If while checking the set, the chain rumbles and clunks, and seems to release in bursts, it
means you're anchoring on a rocky bottom and the anchor is not holding. Be patient: it may not set on
the first try, and you'll have to repeat the process sometimes to get a good “set”.
3B4: Shore Lines
When a shore line is required, anchors are set 75 - 100 feet from shore, with the boat backing
toward shore during anchor-setting. The stern line is put around a tree, and brought back to the boat.
During this process, be sure to keep clear of rocks near the shore, and allow for our Northwest tides,
occasionally twelve feet, and sometimes 20 feet when further north! Check the present tide, and high
and low tides before beginning anchoring: No sense anchoring in 15 feet of water if you're at the "top"
of a 15 foot tide!
To get to the shore, you will need to have a dinghy down, and then have your mate keep the
boat's stern toward shore with short bursts of reverse gear. Sometimes a helpful boater already
anchored will help you by taking your line to shore for you with his dinghy, a neat "good deed" that you
might reciprocate. We've met some nice boaters this way!
The shore line may be in the lazarette, or on its
holder at the stern, and is long enough to usually allow
taking it to a tree, around it, and back to the boat so you
don't have to go ashore to untie when leaving. With a
crew member keeping the boat in position, take the
dinghy to shore pulling the end of the shore line with
you. Pass it around a tree, and pull it back to the boat if
you can, since then to get away in the morning all you
have to do is release the bitter end from the boat, and pull it aboard. Pull the line tight, as long as
you've got over 100' total of line out: there is plenty of sag/stretch, and we want to keep the boat in its
area! If necessary, put a crab pot float or fender on the line to warn others it’s there!
(See illustration next page
(Above) The shore line reel.
(Right) Pull the pin to remove it.
Section 3B: Maneuvering Suggestions 3.7
One the starboard side of the windless bow platfrom is a remote control/counter for the windless. This
is much easier to use than the footswitches and also has the benfit of a built-in counter that shows the
amount of rode deployed.
Anchor remote control and counter
