ARCTIC STAR OPERATING MANUAL
NW Explorations | 41
8.7
Trim Tabs
Trim tabs are wide flaps under the swim
platform at the trailing edge of the hull. These
flaps can be adjusted up or down to improve
cruising efficiency. When at cruising speed you
can adjust the trim tabs to bring the bow
down. The control buttons are to the right of
the helm. Press ‘Bow Down’ and watch the
speed on the chartplotter, it should increase
by a half knot or so.
As you approach a harbor for anchoring or
dock be sure to adjust the trim tabs to the full
‘Bow Up’ position. If the trim tabs are down,
they will interfere with maneuvering and may
be damaged when backing up.
9.0
Anchoring
•
Anchoring
•
Shore tie
•
Rafting
9.1
Setting an Anchor
For secure anchoring, choose an appropriate harbor with a soft bottom such as sand, mud, or
gravel and with adequate depth so that at low tide, you will still have more than 10 feet under
the keel. Cruising guides often describe the conditions of bays and harbors and give tips on
where to anchor, look at the charts and chartplotter to locate any rocks, reefs, or other hazards.
Then, choose the spot in the anchorage where you have room to “swing” without disturbing
other boats. Remember, responsibility for leaving room goes to each successive boat to arrive;
the first boat to arrive in an anchorage has priority.
Arctic Star has a 66-pound Bruce anchor with 350 feet of chain for the anchor rode (Table
below). We recommend that you anchor with a minimum scope of 4 to 1. That is, let out 4 feet
of chain for every 1 foot of depth. So, if you anchor at a depth of 25 feet, let out 100 feet of
chain. The 100-foot red mark should be let out into the water, not at the anchor roller. Take the
tide into account when considering your depth; if the tide will rise overnight then add the
appropriate length of chain so that you will have at enough scope when the tide is at the
highest stage. If you expect more than 25 knots of wind, then let out more chain so that the
scope is at 6 to 1 or more.
Trim tab controls are next to the anchor windlass
switch to the right of the helm.
