What I did on Spring Break

[boblamb]

Trouble in Paradise
Bob Lamb ComPac 23d
Lambsouthsider@aol.com

Here's my latest story and I'm sticking to it.
    My wife and I left Raleigh last Monday hoping to spend 5-7 days sailing the inner banks of NC.  We went to New Bern expecting to launch there but Union Point ramp didn't seem to have enough water (2'). So we drove on down to Beaufort and launched at Lennoxville ramp.  Once launched we spent the night on anchor in Taylor Creek.  The next morning we sailed to Shackleford Banks and spent the night on anchor there and sailed a good while on Wednesday. No problem so far.
   But that was soon to change...Beaufort inlet began to act up as we headed back to Beaufort...big waves crashing on the bow and the little ship was really "rocking and rolling." (This scared my wife but it was the highlight of the trip for me). The little ship acted admirably (Tough little boats these Compacs). 
   Arriving at Beaufort mooring area we set the anchor in 5 1/2 feet of water, no problem, I thought, since we draw only 2'4". Settled down for a good nights sleep.  About 1:30 am the little ship went on her side as the drastic drop in tides caught us.  I spent the next three hours wondering (and praying) if she'd go all the way over thinking the added weight of my pilothouse might cause that. However, at 4:30 am she sat up and seemed to say: "the concrete wins!" (Compac 23 has 1350lbs concrete keel)
   We spent some time in town visiting the area and enjoying the atmosphere of Beautiful Beaufort. Then we proceeded to move the boat on down the creek and anchored for the night...no problem doing that. 
   All week I had been planning on leaving the boat on anchor (30lb Bruce anchor) for a few weeks while we came home (bad idea...don't try this).  I added two more strands to my anchor rode and thought "this'll surely hold her."  Friday's forecast was for near freezing temps so we decided to come back to Raleigh and leave the boat there.
   Arriving home I sent a note to Neal Evans, a sailor friend from Beaufort,  asking him to drive by Saturday and take a look at the boat for my assurance. Well, he did, and immediately called me and gave me the bad news...strong winds from the north had hit Beaufort through the night and pushed my baby onto the rocks of Carrot Island!  In my ignorance I had failed to take into account the possibility of the ship not holding with only one anchor. I learned later that I should have set a Bahamian anchor setup and, even then, it may not have held.  Neal said he saw the boat sitting at 45 degrees with her keel showing as she rested on the rocks. The picture he took was a little while later as the tide began to come in.
   Upon receiving his call, I jumped in my car and raced back to Beaufort to rescue my baby...all the way thinking it was probably holed and my sailing days were over!!!  Arriving at the ramp and meeting Neal for the first time in his skiff we motored to the boat. (He had been to it and took a look and said it seemed to have righted itself and did not appear to be taking on water.  When we got there I checked things out below and found "NO WATER" in the lockers. YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!  The keel was bent somewhat (as pictured).  I cranked up the little diesel and she purred like a charm.  Asking Neil's advice  I decided to take the boat to the Beaufort Docks for the night.  I then came back to Raleigh to fulfill my church duties and returned to Beaufort Monday and retrieved my boat and brought her home...She's sitting somewhat dejectedly in the driveway with a few minor scratches on her bottom.  (tough little boats these Compacs)
    I have plan B running through my mind!  I think I'll try this at New Bern (off Lawson's Creek) where the current is not nearly what it is in Beaufort.  And with a double anchor system. What do you think???
   One final word about my new hero Neil Evans JR...what a great help he was in this adventure.  I cannot thank you enough!  I would like to show my appreciation to you this way...send me your favorite sailing photo (of you and your boat) and I'll paint a picture for you.   
BobbyLamb      CP23d  still "Blest B'yond B'lief!"
   

