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Maintain
A Safe Anchorage (21-5)
By Mark King
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 So
you’ve had your boat for a few years – you
are completely comfortable with it and have discovered
several anchorages on your navigation charts. Now, it’s
time to step out a little bit, take the plunge and cruise
to a secluded location where no one else will see you
or find you.
It’s an idyllic vacation and one obtainable only
by boaters, allowing you to find a spot on the water
and enjoy the boating lifestyle to the fullest extent.
But before you head out, be sure you, your boat, and
your crew are prepared and you have everything to get
off the beaten path and return safely.
Preparation starts with your boat. Ensure it's mechanically
sound and you have spare parts to fix minor repairs.
Basic knowledge of your boat and all of its systems
is also required before you plan to spend some time
at an isolated anchorage. A minor short in your electrical
system, an failed ignition switch or a broken fuel line
are all problems that can easily ruin a vacation.
On Board Power
If you haven’t spent a lot of time overnight on
the water, you might be surprised at how much power
you'll use. Strong, reliable house and engine batteries
(that should be isolated from each other) will ensure
fridges, microwaves, and lights will be ready when you
need them. If you're be using a generator, tune it up
and make sure its exhaust system is working properly.
Power requirements are always major concern for any
extended period at anchor and it's vital that all the
wiring is in good condition – any shorts can drain
your batteries very quickly.
Don’t plan to run your engine for lengthy periods
just to charge your batteries through the alternator.
Running your engine that's not under load at a high
enough rpm to only charge the batteries is not advisable.
It's hard on the engine and exhaust fumes can collect
around a boat in still air.
Prepare for the Unexpected
You must be ready to deal with other emergencies at
all times as well. Do you have a floating rope you can
trail behind the boat in case you or someone else falls
overboard? Is all your emergency gear in top shape?
Do you have an overboard kit ready just in case? Are
your flares pr other emergency signaling devices current
and easily accessible?
Another element to account for is basic knowledge of
first aid. There are no ambulances on the water to rescue
you, your family or friends. Yours and their lives,
relays on your knowledge. A well-stocked first aid kit
should include basic items to make splints, stop bleeding,
and disinfect cuts or scrapes. Depending on the season
and location, keep plenty of bug repellant and sunscreen
on hand. You also need to consider food and water supplies.
If weather closes in or something unforeseen occurs,
there-– should always be enough supplies if you
have to stay longer than you had planned.
Communication is Key
It's not a requirement to have a VHF radio on board,
but you should have a means of communicating. A VHF
radio requires an operator’s license, where a
cell phone doesn’t.
However, cell phones can go dead over time and you may
have a hard time finding a signal in secluded areas.
And while rescue aircraft and boats can hone in on a
VHF radio signal, they cannot do the same with a cell
phone signal.
Anchoring at an Anchorage
While this has been reviewed extensively in recent issues,
it's pertinent to discuss a few tips for long-term anchoring.
A lighter anchor with proper rode and longer scope will
hold better than a huge anchor with a poor rode and
short scope. If you are anchored for longer periods,
allow plenty of space to swing (360 degrees is the only
proper way) and plenty of rode to swing on. A length
of chain at least as long as the water depth (and preferably
longer is
appropriate), Be sure you purchase the correct chain
for anchoring. The best chain for anchoring is 40 grade,
hot dipped and galvanized. Proof coil is 30 grade –
the lowest grade. A scope of 10:1 should be used, or
longer if you feel the weather will be poor.
Before you go, make sure you tell your marina or fellow
boater where you expect to be and the length of time
. If you are delayed make sure you can contact them
to let them know. This is one of the best methods of
safety and if something does go wrong, assistance is
never too far away. (Page
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