signaling scope in a crowded anchorage...

[JeremyFowler]

Well, what about having a small buoy on an elasticated tether to mark where one's anchor is? Solves lots of problems...

[cooldogz]

Originally Posted by markpierce

If in an "anchorage," needing more than 5 to 1 scope means the anchorage is not.

Doesn’t that depend more on the weather conditions? In an anchorage that may require a 3:1 scope on a day with no wind, may necessitate an 8:1 scope or even 10 to 1, depending on adverse conditions.

[TPG]

Like the idea but will side with the comments here; you are dealing with people. Plan for the worst and hope for the best; tomorrow there are tacos.

[Simi 60]

Originally Posted by JeremyFowler

Well, what about having a small buoy on an elasticated tether to mark where one's anchor is? Solves lots of problems...

Tried that a couple of times.
Someone ran over one
Caught someone else stealing crabpots, thinking my float was one.

[Mike OReilly]

Originally Posted by JeremyFowler

Well, what about having a small buoy on an elasticated tether to mark where one's anchor is? Solves lots of problems...

Creates more problems than it solves.

[JeremyFowler]

Originally Posted by Mike OReilly

Creates more problems than it solves.

Please enumerate a few of these problems? My imagination is failing me on this one.

[Mike OReilly]

Originally Posted by JeremyFowler

Please enumerate a few of these problems? My imagination is failing me on this one.

It's been well discussed here many times. Creates fouling dangers as Simi just wrote. This is a danger to both other boats and your own, with the risk that someone will trip your anchor.

But the bigger issue (to me) is this technique blocks out far more of the anchorage than is needed. This effectively blocks a whole 360º zone which is completely unnecessary for anchoring, thereby greatly reducing the number of boats that can safely use the anchorage.

It's a bit like someone parking across multiple lane markers in a parking lot to try and prevent others from parking close. Unnecessary and unfair for everyone else.

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by Mike OReilly

Creates more problems than it solves.

What Mike said. Just don't do it! Horribly lubberly practice.

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by JeremyFowler

Please enumerate a few of these problems? My imagination is failing me on this one.

Why don't you do your own homework instead of asking people to do it for you?


Search on "anchor floats" for starters, and read away for weeks.


Please don't use one.

[landsend]

Originally Posted by Zai

Don't forget there is supposed to be someone on watch all of the time ......
😂

Now how many people really have a person on anchor watch all night? I mean, really.

On my boat everyone is passed out! Except the captain of course. I'm sleeping soundly.

[JeremyFowler]

Originally Posted by Stu Jackson

Why don't you do your own homework instead of asking people to do it for you?


Search on "anchor floats" for starters, and read away for weeks.


Please don't use one.

Oh dear! So my "brilliant new idea" is not that novel. Thanks for the search tip, I never realised this was such a well-known and discussed issue. Ok, no anchor float.

[sgrimm]

@JeremyFowler, I'm glad you asked the question. I thought a float would help as well. As others have said, many don't like it because of the limitations it places on others in the anchorage. It's an interesting read and you can continue the discussion here:

https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...-231838-2.html

[belizesailor]

Just always say you have out 500'...cuts down on neighbors.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by dhenline

Thanks for the reply. Of course I understand different bottoms hold differently and I expect to have the appropriate sized anchor. The three to one I was previously used was something out of sailing instruction book. Yes, I get it as a generalization and I have used it for years in the carribean. I have often increased the scope to 4:1 but maybe I will switch and use 4:1 as my default and increase it to 5:1 when worried.

Since I only sail (so far) in the carribean, I usually dive on my anchors after I dig the anchor in.

On other quick question, why not put a 15 lb weight on the anchor chain, about 15 ft from the anchor itself. I would think it would add alot of holding strength and allow a shorter scope

don

Google "kellet".

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by Zai

Don't forget there is supposed to be someone on watch all of the time ......

[emoji23]

Only a legal requirement when underway.