Anchoring a Boat: Rules and Techniques

December 19, 2024

Here are some tips and best practices for anchoring your boat correctly so that you don’t damage your boat or accidentally find yourself in a dangerous situation.

When should you use your anchor?

There are a variety of situations in which you may need to anchor your boat. Let’s take a look at a few of the most common:

Anchoring for safety

Engine failure: If your boat’s engine fails, you may need to anchor it to avoid drifting shallow waters (and risk running aground) or dangerous high-traffic areas (and risk causing an accident).

Severe weather: In stormy conditions or dense fog, it may be safer to stay put rather than navigate hazardous waters.

Loss of steering: If you lose steering capacity, an anchor can secure your boat in one location while you call or help or do repairs.

Shallow waters: When it’s too shallow to dock at a marina or shore, anchoring offshore allows for safe access to land via a dinghy.

Waiting for access: Boat operators may need to anchor while waiting to access a narrow channel or other restricted area.

Anchoring a boat for recreational purposes

Water activities: Boaters often anchor to enjoy activities such as swimming, fishing, or having a barbecue. In Canada, it is only legal to drink alcohol on your boat if it is anchored.

Overnight stays: Instead of docking at a marina during the night, some boaters prefer to anchor overnight in a scenic area, enjoying the tranquility of being “on the hook”.

Diving: Boaters who bring divers to diving locations need to follow a few special rules for anchoring. Many dive sites have mooring buoys that are preferable for securing the boat; if mooring buoys are available, operators should use them first. Make sure the anchor is well-set and secure before divers enter the water. Always maintain at least one or two people on board the boat. Use a flexible anchoring method that allows quick boat movement if a diver needs rescue, and that permits easy disconnection in emergency situations.

Choosing the right spot

Anchoring your boat successfully means thinking ahead. First, you need to select a safe area. Look for a location with ample space, protected from wind and waves.
Next, you need to evaluate the bottom. Ideal anchoring surfaces include sandy or muddy bottoms for better grip.
Finally, check the depth of the water and verify that it is suitable for your anchor type and boat size.

Preparing to anchor

No matter what type of boat you are operating, you need the right type of anchor, chain, cleats and rode (anchor line). If you are anchoring in rough waters, you may need to protect your anchor line with durable chafing gear like 8-ounce duck cloth or repurposed denim jeans. You should also have a buoy ready to mark the anchor line, especially if you are near people who are diving or engaged in other water activities.

Having the right equipment is key to avoiding damage and accidents.

Calculate the scope to choose the right length of rode

Scope refers to the ratio between the length of anchor rode (chain or rope) deployed and the vertical distance from the bow of the boat to the sea floor.

If you have 7 units of rode length for every 1 unit of vertical distance, your scope will be 7:1. This is considered an adequate amount of scope for most situations, with 5:1 widely regarded as the bare minimum, and 8:1 the maximum.

If you’re anchoring in 10 feet of water and your bow is 5 feet above the waterline, you’d need 105 feet of rode for a 7:1 scope ((10 + 5) x 7).

A larger scope provides better holding power by creating a more horizontal pull on the anchor, which helps it dig into the seabed more effectively. More scope also allows the rode to absorb shock from wind and waves, reducing stress on the anchor. In deeper water, you may use slightly less scope due to the increased impact of catenary (the natural curve of the rode).

Anchoring: the process

Approach slowly: Head into the wind or current to your chosen spot.
Stop the boat: Once you’ve arrived at the place you want to anchor, stop the vessel completely before dropping the anchor.
Lower the anchor: Slowly lower the anchor over the bow (never from the stern). Moving too quickly or lowering the anchor from the stern could cause the boat to capsize.
Let out rode: Allow 7 to 10 times the water depth in rode for proper setting.
Set the anchor: Back away slowly while applying tension on the line to help set the anchor.

Checking Your Position

Visual landmarks: Take note of fixed points onshore to monitor your position.
Monitor for dragging: Regularly check if the boat is drifting from its anchored position.

Retrieving the Anchor

Slowly motor forward: Move towards the anchor while pulling in the rode.
Secure your equipment: Once retrieved, secure the anchor and rode safely on board.

Learn more about how to anchor a boat from Drive A Boat Canada

Now you’re aware of the basics of safe anchoring. Remember to indicate your position with appropriate flags and/or emergency signals so that other vessels know that you are anchored and why. It’s also important to carefully select an anchoring location that avoids damaging live coral.

There is plenty to learn about when it comes to safe boating. The best way to find out what you need to know is through a certified boater safety course. Take the exam online and get your Pleasure Craft Operator Card so you can take to the water legally across the country!