Anchoring too close to other boats?

[Ziggy]

As others point out, 20 ft is not necessarily too close when there is some wind. However, in my experience, problems can arise in very light winds when different boats are differently affected by combination of wind and current. Then you might find two boats lying in opposite directions with respect to their anchors. In this situation I don't know a really good solution in a crowded anchorage other than anchoring on short scope.

[letsgetsailing3]

Originally Posted by Ziggy

As others point out, 20 ft is not necessarily too close when there is some wind. However, in my experience, problems can arise in very light winds when different boats are differently affected by combination of wind and current. Then you might find two boats lying in opposite directions with respect to their anchors. In this situation I don't know a really good solution in a crowded anchorage other than anchoring on short scope.

Sure, but is 150 feet of chain in 18 feet of water "short scope"?


Seems like in this case there's an easy solution.

[David M]

20 feet is way too close, even with an anchor watch. 20 feet away does not give anyone enough time to react if the anchor starts slipping, even with the engine running.

Why make yourself and your neighbor unnecessarily worried?

I have weighed anchor at night hundreds of times. It is very doable.

[Ziggy]

Originally Posted by letsgetsailing3

Sure, but is 150 feet of chain in 18 feet of water "short scope"?


Seems like in this case there's an easy solution.

I agree, but what "short scope" is depends on wind strength and other conditions. For example, I would definitely not consider 150 ft in 18 ft depth at high tide "short scope". But in tidal waters the 18 ft depth at low tide may turn into 38 ft depth at high tide!



In light wind and with an appropriately sized anchor I might shorten the scope to 4:1 or even 3:1 and adjust the rode as conditions change.

[Pelican_38]

I've had someone closer to me than I preferred - particularly given the size of the anchorage. I started thinking he was a jerk and I watched him like a hawk figuring he didn't have a clue.

After he looked at the situation he hailed me on VHF and told me he was closer than he planned on being, told me how much chain he had out, and said he was confident he was staying put - but he'd move if I wasn't comfortable. I stopped thinking "what a jerk" and started thinking he might know what he was doing and decided that's how I would handle the situation if I found myself being the jerk in the future.

[gonesail]

what he said: 20 feet is way too close. 20 feet away does not give anyone enough time to react if the anchor starts slipping

[akprb]

Originally Posted by Sparx

I am leaving New England where 20 feet between boats is sometimes fine and normal in crowded anchorages. I always try to keep my scope similar to the adjacent boats in these situations.

150 feet of chain in 18 ft of water is at least 50 feet more than I would have used. Shortening up would solve the problem.

This is your answer ;-) 150’ in 18 is a bit overkill.

[Tingum]

No one has mentioned what would happen if the other boat wants to move. You are on top of his anchor.

[Cheechako]

It happens in some anchorages. It sounds like you have too much scope out though. I don't like being that close, but when everything swings around it can happen temporarily. Usually just live with it. But if one person has way too much scope out in a tight anchorage, it's a problem.
I've had situations where some anal guy is first in a small anchorage and puts out 10:1 or more scope, then complains about other boats around him. I usually take the "tough #@*&" approach with him.

[PNWSalmon]

We were anchored this weekend having a fine time. Not a very crowded anchorage for a late summer weekend. A big powerboat came in and decided to drop anchor directly behind us. This whole bay and he needs to be 30 feet behind us. Ok. Whatever. After he got all set and settled in, he assessed the situation, realized it was ridiculous, retrieved the anchor and moved to another spot with much more space. I was so pleasantly surprised. Maybe all these anchor threads are helping ? :-)

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by Tingum

No one has mentioned what would happen if the other boat wants to move. You are on top of his anchor.

Really? The other boat would need to be on 1:1 scope for that to be even possible.


In a crowded anchorage, it is quite normal for boats to be over each other's anchors or between boats and their anchors. It's not a big deal to get your anchor up out of a situation like that. That's why no one has mentioned this.


The only semi-complicated issue is if someone lays his anchor chain over yours. That's also not all that big a deal, but we do try to avoid that.

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by PNWSalmon

We were anchored this weekend having a fine time. Not a very crowded anchorage for a late summer weekend. A big powerboat came in and decided to drop anchor directly behind us. This whole bay and he needs to be 30 feet behind us. Ok. Whatever. After he got all set and settled in, he assessed the situation, realized it was ridiculous, retrieved the anchor and moved to another spot with much more space. I was so pleasantly surprised. Maybe all these anchor threads are helping ? :-)

It may seem kind of unbelievable to some, but not all of the other boaters out there are ignorant louts.

[Ken Z]

MOVE...

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by Ken Z

MOVE...

Not necessarily.




The key to happy anchoring in crowded anchorages is to be relaxed, friendly, and flexible. Lock the "bitch wings" up in a locker somewhere. Keeping in mind that hardly any serious damage or danger happens from boats swinging together or getting their anchor chains twisted up or whatever. Put some fenders out if you are too worried, or move yourself. The key thing to be careful about is that no one drags into you, so DO pay attention to who is anchored upwind of you, and how they did it, and whether or not they are even very close or not.


I would anchor next to the OP any day.

[Captain John]

There is not enough information in this post to give an appropriate answer.
1. What is the tide range?
2. 18' at high or low. In my neck of the woods if it was 18' at high, at low I'd be aground! Iff at low (in my neck of the woods) at high tide then I'd have 5:1 scope.
3. 8.3:1 scope is excessive unless there is quite a blow expected.
4. If there is a blow expected then 20' clearance is not enough!
5. holding ground?
6. anchor type & size.
7. vessel type, displacement, and draft.
8. 20' from the bow port or starboard or directly on the bow?
9. "On the other side, a different boat was too close to him too. The dinghy from that other boat was within 2ft of touching his boat." are you not too close to the "other boat" too?
… but with the limited info given... shorted scope and keep an anchor watch!