[AdriftAtSea]

IMHO, a Bruce is not the best holding anchor choice on many bottoms.  Also, from what I know of Bruces, they tend to hop-and-skip if they break out and need help resetting a lot of the time.  If you're going to be away from the boat for an extended period of time, I would recommend using a plow-type anchor.  The fluke-type anchors tend to "skate" instead of resetting if they pull out and the boat starts dragging at all.  The plow-type anchors, CQR and Delta, and the newer inverted plow next-generation anchors, like the Rocna, Spade, Buegel, and Manson, seem to reset the best IMHO. 

Using two anchors in a Bahamian style setup is a lot better as it will help keep both anchors set, but you do have to worry about the rodes chafing against each other and getting tangled.

Glad to hear your boat survived okay.

[CharlieJ]

That's interesting- I've used Bruce anchor And the S-L Claw for years with no problems. Our primary anchor on Tehani is a 22 pound Claw with 75 feet of chain that has served us very well in two cruises from Texas to Florida and return. That's our anchor of choice when laying to just one anchor.

I'd never go to  sleep while anchored to a single Danforth though- they are renowned for not resetting. We do use one as our secondary anchor, and carry a folding Northhill as our third one.

I do agree on the Bahama moor. I'd never leave a boat for any length of time on a single anchor, unless it was a MONSTER.

[AdriftAtSea]

Charlie-

I think the reason you've never dragged is that you have the anchor and 60 lbs. of chain, and Tehani is a relatively small boat with little windage.

[skylark]

In other words the anchor system is properly sized for the boat.

[CharlieJ]

Yeah well- that's kind of the key isn't it? One thing I constantly see is people asking - "How light an anchor can I use?" And my answer is always- one size smaller than the heaviest thing you and the boat can handle.

On Tehani we have a 22 pounder on the bow, with that 75 feet of chain- as soon as I can FIND a link with a SWL that matches my chain I intend to add another 25 feet. Then I can anchor on all chain 99% of the time around the coast of the US and in the Bahamas. And not get into my 200 feet of nylon that's spliced to that chain.

The 22 pounder is about all Laura can pull back aboard by herself if she needs to do so, so that's the heaviest I chose.. IF we had a windlass and the bow of the boat would STAND more weight, I'd go larger yet.

I'm convinced that substantial ground tackle , properly set, is the best insurance policy a sailor can have. This after several years experience living aboard my 35 foot tri, and anchoring out 100%of the time the last year we were aboard her.  We anchored probably 80% of the time all told, but the last year, the boat never touched a dock.. On board that tri I used a 35 pounder on the bow, with 100 feet of chain. We had a pair of 20 pound Hi tensile danforths, each with 50 feet of chain aboard for use as a Bahama moor, WHERE Danforths were good to use- some places they are worthless, as are plows, Bruce style etc- that's why I carry THREE distinctly different kinds of anchors when we are cruising away from the gulf coast.

[s/v Faith]

Bob,

 

She's sitting somewhat dejectedly in the driveway with a few minor scratches on her bottom.  (tough little boats these Compacs)....

BobbyLamb      CP23d  still "Blest B'yond B'lief!"

  Glad to hear your boat is ok, thanks for the story.   ;D

In other words the anchor system is properly sized for the boat.

  Yup that and....

... maybe you can't believe everything you read in the magazine adds articles, and the Bruce is actually the decent anchor that tens of thousands of cruisers believe it to be.....  ;D

[Frank]

Ya gotta love anchor stories and opinions. I always advise "get less electronics and the biggest anchor you have faith in" when people post questions on gear needed.Charlie and I are on the same page.As to anchoring style...here is a 'new to me' technique that I have NOT tried but after it was explained to me..made some sence to my rather simple mind.It 'sopposedly' gives GREAT holding when needed without the danger of tangled rode.   At the tripline hole of your CQR or Bruce or Delta etc....attach another 12ft of chain and a second anchor. When deploying you do NOT dump both over,but feed out slowly as the boat drifts back so they do not end up over each other. The 1st anchor apparently 'locks in' the 2nd (main) anchor. This was shown to me by a very experienced Carribean cruiser (late 60's) that said he learned it off a 'rd the worlder' years ago and he only uses it when strong winds are forcast and he swears by it..He puts a trip line on the 1st anchor so it comes up before the 2nd (main) anchor. Again...I haven't tried it but figure it was worth comment as NOTHING seems top get opinions and 'theories' going as well as any anchor talk..... now , back to your regular scheduled program ;-)

[Captain Smollett]

Right, Frank, I think I've read about that being called a "double anchor" as a term used to distinguish between other two-anchor systems.  I've never tried to anchor that way - the only two anchor set-up I've used is "two off the bow" and I tried for about a 60* angle.  Left the boat for two days like this.

