Swinging at anchor

[James V]

A stern anchor does have some disavantages. You would have to get into some seas high enough to enter your boat. That is a real rough anchorage. Not the place I would want to be even with a bow anchor.

As noted, you can always take the bow anchor rode to the stern and if the waves get to much, let it loose with the help of the motor and swing around to the bow.

[Boblee]

When anchoring in rivers we use two anchors from the bow cleats,one upstream and one downstream, this stops swinging to a degree but if wind and current are likely to be from the same direction(all night) we hook the downstream anchor rode to the same side stern cleat.
In tidal rivers still like to use the above arrangement but just from the bow cleats, it is sometimes not possible when other boats nearby are swinging on a single hook, in this case will use either a single anchor or space two out from the bow about 30-40' apart from either side cleat just depending on the bottom and other forces at the time.
Having two anchors from the bow can get a bit twisted at times with changing conditions but it does seem to control the dance a bit.
These boats are bloody embarassing at times especially at anchorages with other boats, everything else just sits there moving in sync with other boats exept the macs and it is especially bad in deeper anchorages with lots of bottom structure as then two anchors from the bow really is not a good idea.
Guess it's just a case of having anchoring gear to suit the different situations and treating each one as they come (usually trial and error) and in rough anchorages keep well away from other boats including macs.
Nice Aft can you expand a bit on the sail anchor?

[NiceAft]

Here is the manufacturer's site for my anchor riding sail. Banner Bay

The sail has to be placed as far astern as possible.
Ray

[Moe]

I thought it was dangerous to use a stern anchor i.e. when the wind/current changes direction, your primary bow anchor will be loaded up much more and may not hold. At least that's what I read here and in at least one sailing book. Has anyone experienced this? Personally, I only have one anchor which holds great but the boat does swing, which is annoying.

Leon

I've seen too many fishing boats get pooped when the anchor they were dragging off the stern at 2:1 or less scope (for drift fishing) got hung on something on the bottom. Our lake is impounded and I've hauled an 8 foot long tree branch up with the main anchor before. So there's no way I'd use a stern anchor.

The C-18 doesn't swing anywhere near as much as our X did, but if we still had it, I'd rig the bridle Frank C and others use.

BTW, haven't seen Frank here in awhile. Forum says he hasn't posted since Dec 7 which is highly unusual. Anyone know if he's okay?

[beene]

He has a lot on his plate at the moment.

Life can do that to you.

One minute everything is going great, the next....

Best wishes Frank.

G

[Boblee]

Thanks Ray thats got to solve a lot of problems even if I have to make my own, it's not that difficult.
Bob

[bastonjock]

the sail that nice aft posted about looks to be a vey usefull piece of kit,perhaps combining it with Franks idea is the way to go.


has anyone tried both types of sail?

and best wishes Frank

[Retcoastie]

I tried the stern anchor bridle James V offered. It worked like a charm. I believe the Mac is like an arrow with the feathers in the front (furler, mast and boom). Anchoring from the rear put the feathers downwind and she was steady as a rock. It did increase wave slap noise and might not work in heavy seas, but in high winds behind a low island that blocks the waves it is the only way to go. Besides, if the anchor did drag, would I rather be awakened by my propeller hitting a mangrove tree root or the bow hitting the tree trunk?

I also anchored from the bow in a high tide flow area. I knew I would swing thru at least three changes during the night. I took a six foot line and lassoed the bottom of the shaft of the engine just about the cavation plate. To this I tied a 10 quart plastic bucket and threw it in as a drogue. It worked amazingly well. I figured the leverage that far aft gave the bucket tremendous control just when it was needed most.

Either method has its restrictions but do work well reducing swing.

[Boblee]

Besides, if the anchor did drag, would I rather be awakened by my propeller hitting a mangrove tree root or the bow hitting the tree trunk?

There are other scenario's available like side on in the willows with scratches everywhere (glad I don't have a blue hull)

[Highlander]

Here I thought I was going to get into some very interesting reading here "swinging " said to myself Hmmm ! wonder if it's threesomes or foursomes !! was very disappointed one of the advanatges of being single

J