness, appreciate the answer and again that really a great job thank you ⚓🚢
To prevent dragging why not just get an anchor that's twice the size recommended?
A number of reasons, could be the type of seabed, chain not laid out properly .... generally more chain is better than a heavier anchor (than recommended)
yez gôid ideaar
If one is going from LA to Hawaii, on a small motor yacht and alone, I imagine the ocean will be too deep to lay anchor. So what does one do when one wants to sleep? Use auto-pilot? Just turn off the engine and drift?
One should very carefully study the international COLREGS .. especially the rule 5 on "Lookout" at all times !
What if your anchor gets stuck!? Like, wedged on a rocky shelf?
Hey, that is a good topic for another video - thank you for the suggestion :-)
Not everyone puts a tripping line on the crown of the anchor, so, yes, the anchor could become stuck.
What do people do in this situation?
Important rule. Always shackle to the head of the anchor (the end that is attached to the blade) and use a breakaway to the tail (the end of the shaft that points to your boat). As a guide, a plastic zip tie or heavy fishing line that you can break with a strong pull is good. But what ever you use, practice breaking it a couple of times so that is is strong but not impossible to break while on the boat. It is surprising how hard even 12lb fishing line is to break with a hard pull, especially when the boat is rocking about.
@@77goanywhere The advice that you have given for a "break away anchor" may well be fine for a "secondary" anchor" for normal day to day use.
HOWEVER if your engine is broken and you are drifting towards a rocky shore or a "non welcoming" breakwater, you will NEED a REAL ANCHOR that will HOLD your position and stop your vessel being smashed on the rocks.
Please take this reply in good faith, no way are we insulting your reply, however people unaware may "forget" that the primary purpose of the anchor is in emergency situations to protect the vessel and the crew thereon.
So often at COASTAL SAFETY, we see "newbies" put a couple of meters of chain on an anchor and that may well hold in "gentle" situations. However, the math is simple - cost of a lost anchor vs cost of a damaged or lost vessel. :-)
@@CoastalSafety Sorry, this is the advice that the Australian Coast Guard gives. If you shackle to the end of the shaft, you risk having to cut free if your anchor gets jammed in rock. I think you may have misinterpreted my comment.
@@77goanywhere My dear chap, I totally understand your point. However, in an emergency situation, if say, you were being pushed on to the rocks, when more strain than normal came on to your anchor, your system, would allow the anchor to break free. As I did mention in my previous reply, this may be fine in normal anchoring situations and you did not want to loose anchor.
I am, however, referring to an emergency situation when you need the anchor to hold, at all costs, to prevent loosing the vessel.
In any case, this dialog is developing beyond the scope of a "Quick guide to anchoring". You may of course continue this dialog further, our contact details are at www.coastalsafety.com
You will be pleased to know that on more advanced and bespoke training, your point and method is discussed in greater detail.
Awesome Thanks! I learned a few things. 10 Meters of chain seems excessive for a 22' sailboat. Wouldn't the amount of chain depend on the size of the vessel?
That's what you need for engine failure and onshore gale.
The chain does most the work... more weight sitting on the floor the better.
The anchor stops the chain and boat from dragging till it beds in then the weight of the chain is used for the movement of the boat
Exactly ! You are most welcome :-)
The most important tip of all...make sure the other end is tied to the boat!!!😂😂😂
You are most welcome :-)
So are you saying that I need to carry all these anchors?
Hi from your accent you are probably in the UK.
Hi we have a big problem in the USA, most of the anchoring guides give out bad information about the calculation for correct scope when anchoring.
The common knowledge for me and in the uk has been to use say 3:1 x the depth of the water. So 30' in 10' depth of water etc.
But in the USA the advise is to use the water depth plus the bow height x the scope! So with a 10' bow height this becomes 60' of scope in the same anchorage, not a good situation.
Also a heck of a lot of extra chain to pull in later!
Perhaps you can clarify this sometime in another post. If you read the USA guides , like boat us , west marine etc. you will be surprised I think
Cheers Warren.
What is taught in the UK is 4X water depth for chain only, 6X for chain and rope. I take this from sea level, as opposed to deck/bow level, which in my case is ~2 metres.
Recently, no matter what I do the anchor won't set. I bought another anchor just to be sure there wasn't an equipment issue. I have an #10 danforth and a 24 ft. bow rider. Its been windy. The lake (dam) has been lowered. It took 4 times to get it right the last outing. Its also a crowded cove so there is no room for error. Its been quite frustrating. I'm thinking of switching anchor systems. Any suggestions?