I plan to leave my boat "moored" on a Bahamian Moor.  The bottom is mud and mud/sand.  The system I have is as follows:

33 lb Bruce as main anchor, heavy Danforth as the second.
60 ft of 5/16" G4 chain
Mooring lines that lead from the halfway point of the chain are 5/8" nylon with galvanized thimbles.
At the attachment point to the chain is a swivel; the nylon mooring lines are to be shackled to this swivel.
A small trip line will be led from the Danforth to the swivel to aid recovery.

This is the basic setup described by L&L in The Cost Concious Cruiser, and they leave THEIR boat all the time.  For additional insurance, L&L also mentioned the use of three anchors (I have a third, another danforth), all attached to a common center.  This is the mooring system recommended in Chapman's and it was reported there that in one particular storm, this is the only type of mooring that held.  That is, all the other 'traditional' heavy mass, permanent moorings failed.

In my research to determine the best way to leave my boat, I've decided the Bahamian Moor (or it's three anchor mod) to be more than adequate and safe.  To me, the bigger danger is other boats dragging into mine.  I have not figured out a good way to prevent that.

[AdriftAtSea]

It always amazes me that boaters will go out and not hesitate to spend a grand on new electronic gadgets, but won't spend half that on good, properly sized ground tackle for their boat. 

I've got two anchors on my boat.  The primary is a 33 lb. Rocna with 30' of 5/16" chain and 150' of 5/8" nylon rode.  I'm thinking of going up to 100' of chain, but am worried about how that will affect her handling.  The secondary is a 14 lb. Danforth on 10' of 1/4" chain with 100' of 1/2" nylon attached. 

I'm not a big fan of tandem anchoring, as I think it complicates things more than they need to be.  A properly sized anchor should be sized to hold you in 95% of the conditions you'll be anchored out in.  If it won't—then it's too small.   

I also think the people who carry two identical anchors are being rather foolish.  If one of them is having trouble holding, what makes you think having two of them is going to be any better. 

I agree with Charlie, and think that different anchor designs are better for different types of holding ground.  The least useful IMHO is the big Fisherman type anchors...which really don't have much holding power beyond what their weight gives them.  Granted, there are times when not much else will do... but that's not usually the case. 

I'm not really happy about horsing a 33 lb. anchor and 30' of chain around, but it's better than going aground without it.  :D

Capn Smollett—

As for having other boats drag down on you... that's one place having a smaller boat with a shallower draft can help.  Just anchor someplace that the draft of the other boat will stop them before they get to you.

[maxiSwede]

Yeah well- that's kind of the key isn't it? One thing I constantly see is people asking - "How light an anchor can I use?" And my answer is always- one size smaller than the heaviest thing you and the boat can handle.

On Tehani we have a 22 pounder on the bow, with that 75 feet of chain- as soon as I can FIND a link with a SWL that matches my chain I intend to add another 25 feet. Then I can anchor on all chain 99% of the time around the coast of the US and in the Bahamas. And not get into my 200 feet of nylon that's spliced to that chain.

The 22 pounder is about all Laura can pull back aboard by herself if she needs to do so, so that's the heaviest I chose.. IF we had a windlass and the bow of the boat would STAND more weight, I'd go larger yet.

