When Should I Use My Boat's Anchor?
The most common times to use your boat’s anchor are during severe weather and when there is engine failure. Knowing how and when to use your boat’s anchor is a key part of boat safety, especially as a new boater.
When you use your boat’s anchor, it keeps your boat in a specific location and stops it from drifting with water currents or the wind.
Western Financial Group, a 100% Canadian company, can help you navigate your boat, car, home, and business insurance during this period of economic uncertainty.
Why is it important to know how to use the anchor?
When you know how to properly anchor your boat it’s part of being safe on the water. If you can't anchor safely, you could injure yourself or someone else. You could also damage your boat or end up in unfamiliar waters because you drifted with the current. Anchoring is a fundamental boating skill that you need to know.
How do I learn to use my boat’s anchor?
Follow these steps:
- Watch instructional videos
- Take a boating safety course for hands-on learning
- Practice anchoring in calm conditions
- Pick a spot with enough room, away from hazards and other boats, ideally with a sandy or muddy bottom for good holding.
- Get advice from and practice with an experienced boater
What is anchoring etiquette?
Anchoring etiquette is the unwritten rules and courtesies that boaters follow when anchoring their boats.
First come, first served
The first boat to anchor in an area sets the precedent for how others should anchor. If you arrive later, you must respect the setup of boats already anchored and their swing radius.
Respect swing radius
Allow enough space for all boats (including yours) to swing 360 degrees around their anchors without risk of collision. Never anchor your boat within another boat’s swing radius.
Slow approach
Enter the anchorage at a slow speed to avoid creating large wakes.
Anchor from the bow
Never anchor from the stern because this can make your boat vulnerable to being swamped.
Give adequate room
Don’t anchor too close to other boats, even if the anchorage is crowded. If you’re unsure about your distance, move farther away.
Be a good neighbour when anchored
Keep noise levels low, especially at night because sound travels well over water.
What are the main types of anchors?
The main types of anchors include:
- Fluke anchor: Two wide, flat flukes that pivot on a shank. Best for soft, sandy, or muddy bottoms.
- Plough anchor: Shaped like a farmer’s plow, with either a hinged or fixed. Works well in mud, sand, and grass.
- Claw anchor: It has three claw-like arms and is best for most bottom types, including sand, mud, and some rocky areas.
- Mushroom anchor: Shaped like an upside-down mushroom. Best for small boats, personal watercraft, or permanent moorings in soft mud or silt.
- Spade/Scoop anchor: Sharp fluke and roll bar for self-righting. It works in a wide range of seabeds.
How do I choose my boat’s anchor?
You’ll need to choose an anchor suited for your boat’s size and the bottom types you may encounter such as sand, mud, or rock.
Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for an anchor for your specific boat.
Use an anchor that weighs about 1 to 1.5 pounds per foot of boat length. For example, a 20-foot boat would need an anchor weighing 20 to 30 pounds (9 to 13 kilograms).
Use a length of line, also called a scope, of 5 to 7 times the water depth for proper holding. For example, in 10 feet of water, use 50–70 feet of rode. A rode is the nautical term for the line, chain, or combination of both, which connects your boat to its anchor.
What’s the anchoring process?
Do I drop the anchor from the bow, the stern, or the side?
You should almost always drop the anchor from the bow (front) of the boat, not the stern or the side. Anchoring from the bow is standard practice because the bow is designed to face into the wind or current, reducing the risk of swamping or capsizing. The anchor line should be secured to a bow cleat after the anchor is set. Lowering the anchor over the stern can swamp your boat.
Here are the main steps to anchor your boat
- Select an area with plenty of room, well-protected from wind and waves, with adequate water depth. A sand or mud bottom is best for most anchors.
- Attach the anchor securely to the anchor line (rode), ensuring all connections are strong and the line is free of tangles.
- Determine the water depth and calculate the correct amount of anchor line to use. A scope of 5:1 to 7:1 (length of line to depth) is recommended, depending on conditions.
- Head slowly into the wind or current, moving slightly upwind or up current of where you want the boat to settle.
- Slowly lower the anchor over the bow. Do not throw the anchor.
- As the anchor reaches the bottom, let out the calculated length of rode while the boat drifts back with the wind or current. Make sure the rode lays out straight, not in a pile.
- Gently pull on the anchor line or use the engine in slow reverse to help the anchor dig in and set.
- Tug the line to feel if the anchor is holding. If not, retrieve and repeat the process.
- Tie the anchor line securely to a bow cleat. Do not tie the anchor to the stern to avoid swamping your boat.
- Take visual bearings on landmarks or use onboard electronics to ensure you are not drifting.
How do I get the anchor out of the water?
To retrieve your boat’s anchor: Start the engine, slowly motor toward the anchor, and pull in the line (rode) as you go. Clean the anchor before stowing it on board.
Situations where you’ll need to use your boat’s anchor
You may need to use your boat’s anchor in the following situations:
- Engine failure or loss of steering: Anchoring reduces the risk of running aground or collision.
- Severe weather or poor visibility: Anchoring allows you to stay in a safe location rather than navigating hazardous waters.
- Shallow waters: When it’s too shallow to approach a dock or shore, anchoring allows safe access to land using a dinghy.
- Waiting for access: You may need to anchor while waiting to enter a narrow channel, lock, or other restricted area.
- Water Activities: Anchoring is common when stopping to swim, fish, picnic, or relax. What kinds of boats have anchors?
When should I get a new anchor?
You should consider getting a new anchor if your current anchor shows signs of significant wear, damage, or rust that could affect its holding power. Regularly inspect your anchor and anchoring system at least once a year. When in doubt, replace your anchor.
To sum it all up
Anchoring is a fundamental boating skill that you need to know to keep you and your passengers and other boaters safe.
5 FAQs about anchoring
What does ‘anchor’s away’ mean?
The correct nautical term is “anchors aweigh” and it means that anchor has been lifted off the bottom and the ship is ready to depart. The phrase is used when a ship is starting a journey, and it is also the name of the U.S. Navy’s official march song.
What type and size of anchor should I use for my boat?
Selecting the right anchor depends on your boat’s size, the type of bottom where you’ll be anchoring (sand, mud, rock), and local conditions. It’s important to follow manufacturer recommendations for an anchor.
How much anchor line (rode) should I let out?
The recommended length of anchor line, called scope, is typically 5 to 7 times the depth of the water, measured from the bow to the seabed. More scope may be necessary in rough conditions or with certain types of rode.
How do I know if my anchor is holding?
After setting the anchor, take visual bearings on shore objects or use GPS to monitor your position. If your position changes significantly, your anchor may be dragging and you’ll need to reset it.
What are the most common mistakes when anchoring?
Common issues include not using enough anchor line, choosing the wrong anchor for the bottom type, anchoring too close to other boats, and failing to monitor the anchor’s hold.
Why Western?
We’re 100% Canadian!
Get the best boat insurance
Get a boat insurance quote in minutes.
Save money on your boat insurance