What is the "sea bed" type? Rock, mud, sand, grass, weed, clay? Also how much length and diameter chain are you using? Always happy to help 😎
@@CoastalSafety I believe the diameter is 3/8ths. The bed can vary from old tree branches, rocks, or silt. The dam is over a former town in PA. Thank you for responding. Its been quite frustrating the last few weeks!
Hi Teri. What length of chain are you using?
What if there's no wind nor current?
Stop the vessel in the water. Put a little sternway on, then, in neutral, pay out the anchor cable.
Had a Dan Thorp heavy but strong
Good for sandy bottoms. Holds well in mud and shingle. Just watch your fingers on the hinge system.
Do you know the model of the distributor cap? I bought "Rarayc distributor cap ... 7, 7.4, 8.2 v8 engines" but it does not fit
Even though you showed a CQR anchor at the beginning of the video, you never discussed it. Any reason why?
Lots of anchors to cover - this is a short video that we use on practical courses to "refresh" students memory - actually it has become one of the most popular anchoring videos on youtube. Basically CQR is a cousin of the plough or delta ... with hinge :-)
Is there a difference between anchoring a powerboat or a sailboat?
Similar operation. Sail boats tend to have more prop walk when going astern.
We have lots of wind in Sri Lanka- when we explore the beautiful beaches, we have to consider the wind and how it may change in the afternoon.
Telling you, the bruce anchor is good for dragging anchor on good fishing spots.
Most of the sea is really deep though. How much chain do I need to anchor my boat in say 2000 meters of water? Usually I throw it out and just let it dangle and hopw the weight keeps me in the same place. I can't really tell but it doesn't look like the boat moves at all. What should I be doing?
I thought a sea-anchor was like a parachute - just intended to drag in the water.
You're not anchoring... You're drifting with style!
Anchoring takes place for small boats in depths of up to 20 metres. If you're in 2000 metres you're off the edge of the "Continental Shekf" and are unlikely to need to stay in one place unless you're sending a UAV down to the Titanic.
Hope that helps. You might think about taking some form of instructional course too. But if you're driving a boat that far offshore to 2000 metres deep I'd like to think you've got a ticket or two....
Even just putting the anchor and chain in the water will give drag. It will slow the drift. Also it will help keep the bow to windward and reduce rolling.
five times the water depth is overkill but whatever. the type of anchor you are using greatly affects this. for instance the danforth can anchor up on significantly less line because of its shape and its hinge.
I am sure that you appreciate that an anchor is your "emergency stopper" and when you are being driven on to rocks by an offshore wind, 10m of chain and 5X the depth will be appreciated.
Of course, stopping for a sunny picnic is another matter :-)
@@CoastalSafety I only have 15feet of chain, and 400 feet of rope. I’m in an 18 foot aluminum boat from 1969 and float the Great Lakes in Canada 🇨🇦 I don’t have enough room to store more. Last time I needed it was a major electrical malfunction so my radio didn’t work and motor wouldn’t start. It was a rough, sleepless night as the waves topped 5 ft before morning rescue. GPS showed I hadn’t moved and so did the island I was looking at.
P.S. I will NOT be caught with flares more then a year old ever again. They wouldn’t fire and they would’ve saved me the not so pleasant experience!!!
Very happy to hear that you survived.
@@draganarc0131 This is a great story - great outcome. We would be interested to know the depth of water that you anchored in ?
Hi thank you for the accurate description of how to calculate the total rode. Water depth x scope ratio .The USA guides are now incorrectly saying that you should use the bowroller HT to sea bed x the scope! In shallow water this can be double the rode causing all kinds of issues in a tight anchorage. The USA coast guard gives conflicting information in their seamanship guide they say it both ways!
How do we get this corrected?
Cheers Warren
Simple and accurate methods are the best we can hope that our students can remember when the going gets rough! Thank you for your kind comments.
warp21drive it is indeed correct to consider bow roller to seabed as the "depth". Google "catenary" and you can then understand where this comes from.
How do you trawl an anchor? Or did you mean troll?
Trawling: An act of searching for or examining something. I guess we use that as a colloquial expression, to use the anchor to search for something on the sea bed.
4:50 Wind changes and you will be on Great Bolo Rock :-)
Always good to maintain an anchor watch!
I see so many people have no chain. Usually a nylon rope to the anchor. Seems to work I guess?
Quite often when "dropping the pick" for a picnic or spot of fishing.. it may be sufficient to anchor without proper chain. So might a cinder block and bailing twine. HOWEVER a wise seaman considers the anchor and CHAIN to be ESSENTIAL safety equipment in the rare emergency, when the engine is not available and weather/current are pushing the vessel towards danger. The question is ... do you primarily plan on relying on the Emergency Rescue Services or .... a JOLLY GOOD ANCHOR AND CHAIN 😎😎😎
Thanks
You are very welcome😎
I’m a novice so I’m gonna ask a very silly question!!