I'm convinced that substantial ground tackle , properly set, is the best insurance policy a sailor can have. This after several years experience living aboard my 35 foot tri, and anchoring out 100%of the time the last year we were aboard her.  We anchored probably 80% of the time all told, but the last year, the boat never touched a dock.. On board that tri I used a 35 pounder on the bow, with 100 feet of chain. We had a pair of 20 pound Hi tensile danforths, each with 50 feet of chain aboard for use as a Bahama moor, WHERE Danforths were good to use- some places they are worthless, as are plows, Bruce style etc- that's why I carry THREE distinctly different kinds of anchors when we are cruising away from the gulf coast.

Amen!  ;)

[CharlieJ]

Sadly there is absolutely NOTHING you can do to prevent that, other than just being elsewhere. Had a friend lose his boat that way in a hurricane- HIS anchors did the job for his boat plus the 45 footer that drug down on him- but the waves beat his boat to death with the bigger boat.

Oh- and I THINK that's called "Tandem anchoring" and I've never done it. I've read about it and would have the capabilities to do so, just never needed it yet.  I've sat through three short storms with hurricane force winds onboard the tri, and several thunderstorms with winds in the 60+ range on Tehani and my normal anchoring has worked.  So far!!

[AdriftAtSea]

One of my friends, who cruises on a cat, has anchored in waters only 4' deep, and that has saved her boat from a dragger... the dragger was about 40' and drew at least 5'... and didn't fare so well once it got down to below that... She sent me a photo of the morning after... where the mast of the 40' boat was about ten feet off of her bow... :D   

Certainly something to be said for smaller boats, and the ability to hide in shallower waters when the storms come.

[Captain Smollett]

I'm not a big fan of tandem anchoring, as I think it complicates things more than they need to be.  A properly sized anchor should be sized to hold you in 95% of the conditions you'll be anchored out in.  If it won't—then it's too small.

I disagree with the seeming simplicity of this.  The proper approach is determined by two things: practicality and prudent seamanship.  As Charlie hinted to above, sometimes you just cannot carry a big enough anchor to be secure by itself.  It's somewhat foolish to suggest one anchor is enough in 95% of the conditions you'll be anchored out it.  What we are talking about here are "mooring" situations, not dropping a hook for lunch or a nap.

Case In Point: I will be leaving my boat at anchor; I am not shelling out the $$ for a slip in a marina.  This is a personal choice.  95% (or more nearly 100%) of the anchoring conditions my boat will be in has a diurnal 3 knot current and is exposed  to the SW.  One anchor here would be so large I could never weigh it (of the order of 300-350 lbs).

When I was in Mississippi last year, I met a fellow on the dock that lived nearby.  Even though I was only leaving the boat for a couple of days, he said "don't ride to just one anchor."  Local knowledge of the anchorage trumps rules of thumb or book-rules, in my mind at least.  And he said that without seeing my ground tackle or even knowing what size it was.  Just for the record, the ground tackle on my 18 footer is that suitable for a 24 foot boat - way oversize for my boat. Guess what?  I set two anchors.

As for having other boats drag down on you... that's one place having a smaller boat with a shallower draft can help.  Just anchor someplace that the draft of the other boat will stop them before they get to you.

How so?  The anchorage where my boat will be anchored has tens of boats that range in size from small to a large schooner.  When leaving the boat at anchor, you do NOT want to choose a completely isolated anchorage - to easy for stuff or the boat herself to be gone when you return.  Also, what good would it do me to anchor out 20 miles from the nearest dingy dock?

I think the anchoring situation Boblamb was describing is a little different than an overnight anchorage or lunch-hook type of deal.  At least that's the way I read it.

[skylark]

I have used the anchor train method, connecting 30 feet of chain to the tail end of my 22lb Claw and a 35lb CQR to the end of the chain.  The idea is you only have to pull one anchor up at a time, first you get the first anchor on board, then deal with the second.  The second anchor never gets its chain lifted up at an angle, its like using a super kellet.  It helps in sleeping at night when it is windy out.

I don't have a windlass or even a roller  :-[ so having liftable anchors is very important.  The 35lber is too much for me.    I would like to add a 25lb Delta to my collection.  I really need a roller though.

