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ANCHORING
Anchoring in the Pacific Northwest can be accomplished with careful planning and
patience. The tides, currents, and winds need to be taken into account when
choosing the best spot. There are many guidebooks and online recommendations
for anchoring in the San Juan’s. Taking the extra time saves worry down the road.
Use the charts, onboard electronics, and your eyes to find your spot. Gravel, sand
and mud are preferable. As you’re getting ready to set make sure you have room to
swing on your anchor without hitting anything.
Using the windlass foot controls on the bow lowers the anchor. The windlass
power switch is located on the PROTECTION PANEL located to the right of the
helm. Turn it ON. It is NOT a good practice to use the windlass controls at the
helm as it could be dangerous for the crewmember at the bow.
LOWERING THE ANCHOR
At the bow, tap gently on the down foot control to lower the anchor. If necessary,
guide the anchor over the anchor roller to prevent binding on the pulpit.
Let out sufficient ANCHOR RODE before setting the anchor. The chain is marked
with strings
5 fathoms=1 string
10 fathoms=2 strings
15 fathoms=3 strings
20 fathoms=4 strings
25 fathoms=5 strings
30 fathoms=6 strings
35 fathoms=7 strings
Use about 5 to 1 scope depending on the weather. When anchor reaches bottom
engage reverse for five seconds at a time until the chain starts to pull straight off
the bow toward the anchor. When anchor holds set the anchor with gentle tugs,
then verify that the anchor has held by having one engine in IDLE reverse and
verify the boat is NOT moving backward. If you hear clunks and the chain releases
Summary of Contents for Latis
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