When should I anchor?

When wanting to bring your boat to a halt and stay static for an extended period of time it is best to use your anchor. Your boat is equipped with a sand anchor. The anchor has two teeth that swivel to set into the sand to secure the boat. Think of an anchor like a handbrake for your boat. Whether you decide to stop, anchor on the water, or to beach (anchor on the shore) it’s always best to deploy your anchor.

Anchoring on the water

If you want to stop for fishing, hopping off for a swim, or, just want to stop you will want to deploy your anchor. As the boat can swing and move whilst at anchor due to wind and tide always ensure you keep a safe distance from other vessels and objects.

Your map has a dotted line (guide only) which marks out the channel. The channel is like the road on the water and much like a road you don’t want to park your boat in this area. Come out of the channel to anchor on the water and if entering areas outside of the channel markers always ensure the water is deep.

In order to get the anchor to set you will want to throw the anchor out as far as possible. Ensure the rope is able to move or release when the anchor is thrown out and do not have any rope wrapped around any objects including your body. When throwing the anchor out be sure that the area is clear from other anchor lines, swimmers or any foreign objects (observe any signs located nearby that state no anchoring). With the anchor thrown out you will want to pull on the rope until you feel the teeth bite into the sand. Once your anchor is set use the rope to tie off excess line around the bollard or cleats (metal strong points on the boat located near the anchor).

In strong winds, changing tides or just over time your boat can still drift so use a point of reference (boat, shoreline or building) and if you notice your boat moving past these points we recommend to redeploy your anchor.

Anchoring on the shore

If you wanted to beach your boat (pull up on the shore) deploy your anchor. Remember to pick a sandy area (avoid rocks) and it’s a good idea to keep a safe distance from other beached vessels as they can move with tide and wind.

Set the anchor into the sand by driving the two teeth into the shore. Tie off excess line around the bollard or cleat (metal strong points on the boat located near the anchor). Check your boat every 20 minutes to ensure the anchor is still set as changing tides and winds can pull the anchor out from the shoreline. Reset the anchor if necessary and if the tide is getting lower push the boat out into deeper water to ensure it does not get stuck on the sand.

Be a fantastic Captain!

As the Captain of your boat it is your responsibility to keep your crew and vessel safe. If you have any concerns or questions about anchoring please feel free to give us a call on (07) 5455 3755.