On Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:04:10 -0800, Eddie
wrote:

Hello all. I'm sorry, but I think this may sound stupid but I don't
know anything about anchors.
I have a 31' Regal and have never used the anchor. The few times I've
used the boat is just for cruising, have never needed to stop in the
middle of the water like some people I see especially fishermen.
So how does it work? What if the water is too deep? If I lower it
how does it hook up below the water? How do I disengage it? What if
it's stuck and unable to disengage? Do I cut it? What if it's a
metal chain?
And finally, what is a windlass? How does it work?
Thanks for any help
Eddie

I've used an anchor many times.
It works by holding your boat in one place, if it's working.
Has to be heavy enough to dig into the mud or sand.
Or maybe it will get stuck in some debris. That's bad though.
Have to have at least 3 times the depth of the water of rope.
They call that scope. If the anchor is straight down it won't work
well.
To disengage you get right over it and pull it straight up.
If it's stuck you cut the rope or chain. That's why you use rope.
Cuts easier.
A windlass is similar to a pulley on a tow truck, but for a boat.
Electric powered, or cranked by hand.
Probably safer. You don't want to take a wrap of anchor rope around
your hand, especially when somebody else is near the throttle.
My stepmother lost 3 fingers doing that. That's why she's now called
Elayne 2-fingers. Think that math is right.

--Vic
enough rope to reach the bottom