ANCHORS

rabbi2 · Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2008 7:04 am Post subject: ANCHORS

I am suprised to and shocked that a great many boat and dingy owners dont know the correct way to attach an anchor or how much anchor rope to use.

At the grappnel end of the anchor there is an eye to which you should use a heavey duty chain using a shackle, then run the chain the length of the anchor to the top eye and using strong wire or a strong cable tie attach the chain. The longer and heavier the chain the better. To the end of the chain attatch your rope.

The rope needs to be at least 3 times longer then the depth of the water.

If the water is 10 feet then the rope needs to be at least 30 feet.

If the anchor gets stuck in rocks ect then by continuous pulling the cable tie should break and the anchor should be able to be pulled out backwards fron the obstuction.

I cant stress just how important an anchor is. Whilst on the move and enjoying yourself everything is fine, until your engine breaks down or is flooded, then theres nothing to stop your drifting onto rocks or out to sea.

Stay safe lads. keith

pjs · Member Joined: May 15, 2008 Posts: 22

Correct use of an anchor is needed. Yesterday a boat nearby to where I was fishing capsized. Apparantly it was anchored incorrectly (not sure if by the stern or to the side.). Luckily there were boats nearby and the guy fishing was plucked from the sea and he was towed in. Expensive though as the boat can charge for towing in or claim salvage.

conehead · Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2008 1:40 pm Post subject:

I had boats for 15years and was horrified at the following:-boats equiped with 100 foot anchor rope when i enquired why they had so little there reply was we only fish in thirty foot of water .The fact they were fishing a shelf with maximum depth of 65 foot suprise

.Not sevicing engines or checking props then going fishing and wondering why they get stranded angry

Not carrying a auxlirary engine or vhf radio or flares angry

Sorry went on a bit there whew!

rabbi2 · Posted: Sun Dec 21, 2008 7:59 am Post subject:

Conehead you are perfectly in order to go on as you call it.

The rescue services are stretched enough without idiots with little or no knowledge taking to the water. Not only are they putting their own lives at risk but are also risking the lives of others.

I wouldn't mind but there are enough sites and organisations out there willing to help them if only they would take the time to read or take instuction.

Ok a VHF Radio course may cost a few bob or even a Powerboat course, but heck what price do you put on your life?

The Sea is a great playground but please remember lads it is frought with danger.

Stay safe!!!!!!!!!!!
Cheers keith big grin