"Wayne.B" wrote in message
...
On Wed, 29 Aug 2007 14:41:28 +0200, Marc Heusser
alid wrote:

My GPS has a nice featu anchor watch, including an alarm output
(also
for other alarms) to drive a relay (0.5 A maximum).

What do you connect that will wake you under all circumstances?

You should connect the largest high quality anchor that you and your
boat can handle, sufficient chain and line for your water depth (at
least 5 to 1 scope at high tide), ensure the anchor is well set by
backing down hard on it with the engine, and go to sleep. If you do
that faithfully you will be OK in all but the strongest wind squall,
and trust me on this, that *will* wake you up.

Yours is an inadequate solution to safe and secure anchoring. This is
how it MUST be done in order to never drag anchor no matter a squall or
a change in current as is the case in most tidal areas.

One must use no fewer than 2 large anchors and they must be set against
each other either by backing down on them or, better yet, when the
conditions are favorable by diving on them and setting them by hand. You
must choose the right anchor depending on what the holding ground
consists of. This is yet another reason to dive on your anchors because
often local conditions might not be as stated on the chart of the area.

The angle between the two rodes off the bows of your boat should be at
least 90 degrees but, better still up to 150 degrees with enough
cantenary so neither rode becomes wrapped around keel or rudder. People
who rely solely on one anchor and expect not to drag are idiots who
undoubtedly attended the Skip Grundlacks school of sailing.

Wilbur Hubbard