Anchoring Troubles

[gearyg]

Not sure if this is the right place to post this, but I was wondering....I never had the opportunity to have my anchor stuck to the point that I could not retrieve it (jammed in some rocks or on a wreck). However, I know this is going to happen sooner or later.

What steps do I take when this does happen. Cut the rope? Tie it down until the schackle gives? Loose the whole outfit? Tie it off to a bouy and give a gift to a diver? Any advice would be great...thanks.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Anchoring Troubles

what type anchor do you use? usually, when an anchor sticks, you can manover around to the opposite side give it slack, and back away from it. then pull on it. they usually come loose. last resort, cut the line. illegal to tie off to bouy.

 

[gearyg]

Re: Anchoring Troubles

I am using a Bruce Claw (similar to a Danforth, but with 3 prongs/plows)

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Anchoring Troubles

if it is like this one, it has a hole for a separate release line, could be the only way to release it.

 

[PhatboyC]

Re: Anchoring Troubles

You can use a big metal ring. Tie it of to a line and slip it through the rode all the way to the anchor. It will go over the anchor's shank then you can pull the opposite way with the boat. If all goes well it should back the anchor out.

 

[gearyg]

Re: Anchoring Troubles

Thanks for the replies and ideas. I guess since I have approx 28' of chain, I am not sure if I will be able to send a metal ring down that will slide accross the chan and then accross the shank of the anchor, that might be tough if I understand this correctly.

As for the hole on the angle of the anchor (for the seperate release line on the pic that Tashasdaddy posted, yes that is the anchor that I have), do you need a seperate line that goes down along side of the rode to be used as a release line?

 

[tomh59]

Re: Anchoring Troubles

I'm always getting mine stuck. Give some slack,then tie it off and make a slow
wide circle to try and twist it out.. It may dislodge. If not, repeat but make
your circle to the opposite direction. This method has proven itself over and over for me.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Anchoring Troubles

yes you need a separate line, 28 ft of chain, what the heck are you anchoring, the queen mary? that's enough chain you don't need an anchor.

 

[Wotam]

Re: Anchoring Troubles

Rough 'rule of thumb'... 1 foot of chain for each foot of boat length.

 

[jeffnick]

Re: Anchoring Troubles

You might get hold of one of these.

http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0037213018123a.shtml

I got mine at WalMart. I wouldn't use it for overnight anchoring, but for day use in foul bottoms it is a comfort.

As for the 'trip line' that attaches to the other hole in your anchor. Normally it's bouyed and separate from the main rode, but it can end up being a tangled mess, sometimes getting caught in the prop. An alternative is to attach the main rode to the trip line hole, then run the rode through a stout cable tie at the end of the anchor. In the event the anchor gets caught, cranking forcibly on the rode will break the cable tie and allow you to lift the anchor via the trip line point.

As for the ring approach...it will slide down past all the chain because you'll tension the rode to have a vertical pull from the boat all the way to the anchor shank.

But overall the simplest method is the Chene. If it gets hooked, just drive around in circles with the rode snug, and it will pull out...just like it might do on a tide or wind change -- that's why it's not a good idea to use them for overnighting.

http://www.geocities.com/jeff_nicholas/Anchoring/Anchor1.html

 

[donnymac]

Re: Anchoring Troubles

if it is like this one, it has a hole for a separate release line, could be the only way to release it.

I also use this type of anchor. What I do is attach the chain to the hole at the front of the anchor(closest to the blade) Then run the chain along the shaft and attach the link closest to the hole at the other end at the other end with 2 zap straps. When the anchor is lying on the bottom, with at least a 3to1 scope, the anchor and chain will be lying horizontal on the sea bed. With the proper amount of scope, the only force on the anchor will be horizontal and the anchor will hold. What happens when it does get stuck(and it has happened to me) position boat directly over top the anchor, the force you will now exert will be vertical. Now if you have only used 2 zap straps(cause I used 3 once and there was no way I could break them) A direct pull upwards will break the zap straps and the chain will now be pulling from the front of the anchor. By doing this the anchor should and does get removed blade first. I hope I explained well enough, cause sometimes I don't but I can put a picture in to explain more.

 

[backwater dawg]

Re: Anchoring Troubles

Gearyg---what size boat are you anchoring and in what type of bottom are you in??? Are you anchoring for a week in rough water or just for a couple of hours to swim??? I think it all depends on your conditions--I boat in a sandy river area and 28' of chain is probably overkill---but if I was in rocky bottoms with tides, bad currents, deep water, ect---thats probably a different deal---I've never had a problem getting a anchor to release--I've had luck pulling directly over the anchor--pulling up all the line-- cleating it--and powering the boat forward and backward until it releases--no problem---good luck-Steve

 

[Neverhome]

Re: Anchoring Troubles

When you have tried everything else and are still stuck, depending on current and depth, a good set of swim fins and a swim mask may do the trick.
If that fails, a sharp kinfe will always set you free.

Neverhome

 

[gearyg]

Re: Anchoring Troubles

Ok, 21 ft boat and I usually anchor from 50 to 180ft. Probably not in the roughest conditions, but it seems I can get away with less scope with more chain (therefore less rode needed as my anchor box is limited). Areas anchoring are from sandy to hard bottoms and deep water banks, pinnacles and rocks. So basically a variety of conditions, but just for the day (fishing) or over night, but always awake and fishing.

I like the zip tie idea as a back up, but I use a windlass and a second rope may be difficult, especially with limited space.

It looks like I will just have to deal with what nature throws at me, but thanks for all the advice and I can at least put the odds in my favor now...