HOW TO FIND AND CHOOSE A GOOD ANCHORAGE
Spending time at anchor on your boat is bliss. It allows you to relax on board, chat with friends, swim around your vessel, try out watersports, and more. Yet, anchoring is a skill you need to master and choosing a good anchorage is crucial.
WHERE TO ANCHOR
To new boaters, choosing a spot where to drop the hook can seem a hard task. Yet, once you get used to the process, it becomes straightforward.
In an ideal scenario, you’ll want to pick a place that is:
Well-protected from the wind and swell
Has good holding - sand or mud are better than rock or shingle
Isn’t too deep or too shallow for your chain scope and draft, at any tide state
Offers enough room to swing 360 degrees.
Having said that, if you’re just planning a lunch break aboard or a quick fishing session, you don’t need to be as picky. As you’re staying on the boat at all times, you can quickly pick up the anchor and move.
For an overnight stay, you’ll want to look for an anchorage that checks all the boxes. This will allow you to be safe and comfortable. Plus, you’ll have a better night's sleep.
In any case, you aren’t allowed to anchor:
On coral or seaweed
In protected areas, such as marine parks
In channels
On or close to underwater cables.
HOW DO YOU FIND AN ANCHORAGE?
In order to find the perfect spot where to anchor, you’ll need to check the marine weather forecast for wind and swell. The anchorage will need to be protected from both.
Look at the shape of the land - could the hills or mountains nearby generate strong gusts in the anchorage? Consult your chart to look for depth, underwater obstacles, and more. Bear in mind that you’ll need to swing 360 degrees, so you don’t want to anchor anywhere near a submerged object.
Next, find the current tide tables to check the depth of a spot at different times of day. It’s always a good idea to have a look at the local cruising guide to find out more information, such as the seabed kind. Finally, check reviews of the anchorage and what amenities are nearby on the Deckee app.
Here are some extra tips from the Deckee team:
Check the forecast for the whole duration of your stay - the wind and swell may change
Look for a flat bottom; a rapidly changing depth is a red warning
Always have a backup plan, or two, in case the anchorage isn’t what you expected
Motor slowly around an anchorage
Don’t put out too much scope, creating a bigger swinging circle than that of other boats
Use an anchor bridle or snubber to reduce swinging
Don’t wake other anchored boats.
HOW DO YOU PICK A SPOT TO ANCHOR?
Once you’re at your chosen anchorage, you’ll need to decide exactly where to drop the hook. Find a big spot where you can comfortably swing in all directions, far enough from other boats. Drop the anchor only if the depth is suitable for your draft and chain scope. Use eye navigation to confirm the bottom is what you expected. Take transits on shore, so you can detect if you’re dragging anchor.
WHAT IF YOUR CHOSEN ANCHORAGE IS CROWDED?
If there are too many boats and you don’t feel comfortable anchoring there, you should leave. Anchoring too close to other boats can be stressful. This is why it’s always best to have plan A, B, and C.