Motor Boat & Yachting - July 2018

BOAT MASTER HOWTO

3

CHECKING THE ANCHOR HAS SET Once the full length of your calculated
rode has been let out, let the elements move you astern and then engage
astern briefly to pull the chain taut and make sure it’s not dragging. If you
suspect it’s dragging, place your hand on the chain to feel if it’s vibrating.

1

BALANCING THE BOAT AGAINST THE ELEMENTS
Once you’ve selected your spot, face the boat into the elements and
calculate the total length of rode you need to let out (four times the depth
for an all-chain rode, six times for chain and rope). Now let out half the total
while letting the boat drop back.

2

LOWERING THE CHAIN Pause after you’ve let out the first half of the chain
and wait for the anchor to set, indicated by the bow of the boat being pulled
around to face where it was dropped. Once this has happened, gradually lay out
the second half of your calculated rode length to prevent it piling up in a heap.

4

SETTING UP A BRIDAL

Once the anchor has set, use the chain stopper or improvise a rope

bridal by threading a rope through the chain as indicated and attaching

both ends to the two bow cleats. The idea is to take the weight off the

windlass and prevent damage to the clutch and fittings.

5

TAKING THE WEIGHT OFF THE WINDLASS Once the bridal is set or

the chain stopper secured, let out enough extra chain to ensure the weight

comes off the windlass and on to the bridal. If you anchor regularly, make up a

bridal with a hook you can latch on to the chain rather than threading it through.

6

RETRIEVING YOUR ANCHOR At retrieval time, the crew should give

directions to the helm to enable them to move the boat towards the

anchor under its own steam. This will ensure the anchor winch is only lifting

the weight of the anchor and chain, not pulling the whole boat towards it.