THIS Is What Happens When You DROP a BOAT ANCHOR | BoatUS

New to anchoring a boat? Or wonder about the mechanics of how a boat anchor works? BoatUS contributor Mike Vatalaro takes you to the beach to show you what's happening under the water when you drop anchor, which will help you more effectively anchor your boat. He explains some basic anchor and anchoring terminology, shows you a simple Danforth-style anchor setup he uses on his small boat, and then demonstrates how an anchor holds a boat. He also shows the mechanics of reversing the process to bring the anchor up. You'll learn how much scope you need to put out for different scenarios, why a chain is a very useful addition to your anchor setup, and how to estimate how much rode you put out when dropping anchor.
If you've never seen what goes on below the waterline when you drop the hook or you don't understand the mechanics of how a boat anchor works, you'll learn a ton!
More on anchors & anchoring: www.boatus.com/anchoring
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Videography and editing by 410 Films (410films.com). Music used under license from www.epidemicsound.com.
#boatus #anchor #anchoring #anchoringtips #boating

[@garynoll700]

That is good advice. But not enough chain is a big reason anchor will work right. At least ten ft. Of chain holds line on the bottom, also protects your anchor line from sharp rocks.

[@boatus]

Thanks for the reminder, Gary. Too short a chain rode -- or one that's too light for the boat -- is one cause of anchors not biting or holding well. There are many other factors to consider though, including boat type/size, weather conditions, type of anchor, type of bottom, and so on.

[@JayCassetta-ey5qb]

Informative video. Thanks for posting it. I’m waiting for the video on getting a stuck anchor unstuck.

[@boatus]

Thanks so much for watching, Jay. We've added the stuck anchor vid to our list of topics.

[@albertokusmic9239]

very interesting, thanks for sharing!

[@boatus]

You're very welcome, Alberto! Thanks for watching!

[@MarciaDoerr]

Great job, Mike!

[@boatus]

I'll pass it along, Marcia! Hope you're doing well.

[@raklym]

Good video, thank you

[@boatus]

Glad you liked it! Thank you for watching, Ryan

[@snart]

Excellent!

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, Snart!

[@malekodesouza7255]

We’ve been in some crowded anchorages where 5:1 is simply not feasible. We’ve done 3:1 but only when tides/weather forecast is positive.

[@boatus]

Thanks for sharing your experience, Maleko. In general, if you know you'll be anchoring in crowded spots without room for adequate scope, consider moving to an all-chain rode. With all-chain rode, a scope of 3:1 to 5:1 is adequate for all normal conditions.

[@ctndiaye1]

I need the getting unstuck video. Thanks for this one.

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching and glad you found this helpful. We'll put the "stuck anchor" vid on our list for future consideration!

[@FastlifeTodd]

I have been tossing the anchor now I know not to . Sandy Point State Park background looks familiar?

[@boatus]

Glad you learned something, Todd. Yes, lowering an anchor without headway helps ensure it doesn't get fouled. Yup -- we were at Sandy Point State Park to shoot this! Gotta love that backdrop! Thanks so much for watching.

[@allanhseymour2330]

Not a plow anchor nor a Danforth but a Fortress.

[@boatus]

It's is a Danforth-style anchor. We probably should have used the generic term "fluke anchor." Thanks for watching.