Some things I have learned that some may find useful.
Ground tackle
- two anchors for sandbars, one bow one stern.
- decent anchor sized right, I use a fortress danforth type on the bow and super hooker danforth on the stern, both sized one size larger than recommended. Cheaper, smaller anchors can work but rely on perfect technique and some luck. In high winds or a storm, you'll be very happy with your quality anchor, oversized one size larger than recommended.
- chain, necessary for weight and rode angle to help the anchor set quickly. Also helpful to protect rope from scraping on rocks. I use 20' on the bow hook and 6' on the stern. I would say 6' minimum for the bow, 10' is better, one boat length is even better. The chain not only helps set the anchor but also keeps it set better in wind and waves by acting as a shock absorber. As waves hit, the bow lifts, as does the chain. This eases the shock of the wave on the anchor set, reducing the chance of pulling the anchor out of set before you are ready. Use good marine chain from marina recommendation.
- anchor rope, 3/8" minimum, 1/2" is better. I like the 1/2" not for strength, but for ease in grasping and pulling. Three strand nylon is good choice. I would say 250' minimum for safety (if needed in deeper water) but 350' is better.
- Note, The anchor rode may save your boat and health if you loose power in storm and need to stop dangerous drift.
- I also marked my anchor line with 25' indicators to let me know how much line I have out. 3 times depth is minimum, 5 is better.
Technique
- if the bar is too crowded, especially if windy and you are not experienced, better to anchor (practice) somewhere else.
- have both anchors ready before approach, no tangled lines or anchors buried under toys and coolers.
- be sure your desired spot is clear of all swimmers, especially kids. If not, please wait for spot to clear. This is especially important when backing you boat into position.
- bow anchor is positioned up wind from your desired position. This anchor holds you position and does most of the work. Stern anchor is only there to prevent swinging into other boats.
- align yourself with other boats already anchored. They will have positioned themselves bow to the wind and waves.
- drive or back in until bow is over desired bow anchor position.
- showily lower anchor allowing anchor to touch bottom before chain. Allow wind to push you backwards, or slowly power back into position.
- tie off anchor line, typically about 20 to 25' behind bow anchor at sandbar depths.
- now allow wind to push boat back driving anchor into seabed, or gently power back to set anchor. Idle speed only, easy bump into reverse.
- with decent anchor, chain and adequate scope, you will feel the anchor grab the sand bed and stop the boat with a solid stop. Your bow anchor is set and you are 90% home.
- lower anchor off stern. Get in water, walk stern anchor back around 15' back, lay anchor, tighten anchor line leaving a bit of slack to allow movement with waves but not movement swaying boat closer to other boats.
- lastly, check that both anchors are buried into bar bed and holding with a solid purchase.
Departing
- prep boat for departure.
- pull stern anchor and manually hold boat in position
- if clear, get in boat, manually pull boat up over bow anchor and pull straight up. It will be buried, especially on windy days.
- if not clear, manually pull bow anchor while holding boat in position. Temporary stow anchors and rode while you idle out to deepens water. Once clear, stow anchors, lift ladders, etc.
Hints
- two experienced boaters working together make all of this look very easy. Alone is doable, but takes skill on a windy day.
- relax, panic will not help you or you temporary neighbors.
- do not throw anchors. Lower them slowly and controlled. A thrown anchor has a good chance of chain or rope fouling set into bed and makes you look inexperienced to others.
- be curtious, if someone has been there since 10am, they are not likely to be too happy if you show up at 3pm after already crowded, and position right against there boat.
- please do not drop your anchors right off the swim platform of another boat. Also, do not cross your anchor lines across other anchor lines. It is rude and can be unsafe.
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