Printed 7/2/2016
MV Lioness Owners Notes v2015.2
Page 15 of 36
the tension on the windlass clutch. Be careful when dropping the
anchor so that it does not “run away”. Use the chain stopper!
Scope and tide swing
Proper scope is important for safe anchoring. The sheltered coves of the
Northwest require a 3:1 or 4:1 scope. Scope is the relationship of length of
rode (chain, line, cable) to the depth of the water PLUS the 10’ of bow above
the water. If the water is 20’ deep, 3:1 scope would be 90’ of chain from
the bow. Greater scope will increase the radius the boat can swing during
the changing wind and tide. Longer scope than your neighbor could swing
you into their path. The greater the scope the more holding power the
anchor will have. Heavy conditions could require a scope as much as 10:1
and would indicate a poor choice for the night.
It is important to check the tide tables to know at what point in the range
you are anchoring. It is not uncommon to see a 15’ change from high to low
tide. If you anchor in 10’ at low tide with 30’ of rode, at high tide you will
have 30’ of rode in 25’ of water. This situation would not provide an
effective amount of holding power. Likewise, anchoring in the same
conditions at high tide will put you hard aground at low tide.
Setting the Anchor
1.
The boat should be stopped facing into the wind or current.
2.
Ensure that the “Windlass” switch on the DC panel is on. There is an
additional breaker in the locker just left of the lower helm to the right
of the electric panel.
3.
Lower the anchor using the port side deck switch, or the toggle
switch at the helm.
4.
If the brake binds be VERY CAREFUL starting the anchor moving.
5.
Control the speed by turning the brake wheel clockwise to tighten
and counterclockwise to loosen.
6.
Let out the proper amount of rode based on scope desired.
7.
Put both engines astern momentarily to put a strain on the anchor.
8.
Verify the anchor is set by seeing the chain angle out away from the
bow and then observing boat coast forward and slack the chain.
9.
Install a single or double chain bridle from portside Portuguese
bridge, slack a belly in the chain, and allow tension to be held by the
bridle.
Retrieving the Anchor
1.
Start engines and warmup. The anchor windlass uses a great deal of
electrical power, and requires the engines to be running.
2.
Briefly put in forward gear so windlass is only pulling in slack chain.
Repeat as needed.
