How to Anchor a Power Boat

Anchoring your power boat is a skill necessary for safe operation.

Anchoring a power boat is not as simple as dropping anchor. Safety plays a large part, because getting wrapped up in the anchor line is one of the simplest ways of falling overboard. The anchor itself is attached with a long chain and rope. If it is not expelled property from the power boat, the line can be entangled in the propeller. Once these guidelines are followed, you can feel confident about anchoring the boat and enjoy the water with ease at both full speed and stationary settings.

Instructions

1. Locate your desired anchor point and approach from downwind. Approaching from the direction of the wind will push your power boat into your desired location too quickly, even with the engine off.

2. Decrease your speed to barely moving and shift into neutral when you are at one boat length from your location. The slower you approach your location, the more carefully you can set your anchor.

3. Measure out anchor chain that is five lengths of the depth of your location by pulling the chain through your outstretched arms. Each length from hand to hand is the same as your height. So if you are six feet tall and are anchoring at a five foot depth, measure out four arm distances of chain and rope. Measuring this distance is important because too little line risks damaging the hull of your boat on tight anchor line and too much line risks your boat drifting in undesired locations.

4. Release the anchor down slowly from the front of the boat, or the bow, when you have stopped all movement. You will feel the anchor hit the bottom. Lower the rest of the chain and rope that you have measured over the boat as well and tie the rope off at a cleat to prevent more rope from falling in.

5. Shift the boat into reverse to set the anchor past the top layer of sediment. Only a few seconds are necessary to ensure a proper setting so do not go into reverse with too much strength.

6. Power the boat off and place the keys in a safe location, preferably with a small floating buoy attached to it in case it falls overboard. Enjoy your time at anchor, but follow all common safety procedures.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the anchor line in a neat pile and avoid stepping near it. You never know when a wake or wave may hit and you can get caught up in it quickly.

• Once anchored, never jump off the boat directly behind an engine.

References

• Maryland Boating Safety Course Online

Resources

• US Sailing Basic Powerboating Cruising Standards