You should also check that the area is clear of excess debris that may snag your anchor. Check that there is adequate depth under the boat to prevent you from getting stuck during low tide. One of the first mistakes new boaters make when anchoring a boat is to choose an inadequate anchorage. Check that you're protected from the wind in all directions, especially the direction in which the wind is currently blowing. The first step in anchoring your boat is to find a suitable anchorage spot, especially if anchoring overnight. It's important to understand each of these factors and account for these potential dangers whenever you're at anchor. Even if you have the correct anchoring equipment for your specific boat and are sure that the anchor is set securely, any of these other factors could interfere and send you veering off course. Causes of DriftĪnchor drag can be caused by improper anchor selection, weather, changes in tide, an improperly set anchor, equipment malfunction, passing boats, swell, or a number of other factors. However, today there are a variety of tools and aids boaters can use to alert themselves of unexpected movement and avoid the costly repercussions of drifting into the unknown. Years ago your first reaction might have been to scold the nearest deck mate for falling asleep on watch and failing to realize that the boat was being dragged away. You've found the perfect anchoring spot, ensured that you're a safe distance from neighboring boats and obstacles, and double-checked that the anchor is set securely. Lo and behold, you wake the next morning to find that unexpected winds picked up during the night and dragged your boat into dangerous shipping lanes, or worse, onto the rocks. Picture, if you will, that you've just dropped anchor after a long day of cruising on open water and desire nothing more than to go down below for a little shut-eye.
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