Georgia Boating Safety Course

TIPS FOR ANCHORING

• Remember: the wind or tide will move your boat around the anchor; you should allow a 360-degree area for movement.
• Pick a spot upwindtowards the windward side. from where you wish to end up (once you set anchor, you will drift downwind).
• Calculate the amount of rode needed to set anchor (rode = 7 to 10 x water depth).
• Ready rode in a fashion that will allow the anchor to release smoothly to the bottom; ensure that no feet or equipment are entangled in the rope.
• Attach the line to a bow cleata metal fitting located on the bow on which a rope can be fastened.. Never tie the line to the sternrear portion of a vessel.: the additional weight could bring on water.
• Slowly lower the anchor from the bow, rather than the stern, to avoid capsizing or swampingfor a boat to fill with water to the point where it will sink.
• When the anchor has hit bottom—and sufficient rode is given out—give a solid pull to set the anchor.
• Secure and adjust the line.