2013 New York Safe Boating Textbook - (Page 56)

Anchoring There are different types of anchors, and the anchor you choose will depend on your boat and the way you plan to use it. Many small boats use a Danforth type anchor. It’s lightweight, has very good holding power, and buries itself as tension is placed on the line. A Danforth anchor digs in as you put a strain on it. It is designed to hold for a long time. It’s best for boats that will anchor primarily for safety reasons; for example, if your engine fails, or you need to stay outside of a harbor for a long period of time, or if you have to weather a storm. If you’re likely to spend some of your boating time at anchor– for example, if you like to swim off the boat, explore the shore, or fish – you may want to use a mushroom anchor. The mushroom anchor is smaller and works it way down into the bottom over time. It has limited holding power and is best for temporary anchoring of small boats in protected waters. The mushroom anchor can come loose when a moderate to heavy strain is applied. Docking against the wind or current Approach the dock at an angle of approximately 45 degrees heading for a spot slightly forward of the position where you intend to tie up. When you are about one and one-half boat lengths from the dock, make a tight turn with the steering wheel away from the dock. This will bring your boat parallel to the dock. Reverse engine long enough to stop headway. As soon as the bow is alongside the dock, quickly secure the bow line to a cleat and turn the steering wheel away all the way over from the dock. Kick the engine ahead to bring the stern alongside the dock. This will help pull the stern alongside the dock. Docking with wind or current behind you This approach to the dock is similar to approaching the dock with no wind or current. In some case you may not have to Anchor rode. The connection between the anchor and the boat is called the anchor “rode.” Many boaters use nothing but line for their anchor rode. That’s fine for the temporary anchoring of small, lightweight boats such as a canoe or rowboat, but for larger boats or rougher water, line alone does not offer sufficient weight to set an anchor properly. Also, line can chafe on a rough bottom. An anchor rode of all chain would have plenty of weight to firmly set the anchor; however, it may be too heavy for most recreational boats–and most recreational boaters– to handle manually. A combination of both line and chain is generally best. Using 6 to 8 feet of galvanized chain shackled to the anchor will provide sufficient weight to properly set the anchor and will prevent chafing, and it won’t be too heavy for most boaters. A nylon line with pre-made hard eye splice connected to the chain with a swivel is relatively lightweight and easy to handle. The nylon also stretches to absorb the shock or tension of the boat riding the waves and the swivel allows the anchor line to spin freely. angle into the dock since the forces of nature—the wind and the current—will take you there. Bring your boat parallel to the dock. You may have to turn your wheel to keep your bow from tipping into the dock too fast and reverse your engines to keep you from overshooting your berth (place where your boat is tied up to the dock). If you don’t make it the first time, back off and try again. The more you practice, the better you will become at docking your boat. Remember to use the wind and current to your advantage. Go slow but be ready with your engines to pull away if your landing is not going the way you planned it. 56 Scope. “Scope” describes the length of anchor rode you need use to properly anchor your boat. The rule of thumb is that your scope should be five-to-seven times the depth of the water in calm or moderate seas. In heavy weather, increase to seven-to-ten times the water depth. It’s best to anchor in shallow water. Consult your chart if you are using one. Mud or sand works better than rocks, as the anchor will have a chance to dig into the softer bottom and provide better holding power. Your boat may swing in a complete circle around the anchor–be certain that there is room around your selected site for your boat to make a full 360 degree swing.

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of 2013 New York Safe Boating Textbook

2013 New York Safe Boating Textbook
Contents
Introduction
Boats and Motors
Registration of Boats
Equipment
Fueling and Ventilation
Safe Loading and Powering
Preparation for Getting Underway
The Marine Environment
Rules of the Road
Boat Operations
Seamanship
Navigation
Personal Watercraft
Boating Related Activities
Accidents and Emergencies
Frequently Asked Questions
Chapter Review Questions Answers

2013 New York Safe Boating Textbook

https://www.nxtbookmedia.com