That 35lb Rocna is the way to go, those are the BEST. 

[AdriftAtSea]

Capn Smollett-

When I said 95% of the conditions you will see, I am talking about when the boat is occupied and for a brief stay. If the boat is not occupied then it is an entirely different ballgame.  A bahamaian moor or with the three anchor setup describe in Chapman's is much more appropriate to that situation. 

However, I'm still not a fan of the tandem anchoring, as the single rode means that if one anchor drags, the other is far more likely to drag as well.  With the anchors on separate rodes, that is less likely.

I didn't say to choose an isolated anchorage... you did.  There are many times when a harbor is going to have a shallower section that the deeper draft boats can't anchor in, or even get to for that matter.  You can use the fact that your boat has a shallower draft and the prevailing wind/current directions to reduce the chances of someone dragging down on you considerably.

Look at New Bedford Harbor, as an example.  There's a section of the harbor, just behind the hurricane barrier—the southwest corner of the harbor, that has relatively shallow waters ranging from 2-7' MLLW. It isn't really any more remote than most of the rest of the harbor, but due to the depth and location, where the winds generally blow from the southwest... the chances of being dragged down upon are much lower.  If you were in a boat that draws 5', this wouldn't be an option, but in a boat that draw 2', like his does, this is.

Menesha Pond, on Martha's Vineyard, is another good example.  The northwest portion of it is 3-5' MLLW.  The southern half is 7-24' MLLW.  I'm pretty sure that if you anchored in the Northwest section, you'd reduce the risk of a bigger boat dragging down on you... and again, you're not anymore isolated or remote in terms of anchorages. You're maybe 1000' away from the other boats max. 

Most harbors and large anchorages are like that... cross over a sand bar that would bar navigation at low tide and anchor on the other side of it.  A larger boat is probably going to go aground on the sandbar before they drag down on you.

Local knowledge is always going to trump any rule of thumb or generalization.  No argument there.  I generally talk to the locals before anchoring if I can anyway. 

[Captain Smollett]

You can use the fact that your boat has a shallower draft and the prevailing wind/current directions to reduce the chances of someone dragging down on you considerably.

But my boat does NOT have that shallow of a draft.  You mentioned a situation where your friend anchored in 4 feet of water and thus avoided getting drug onto by a boat that draws 5 feet.  My boat draws 4'3" in light trim.  I cannot anchor in 4 ft of water.  Nor can the vast majority of boats owned by members of this site.

It's a good tactic if you can use it.  Most of us cannot.  There are an awful lot of boats that can drag onto mine in any water I can anchor in.

...relatively shallow waters ranging from 2-7' MLLW. ... in a boat that draw 2'.

See above comment about my draft.

The northwest portion of it is 3-5' MLLW.  The southern half is 7-24' MLLW.  I'm pretty sure that if you anchored in the Northwest section, you'd reduce the risk of a bigger boat dragging down on you...

I cannot anchor in 3 feet of water, and won't anchor in 5' unless it is some kind of dire emergency, and then hopefully only temporary.  Spring tides do, in some areas at least, go below MLLW, and wave action can certainly do it.

I now have an interesting poll idea.....

[AdriftAtSea]

Ahh, didn't realize your boat drew that much water... The full-keelers will still need more water than the centerboard and swing keelers here...

Going from <2' of draft to 4' 3" of draft makes a world of difference.

Like the poll btw.. it's an interesting one.

[Bubba the Pirate]

12 years ago, I lived aboard in Sarasoat Bay.   Unfortunately, the boat was little more than a bunk I had to row out to because I was starting a business.   

But, I swung on two danforth, bahama moor style for 18 months with no troubles.   I even got to the point with what little sailing I did, I floated the lines on a fender while I went off sailing and then came back to 'home.'   

Hey, it was rent free.   I'm not sure it still is.   :o)


TrT

[AdriftAtSea]

TrT—

The locals would probably send the cops out after you nowadays.