wrote in message
...
On Fri, 7 Sep 2007 15:18:18 -0700, "Capt. JG"
wrote:

"Ernest Scribbler" wrote in message
news:U6qdnSTsEfAGAXzbnZ2dnUVZ_sSlnZ2d@wvfibernet .net...
"Capt. JG" wrote
I'd second Richard's (cavelamb) suggestion. USSailing uses the Basic
Keelboat book. It's not bad, but has some basic errors/omissions in it.

I'm thinking about getting myself a copy of BK. What should I look out
for, error-wise?



The errors are minor. One omission that I don't understand... not
including
how to tie a cleat hitch. The other is the calculation for anchor scope.
They say 7:1 which is correct, but then say the total in 10 feet of water
is
70, but that doesn't include the distance from the water to the deck where
the anchor is located. I suppose on a small boat it doesn't matter, but
for
larger boats it does matter, especially if you're anchoring with less than
7:1 thinking you need less. I can't think of anything else right off.

Most texts include the freeboard as part of the calculation, but never
mention
the importance of calculating those figures based on high tide. That's
even more
important in many areas, where the tide swing may be 6, 8 or even more
feet. If
you just go by the texts, you might think you can determine how much rode
to let
out based on what your depth sounder says at the time of deployment. That
could
be a fatal miscalculation. Since these books and classes are designed for
newbies, that needs to be stated emphatically. It usually isn't.

There are many other variables as well. Use of a kellet can reduce the
scope
needed. Weather conditions, bottom type, and other considerations are also
very
important. I think the 7:1 rule is truly just a very rough baseline to
start
from. It's a minimum requirement. One rule that is hard to exceed: If you
have
enough clear swing room, you probably can't have too much scope.

Oh yeah... always have at least one extra complete anchor and rode in case
you
lose your primary. It should be as capable as the primary setup in all
regards.
If your properly sized primary is a 25 pound bruce, that's what your spare
should be. **** happens.




Sure thing... all of that. It just wasn't the question. :-)


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