"Wayne.B" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 16 Feb 2007 17:53:08 -0800, "Capt. JG"
wrote:

It's a good practice as long as you don't do it excessively. If you do,
you
tend to create nice drag marks in the bottom. I usually do so moderately.

I would much prefer creating a "drag mark" during the day time when
I'm wide awake, than in the middle of the night sound asleep. If the
anchor is not set well enough to withstand backing down with the
engine, especially a small sailboat engine, it will never hold during
a wind squall.



Certainly true, but you don't need to leave skid marks to know the anchor is
set. We never have a problem in the SF bay area, because my old tennis shoe
would hold in the mud, but places were things aren't quite so certain, we
drop the hook, let out about 70 percent of what I believe will be the final
rode length, snub it, and back slightly. Then, assuming all is well so far,
ease out the remaining 30 percent, then back down at 1500 rpm or so... if
the boat stops moving, we're set. Never had a problem doing this. Last time
it was gusting to 35 kts, and this worked.

--
"j" ganz @@
www.sailnow.com