Anchor + Rode bag from old sail cover

[Captain Smollett]

Storing the anchor + rode in our 18 ft Skipper's Mate Wave Function and keep it readily available has always been a bit of a challenge.  The bundle is also unwieldy to move around (8 lb anchor, 15 ft chain, 165 ft nylon). It would be possible to store both on the pulpit, but, I like being able to drop the anchor from the cockpit without going forward (the specific anchoring technique I use is outlined at the bottom of the post). 

The area under the aft portion of the cockpit seats is convenient for anchor storage.  This picture (not my boat) shows the layout of the cockpit on these boats:



The area under those wooden seats is open.  On one side, I keep the fuel tank for the engine there.  The other side is used for the anchor.

There are two problems with this, however, and they are both related.  The first is that with the anchor, chain and rode just laying there, it becomes a tangled mess.  The other problem is that it slides out when heeling; even if it just moves a little bit, it is easy to stub a toe on the anchor.

Several years ago, I built a (prototype) box to fit under there and put the anchor and rode, plus a few other odds and ends in there.  However, I never really liked this arrangement.

Recently, I sewed a webbing strap to go from the seat to the sole to help contain what's there, but if what is there is "fluid," it can slip around it.  I've long wanted a "rode bag" for this purpose, but store-bought ones are rather expensive and may not 'fit well.'

My solution was to cobble a rode bag together of my own, using the cloth from an old sail cover as material.  I broke out the sewing machine for the first time in years and set about re-learning how to use it.  The old sail cover had some Velcro on it, so I used that for the top closure.

Here's final set up with the anchor and rode inside, ready to deploy.  I have not installed handles (yet...may not).   I have a few additional stitches to add to secure the ends a bit better, but this is basically it (the bag is open in the picture).



The idea is that the bag will hold it all together and more as a 'unit' so the small strap will also keep it under the seat.  We shall see.

Another plus is that it should be easier to move the whole bundle around rather than trying to corral anchor, chain and nylon.

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Anchoring from the Cockpit
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(1) After leaving the dock, I lead the bow dock line outboard of all rigging and tie to the stern rail.  It is 'loose' as it hangs.  The dock line remains secured to the bow cleat forward.

(2) When it's time to anchor, figure the scope needed for the spot.  The rode is marked in 5 fathom increments, and I usually just round up to the next fathom-ish.  In my figuring, I also tend to discount the length of the dock line, so that is an added bit of scope as well.

(3) Untie dockline from stern rail and attach it to rode at desired scope.

(4) Lower anchor over side from cockpit and allow boat to drift back to set the hook.

(5) When all scope it out, that is, I'm riding to the bow dock line (attached to rode), I then secure the remaining rode.  This can be used as a bridle (belay at stern cleat) or simply led to bow.

Keeping the anchor in the cockpit (but out of the way) fits the technique.