Boat drifted in Shallow Water

[blifsey]

Re: Boat drifted in Shallow Water

My boat doesn't have a front Cleat. I was attaching it to the Site Cleat on top side in the Picture.

That is similar cleat location I was originally using on our Glastron. It doesn't work well at all because the wind and current makes the boat pivot around the point it is attached to boat. As I mentioned, this turns the boat broadside to wind/current which puts lots of pull onto the anchor. Attach it to your bow eye by either tying it directly or use a short piece of rope like I described.

The purpose of the chain is to weigh down the anchor so it has a more parallel pull to the ground which forces the anchor to dig into bottom better. It also will keep your anchor rode taught as the boat rides up/down on swells and waves/wakes.

With out GX205, I only ever used 4' of chain and it was plenty for the type of anchoring we normally do which is an hour or so in a cove eating lunch, taking a swim, relaxing in the sun, etc. After adding 4' of chain, I never had anchor pull loose or drag.

 

[jeffnick]

Re: Boat drifted in Shallow Water

I don't use any chain; it's a nasty mess. Set your anchor at 7:1 by backing down. Scope in to 3 or 4 to one for daylight stays, leave at 7:1 for overnight.

 

[dsiekman]

Re: Boat drifted in Shallow Water

While I agree that proper anchoring will probably solve your problem, if you are interested in a tolling motor option, there is a really cool solution by minn kota that attaches to the outboard/outdrive. I'm sure it isn't cheap, but it is cool...

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Boat drifted in Shallow Water

While I agree that proper anchoring will probably solve your problem, if you are interested in a tolling motor option, there is a really cool solution by minn kota that attaches to the outboard/outdrive. I'm sure it isn't cheap, but it is cool...

Those aren't cheap...

You can make one yourself fairly easily by finding a used trolling motor on any of your local CL type sites. Better yet, you can often find one that either doesn't have reverse working anymore, or only works at full speed. (fairly common problems, but for this situation, not an issue)

Chop the shaft off, and then fab up a mounting bracket with a couple pieces of metal.

As far as anchoring, I'm in the same camp, I won't use chain. I don't anchor overnight or in situations that require an absolute perfect bite, but the one thing I've found that helps DRAMATICALLY is to not use rope for my anchor rode. I use fairly stout bunji cord. It can be bought in whatever size you want fairly cheaply at any farm supply store. I have about 30 feet of it on my anchor, which has been more than enough. The bunji takes the shock out of the boat momentum, so the anchor doesn't get tugged along bit by bit. It also works very well when parking on a sand bar in current, you can stretch it out and the bunji keeps constant pressure on the boat, so the boat won't turn sideways as easy.