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

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

Google can be your friend.

http://www.boatus.com/boattech/anchorin.htm
http://www.boatus.com/boattech/anchorwn.htm
--

John H

"Eddie" wrote in message
...
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

Oh boy. At this time I'd recommend a Power Squadron course to get familiar
with the basics.
As a general rule you should have a rode seven times longer than the deepest
water you'll anchor in.
As part of the rode...chain equal to your boat length.
You've probably seen the different types of anchors around...so if you know
what type you have it would help.
example I have a little mushroom anchor with my open aluminum boat but
you'd have maybe a plow type or Danforth.
see:
http://boatingsailing.suite101.com/a...f_boat_anchors
and:
http://images.google.ca/images?clien...ed=0CB0QsAQwAw

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

On Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:11:42 -0500, JustJohn H
wrote:

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

Google can be your friend.

http://www.boatus.com/boattech/anchorin.htm
http://www.boatus.com/boattech/anchorwn.htm

Excellent links John. Both are keepers. Thanks!

I like this: "A handy device is an anchor retrieval system, which
uses a buoy attached to the rode to help break the anchor free."

Gonna put it on my shopping list.
Eddie

On Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:17:04 -0400, "Don White"
wrote:



Oh boy. At this time I'd recommend a Power Squadron course to get familiar
with the basics.
Where? How much?
As a general rule you should have a rode seven times longer than the deepest
water you'll anchor in.
As part of the rode...chain equal to your boat length.
Rode is a word I've never seen or heard. (the nautical term version) I
thought it was a typo until I went to the links provided by John.
You've probably seen the different types of anchors around...so if you know
what type you have it would help.
example I have a little mushroom anchor with my open aluminum boat but
you'd have maybe a plow type or Danforth.
It is a Danforth.
Thanks Don.
Eddie

see:
http://boatingsailing.suite101.com/a...f_boat_anchors
and:
http://images.google.ca/images?clien...ed=0CB0QsAQwAw

On Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:18:25 -0600, Vic Smith
wrote:

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

You just made my eyes water from laughter.

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

Eddie,

You need one of these...

http://www.amazon.com/Chapman-Piloti.../dp/1588160890

All sorts of good basic information on equipment, lines, knots,
anchors, handling, weather, maintenance, etc. Good investment for
your peace of mind and safety of you and yours.

It's not a car, there's real danger out there and having basic
knowledge can really save your ass, nevermind your life.

On Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:12:46 -0800, jps wrote:



You need one of these...

http://www.amazon.com/Chapman-Piloti.../dp/1588160890

All sorts of good basic information on equipment, lines, knots,
anchors, handling, weather, maintenance, etc. Good investment for
your peace of mind and safety of you and yours.

It's not a car, there's real danger out there and having basic
knowledge can really save your ass, nevermind your life.
jps, do you think there's a big difference between the 64th edition
and the other two, 65 and 66? There's a huge difference in the used
versions between the three. ($15 vs $30)
I was ready to order but thought I'd check with you first. I'm
leaning towards the $15 one. Ok, I'm cheap! :-)
Eddie

On Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:48:41 -0800, Eddie
wrote:

On Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:12:46 -0800, jps wrote:



You need one of these...

http://www.amazon.com/Chapman-Piloti.../dp/1588160890

All sorts of good basic information on equipment, lines, knots,
anchors, handling, weather, maintenance, etc. Good investment for
your peace of mind and safety of you and yours.

It's not a car, there's real danger out there and having basic
knowledge can really save your ass, nevermind your life.
jps, do you think there's a big difference between the 64th edition
and the other two, 65 and 66? There's a huge difference in the used
versions between the three. ($15 vs $30)
I was ready to order but thought I'd check with you first. I'm
leaning towards the $15 one. Ok, I'm cheap! :-)
Eddie

Very little diffference Eddie. I admire your thrift. You'll need it
in order to afford everything you're going to throw in that hole in
the water!

You might even try used book stores in your area. If you find a
section on all things nautical, you may find some other cool reading
materials. Much better than late night television...