Got lucky today...what did I do wrong?

[Home Cookin']

Re: Got lucky today...what did I do wrong?

dirtyoldman you are right about the length of line; 7:1 is the protocal for anchoring a large boat overnight against adverse conditions. For a "lunch hook" as you are doing, anything that keeps you there is fine.

But I think (as others do) that fixing the "problem" so it won't reoccur is misplaced. I know you are shaken by the close call. have you ever misjudged a stop light and had to slam on brakes, skid and almost hit the car in front? yes. What did you do to the car or road or stoplight so it wouldn't happen again? Nothing.

Changing anchors or the way you anchor isn't going to fix this or the next "problem" because the anchor and line is not the problem; it's simple carelessness (which we all have done; I don't mean to sound judgmental).

There are a hundred important things to keep track of while boating and more when trailering. You already have a warning system on your boat-look at the bow cleat before engaging the gear. it's the same check you make if you leave bow and stern lines tied to the boat--make sure they are all inside and secure.

 

[security6]

Re: Got lucky today...what did I do wrong?

Like others have said, the key is that you are the captain of the boat. It's up to you to double-check everything.

As an example, when we pull our boat out of the lake I drive it slowly onto the trailer. I then shut-off the engine, tell my wife to raise the prop, and jump out to winch it the last couple feet. EVERYTIME I am done winching, I ask my wife whether she raised the prop AND whether she visually verified that it is raised.

Double-checking everything will prevent these sort of issues, and is especially helpful when you've got little kids around to distract the adults.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Got lucky today...what did I do wrong?

The other item I thought about in regards to the "flying anchor" is the elasticity of the rope. Lots of 4x4 guys have had rope or straps (with the attached clevis hook) come screaming past them or through the windshield/back glass after it snaps. Chains do an excellent job of dispersing that potential energy before it becomes kinetic. I do agree that you shouldn't have hammered it anyway, and if you were anchored well, it should have been apparent that something was dragging/not right. Distractions like children and performing non-related duties hurt and kill people in all sorts of boating accidents, so minimize the distractions and focus on safety before you get underway.

 

[Lakemeadan]

Re: Got lucky today...what did I do wrong?

Nice lesson today, use chain and at least twice the amount of rope compared to length of the boat. I was anchored in 60 foot once and forgot because I drift and anchor much when fishing. It just powered me down and I figured it out quickly. I also take off slow a bit before hitting it. I had thoughts of the rope taking out my propellar or the anchor and rope holding until something breaks. Never thought of this one, glad no one was hurt and nobody had to drag in the anchor.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Got lucky today...what did I do wrong?

Nice lesson today, use chain and at least twice the amount of rope compared to length of the boat. I was anchored in 60 foot once and forgot because I drift and anchor much when fishing. It just powered me down and I figured it out quickly. I also take off slow a bit before hitting it. I had thoughts of the rope taking out my propellar or the anchor and rope holding until something breaks. Never thought of this one, glad no one was hurt and nobody had to drag in the anchor.

The real bad thing that could of occured as well would be if the anchor had held or caught on something when he hammered it. Imagine the bow being ripped straight downward while accelerating; it could wind up with a bunch of occupants being thrown overboard or even a capsized boat. One reason not to try to free an anchor from the bottom by using lots of engine propultion especially if tied to the stern, as it will cause the rear of the boat to submerge if the rope/chain doesn't let go first.

 

[Thajeffski]

Re: Got lucky today...what did I do wrong?

First lesson:
When something doesn't "feel right" STOP the boat and look around.

Second lesson:
When you hear a BANG, STOP the boat and investigate.

Third Lesson:
Put out more line than the length of your boat by 10 feet, at least next time it'll just foul your prop.

 

[Fjandy]

Re: Got lucky today...what did I do wrong?

Coming from 4x4 I worry about rope elasticity alot. Glad to hear you're ok and that you've learned from it. I appreciate the story.

FWIW, if your son goes in the lake to pee just before you leave anchorage and you ask him to pull the ladder in, remember that a swim ladder feels alot like a 300 pound man sitting on your gunnel at speed. I made my brother-in-law move all the way over to the port side trying to get the boat to level out.

Someone else said it. If something feels wrong, it probably is.

 

[Susquehanna Squid]

Re: Got lucky today...what did I do wrong?

It sounds to me like you fully expect that to happen again. My advice is to not let it happen again. That solves all of your problems.