What is the Major Danger of Anchoring a Fishing Boat from the Stern?

Those who own a fishing boat know the many dangers that a boat can bring. Not having enough information about how to maintain your boat can cause a number of issues. One of the most looked over aspects of a boat is the anchoring. In this article, we will be looking at “What is the Major Danger of Anchoring a Fishing Boat from the Stern?”.

Many people are guilty of not anchoring their boats properly, and having problems because of it. A common danger is when you use the stern for anchoring.

Every part of the boat is designed to serve a purpose, and the stern is not meant to be used for anchoring. In this article, we will go over the dangers that anchoring from a stern can bring, recommend how you can properly anchor your fishing boat, and offer some essential tips about anchoring.

What is the Major Danger of Anchoring a Fishing Boat from the Stern?

It can be dangerous for you to anchor your fishing boat from a stern for many reasons:

(1) Boats are built in a certain kind of way, where their bow is presented to the wind and therefore the seawater. By using the pointed end to advance in the water, you create less resistance.

Since the stern is broader, it will create more drag and put excessive pressure on your boat. The stern will also be exposed to the wind and the water, and your boat was not designed for that to happen.

(2) Most boats feature a cabin. If your boat has a large and open cabin, subjecting it to strong winds or the water from the stern side can cause issues.

If you have a closed cabin, with doors or glass surfaces, then they will be under a great deal of stress. You can also have a problem with flooding, which can lead to your boat capsizing.

(3) The stern of the boat is designed to move water from the bow to the stern. If the stern faces the water, then the mechanical parts of your boat can sustain damage. The damage can be especially severe if the wind is strong, or there is a strong current.

An important part of the boat that can get damaged is the rudder. If the rudder is forced to work opposite to how it is meant to work, then it can break or have serious damage.

Read Also: What should you do to Reduce the Risk of Capsizing or Swamping your Boat in Rough Water?

How to Anchor your Boat

In order to anchor your boat properly, you should pay attention to your surroundings and make your decisions accordingly.

While there are no hard and fast rules, there are guidelines you can follow so that you know how to anchor your fishing boat the right way:

Look for a Good Spot

Before you anchor your fishing boat, you should look for a good spot. The best anchorage will provide protection from rough waves and strong winds. The anchorage should also have space for swings and a good quality bottom.

Anchoring in a spot that is not ideal can lead to skidding. Anchor skidding is usually the result of waves that are too strong – so your spot should be shielded from waves to maintain anchorage.

Before you anchor your fishing boat, you should consider all the important factors – the radius of your anchor, the size of your boat, the wind, and the water current. Check to see that there are no other boats, vessels, rocks, or any other objects.

After you confirm that the spot works, see if you have the correct anchor that will work. Some anchors, such as a fluke-style one, will work very well with mud and sand but are not ideal if the bottom is grassy or rocky.

Prepare your Fishing Boat for Anchoring

Before you can anchor, you need to see if you have all the necessary items. You need enough rods so that no tangles can be formed.

You also need to mark out the length of the anchor beforehand, so that you know what portion of the anchor you will need. If you are using a lightweight anchor, you can take the help of a chain to get a better grip on the anchor.

Drop the Hook

After you decide on where you want to anchor your fishing boat, you should lower the anchor slowly to the bottom while moving towards your spot. If you have prepared well for anchoring, there should not be any tangles, or a case of the chain bunching up.

The most important aspect of anchoring that you need to keep in mind is that after you drop your anchor, it will drag a bit before it can set. So when you are choosing a spot for anchoring, you should remember that the boat will end up a little further than where you set the anchor.

Use the Proper Scope

To know what the proper scope for your boat is, add the distance from the waterline from the top of the bow to the depth of the water, and then multiply the total by 5 or 7 depending on the circumstances.

If you plan to leave the boat temporarily, then using a factor of 5 is fine. If you plan on leaving your boat overnight, or it is windy, then use a factor of 7.

For instance, if the distance from your bow to the waterline is 5 feet, and you are planning on anchoring in water that is 10 feet deep, then you need to place 75 feet (15*5 feet) of trestle for a temporary hook, and 105 feet (15*7 feet) for an overnight hook.

Set the Hook

After you have dropped the hook and released a decent margin, you can allow your boat to move with the wind and set the anchor.

If there is no wind, you can use your engine to move into your spot. But instead of moving forward, reverse slowly to allow your anchor to set.

If your anchor has set, then your boat should settle into its position. If your boat is still moving, then the anchor is dragging at the bottom. You will need to pull up the anchor, and then release it again to help set it.

Tips for Anchoring Your Boat Properly

• Make sure that you are using the proper type of anchor. There are a lot of varieties available, but the most preferred ones are Plow, Danforth, or Mushroom.
• It is a common practice to attach a chain to your boat’s anchor. You should attach 3 to 6 feet of chain to the anchor you will be using for your boat. The chain will safeguard the anchor from mud, sand, or rocks.
• Make sure that the area you choose to anchor your fishing boat in is a good spot. It helps if you anchor your boat away from areas that see a lot of boat traffic. It also helps if the place you choose can protect your boat from the elements, such as strong winds and currents.
• When you drop your anchor, do not throw it to the bottom. This can lead to tangles, and cause issues for you. Always drop your anchor slowly to the bottom.
• In case there is no wind, or the winds are not favorable – then you can use your engine to your advantage.
• Once you have set the anchor, check and see that your boat is anchored and is not drifting away.
• Do not use the stern to anchor your boat.

Conclusion

The waters can get very dangerous, and you should follow the proper safety measures at all times. Anchoring a fishing boat from the stern can lead to a lot of trouble. It can cause your boat to capsize, or end up causing serious damage. The risks are simply not worth it. It is much easier to follow the rules, and anchor your boat the proper way.