Dragging anchor

[macattack101]

Up in Arisaig for 2 weeks and just had a wild 3 days of up to F6 winds. I had safely anchored up a creek with a 5kg Bruce and 2m of chain but the wind pushed the boat almost onto the rocks. It would have hit the rocks if not for the fact that the tide went out and she was left sitting on the sand less than a foot from the rocks....phew!
I never thought it would be that hard a pull from wind as there was no wave action

[macattack101]

Deployed another Bruce at 45 degrees and that seems to have held it last night and the weather has really improved so will get out today I hope

[mister p]

I would have thought you need more chain and a larger anchor for your rig, however, you took the right course of action. And were proved correct. When the wind catches under the bow you'd be surprised how much force it creates.

[The Gurnard]

I know the the bay well macattack101 and have moored my fibre glass boat there many times.


However I use a mooring screw and put it in place at low tide. (see attached photo) A good length of heavy chain and rope to a buoy and you have your own mooring for your holiday.


Never had a problem with it dragging and in my opinion ..safer than an anchor on sand. I take a 4 ft crowbar to get the leverage required to screw it into that beach as there seems to be good solid shingle under the sand.


perhaps of use to you too ?


I notice Lady Linda is still moored there too (the boat on the left of your photo) She must have stood many a storm there. Enjoy the area..i love it there..and I hope the weather settles. Im thinking of heading back that way next weekend



[img]http://img580.imageshack.us/img580/3776/3t0k.jpg[/img]

[Festinghouse]

i too would use more chain, rough guide is chain the same length as the boat - and go for heavy stuff too - 8 or 10mm short link. this will make the anchor work much better, giving it a horizontal pull.

[Mollers]

Chain way too short, a boats length is my rule of..... Go 10mm chain, again the heavier the better within reason. Your 5kg Bruce sounds about right.

Give enough anchor line to avoid a vertical pull at high water, but also factor in clouting stuff as she swings through the radius between tides.

[alystra]

Agree with all re. not enough chain. I anchor a lot around here and spend nights aboard, with the boat tent creating huge windage.

My 5.3m Destroyer has a 4.1kg (I think) Delta anchor, 5m of 8mm chain, 5m of 6mm chain and 20m 12mm Anchorplait rope - with another 20m of same to add to it if necessary (never used for that).

I've anchored in pretty wild weather with that rig with no problem with dragging (yet) :-), though I've had to take the tent down before it was ripped off and blown away.

[jambo]

In the wind and swells that can blow in the west as per the last couple of days I would say your short on weight and length. I have a 10kg plough and 15mtrs of 10mm chain. As Mollers days make sure you play out plenty to avoid the vertical lift. Hope you enjoy the test if your holiday.

Sent from my iPhone using Rib.net

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by alystra

I've anchored in pretty wild weather with that rig with no problem with dragging (yet) :-), though I've had to take the tent down before it was ripped off and blown away.

Gawd! Fair play.