Anchor, Hook
A metal device that is lowered from the boat on rope
or chain (anchor rode) and that digs into or lies on the water’s
bottom and so holds the boat. To set the anchor is to help it dig
in by pulling hard on the rode. When the anchor drags, it springs
loose from the bottom, leaving the boat adrift. All anchors have flukes
(points that dig into the bottom or grab rocks) and a shank (a vertical
bar). Many also have a stock (a horizontal bar that prevents rolling
over) and a crown (where the stock, flukes, and/or shank meet). Anchor
types include those listed below.
If you go boating long enough, sooner or later you're going to need
to anchor. Knowledge of your anchoring equipment (called ground tackle)
and the ability to use it is an absolute necessity. Many of today's
power boaters just go from marina to marina and, as a result, are
unfamiliar with their ground tackle and how to deploy it. Worse yet,
some boaters don't even have an anchor aboard!
Think about it. You and your family are out for a
fine day of boating, when your engine breaks down and cannot be restarted.
The wind is blowing you towards a rocky shore and the waves are getting
larger. At this point, you need an anchor and the knowledge of how
to use it. Otherwise, you risk losing your boat or, possibly, worse
things!
Plow Anchor: The plow anchor is so
named because it looks and performs like a plow. It holds well on
almost any type of bottom conditions. The plow anchor, however, is
heavy and very difficult to stow unless you have a bow pulpit and
roller.
Mushroom (Grapnel): The mushroom
will sink down into the mud or sand. If left long enough, it will
have tremendous holding power. Most permanent moorings use a large
mushroom anchor.
Since storage space is always at a premium on boats,
the number of anchors you carry and the type you decide to have must
be compromises between safety and convenience. Anchors are rated by
their horizontal load capabilities.
When looking for an anchor, check the manufacturer's stated horizontal
holding power. If you have any doubt, remember that an anchor that's
a little too big is much better than an anchor that's a little too
small!
Anchor Rode
The line or chain attached to the anchor and secured to the boat.
Your anchor line is called a rode. Nylon line is the
best choice here because of its strength and ability to stretch. It's
also a good idea to have a 6-foot to 12-foot piece of chain between
the anchor and the nylon line. The chain really helps to keep the
anchor (stock) parallel with the bottom and also acts as a shock absorber.
Your anchor rode must be long enough to create a horizontal,
rather than vertical, pull on your anchor. Anchors are designed to
dig in deeper when they are pulled horizontally. They are also designed
to come free when pulled vertically.
There is a simple formula which helps calculate the
proper scope (length) of rode you need. Take the height of the boat's
bow from the water line and add it to the depth of the water. In this
example, we'll say the height of the bow from the water line is 3
feet, and the depth of the water is 12 feet.
Example: 3 feet + 12 feet = 15 feet
If you are in a well-protected area (no waves or wind),
multiply the total by a factor of 5.
Example: 15 feet x 5 = 75 feet of rode needed
If you are in normal conditions (some wind and some
waves), multiply the total by a factor of 7.
Example: 15 feet x 7 = 105 feet of rode needed
Finally, if you are in rough conditions, multiply
the total by a factor of 10.