What happens if the anchor get stuck down below against a rock, cliff,...etc?
And How often does that actually happen?
Buy another!
i would never have guessed that the mushroom one looked like a mushroom
😎
A lot of thank
You are very welcome. What do you think about our other videos??
Would have been nice now that we have seen the classroom theory to end off the video with seeing it in action. I would also like to see in real life how the ropes are tied to interact with the chain and how to set that up. I'm a trainer and coach so I am a big believer in theory being followed by a practical then you can start with how to use charts, weather etc to pick the spot to setting up ropes, amount of chain being laid and show how to let anchor out ... vertically ... and maybe a slight reverse to ensure anchor has taken etc.
Good feedback :-)
I've used The fisherman's anchor and I drop it in to the sand and it works lol
It will work OK specially with lots of chain. 🤔
for my 18 ft runabout 10 meters of chain in the hold would sink me
What size (diameter) chain are you thinking about? 6mm or similar imperial?
10m of 6mm chain would weigh approximately 8kg. Maybe you could add some reserve buoyancy - 8 liters or so?
@@CoastalSafety I use 9.5mm or 3/8 inch, and I only use about 2 meters. It seems to work pretty well, but I don't sleep aboard the vessel so its not so critical.
That should be fine in sheltered conditions and short stops whilst enjoying a picnic or fishing. If ever the wind or tide were to pick up and your engine failed, that would be the time to break out the 10m :-)
coastalsafety.com/quick-guide-anchoring-powerboats/
How would an old cultivator shank work on a small lake boat?
You are most welcome :-)
My friend dropped anchor while using my dad's row boat & the rope wasn't attached to the anchor
Sorry to hear that. Maybe suggest that they tie a spare fender or buoy to the end of the anchor rope in future. Something that floats will show where the anchor is. You can then use another anchor and drag in the area, hopefully you may find the first anchor.
@@CoastalSafety Thank you for the suggestion
Why does all anchor videos claim that the wight of the chain is holding the boat. It just isnt! It makes the pull on the anchor better but its not the ”weight of the chain” that holds the boat. Try to remove the chain, works fine, then try to remove the anchor....
I see your thinking.
Maybe I will make another video to explain why the weight of the chain does the work.
5X the depth of water..?! I’m in 3ft of water and it’s a calm day, 15ft of rope is kinda overkill, no?
Depends how close the nearest hazard is!
Absolutely it's all about hazard assessment.
If you wish to sleep well, more chain is the Answer
Great
Hi i am a nervous novice with many questions. Feel silly asking but how do you retrieve an anchor correctly and safely manually.
If your boat has good power, the least expensive way is to use a welded ring and buoy.
10m of chain? That is a lot of chain. I always heard that you need 1/3 - 1/2 the length of the boat. If you have a 20ft boat, 10m is way overkill. Most anchor sites are less then 10m of water, and if you are using a rope/ chain combo, the only thing the chain does is ensure the anchor is pulled flat across the bottom
Depends if you are anchoring in a nice sheltered location for a picnic ..... or if your engine is not operational and a strong wind / tide is pushing you on to the rocks. Most people think of the anchor, chain and rope as a convenience... thankfully they don't need to use it as safety equipment to protect their boat and investment.
What depth of water / nature of seabed do you anchor in? How much chain and what size link do you use?
We have a 23ft sailboat on lake Erie. We have around 10ft of chain on a Danforth anchor. The bottom is mostly sand or muck. We rarely anchor much deeper then 15-20ft, but have successfully anchored in 50ft. I would not have trusted it in a storm though because we only had a 150ft rope
Ok, it's been ok for "normal" anchoring. Maybe consider upgrading to 10m of chain, good insurance, should you be caught in a blow.
If you know anything about lake Erie, you would know that it is basically a giant bathtub. A gentle wind can produce disproportionate sized waves. Given that, it is unpleasant to be out in any kind of foul weather in a 23ft boat. If there is any questionable weather, we don't set sail and are safe in our harbor
How do you know how deep the water is?
Jeremy Dukes a depth finder what kinda question is that
depth sounder if you want something cheap, echo if you want something expensive and more useful
Depth finder genius.
He was asking a legitimate question, could be helpful instead of snarky
No worries I’ll modest enough to admit when I asked it I had no clue and still probably could learn more. Since then I’ve learn lots and getting ready to be a boat owner.
Cool 😎
My pleasure! You are very welcome - please watch and share the channel with your friends th-cam.com/users/coastalsafety
Why am I even watching this?
I just own a little rowing boat lmao
Tinko I have none and still watched this :)
You are most welcome :-)