[Rhodes22-list] Playing at Anchor

[Rob Lowe]

Bill,
I think I'm ready to try your methods after the hassle I had anchoring this
past weekend.  We were out and wanted to take a quick dip so we found a
little cove off to the side of the lake.  All I have is the fluke type
anchor that came with the boat and hangs off the bow.  Well, it's a pain to
deploy just to get to it, off it's mount, and into the water.  The wind was
such that we were being blown into shore so that when it was time to leave I
had my wife prepare to motor as I pulled up the anchor.  As soon as it
lifted off the bottom we started drifting so I had her put the motor in
gear.  Well, now I'm stuck trying to pull up a heavy anchor (much more than
I needed at the time) while it's sailing under water.  We finally got far
enough off shore so we could stop and pull the anchor back on board and
afterwards I was worn out.  Then to have to crawl into the V-berth to stow
the rode back into it's bucket.  I like the idea of a 1 1/2 pounder tied to
the stern and stowed in the laz.  Where we sail is a lake with no currents
and not much wind.  I'll keep the big anchor for if and when I'd ever need
it, but something just to hold the boat while we get wet sounds like a nice
idea.

Rob Lowe
S/V Getaway


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bill Effros" <bill at effros.com>
To: "Rik Sandberg" <sanderico at earthlink.net>; "The Rhodes 22 mail list"
<rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
Sent: Sunday, June 26, 2005 10:58 AM
Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Playing at Anchor


> Rik,
>
>
> First you stop the boat.  Then you drop the anchor.  Then you set it by
> moving the boat backward.  My 1 1/2 pound folding grapnel anchor hits
> the bottom at the exact same time as whatever you drop overboard--chain
> or no chain.  Physics 101.
>
>>
> But it is really simple to test, and doesn't cost very much.  West sells
> folding 1 1/2 lb. grapnels for less than $12.  Attach it to some clothes
> line with a bowline knot.  You will be amazed at how well it sets, and
> just like light fishing tackle, you can really feel the "fish" on the
> bottom, even though you may not be able to see it.
>
> I am not spreading this advice around hoping that anyone will take it
> seriously.  I am merely suggesting that anyone who thinks I am wrong go
> out with a cheap simple anchor and try it out for themselves.  After
> that, they can draw their own conclusions, and if their experience does
> not mirror mine I ask that they tell me what happened so that I won't
> make the same mistake.
>
> Bill Effros
>