Anchoring overnight - Tips & Suggestions please

[BigPat]

Hello Everyone,

This is my first year boating, and I was considering spending the night on the boat at anchor.

I have two sons, 3 and 4 years old, and I thought this would be a great way to end the season with them before it got too cold.

Never having done this before, are there any tips or pitfalls from experienced boaters that I should know about before attempting this?

I'm considering Bowline as a spot since it is protected and not too far from home. Is there a better spot than Bowline?

 

[rommer]

Depends on the wind direction Pat. We like Croton North but if the wind is from the north or west it will get very rough.

Bowline is OK but its fairly deep with a bowl-like bottom so anchoring can be tough if the wind changes direction but is doable. The key to anchoring is 2 fold, the proper type of anchor for the bottom conditions and the proper amount of scope. Take the depth of the water, add the distance from the water to the bow of your boat and multiply by 5 for a daytrip and 7 for an overnight. (10 to 1 scope if the wind really kicks up)

So for bowline you'll need at least 125' probably more of rode while at Croton you can get away with half that. We just spent the weekend at Bowline and had 125' of forward rode, (25' of that was chain), and 150' of rode going to a stern anchor. Using 2 anchors cuts down on swinging which keeps the anchors in place!

The forward anchor is a 35# Delta fastset and the stern was an FX23 Fortress. Either type will work in the mud/clay at bowline or Croton. Had a VERY hard time pulling the stern this week thou. Had set so deep it didn't want to release!

I'd say the best way to do your first few overnights is to raft-up with other boats who have experience. You will learn a lot from that. Hell, we affectionately call Hogan the anchor Nazi so I'd give him a call on the radio. You can call us as well, Wake-N-Waves.

 

[HOGAN]

Actually, if you are alone in Bowline, I would recommend NOT using a stern anchor. That way, your boat will turn into the wind and/or current, which puts less strain on your anchor. If you have a bow and stern out, and the wind starts hitting you broadside, it puts a lot of pressure on the anchors and since they are not made to hold against sideways pressure, the chance of them coming loose is greater.

Croton is a much better place to achor for a beginner, I have found that once my anchor is set there, it will not come loose on its own. If you can get a night with a south wind or no wind, go for it at Croton. If you can get in close enough, the bottom is sandy so you can stand there. You can take the kids into the park, as well.