Setting the anchor is tricky, especially when you’re faced with wind and current. Anchoring is essential when trying to hold position no matter if you’re at the beach, fishing, or hanging out in the open water. I fortunately never encountered an issue when anchoring as a former 200 ton captain. When it comes to how to set a boat anchor, here are 5 things to avoid. 

Keep Your Hands And Feet Clear

Without a doubt, becoming entangled in the anchor line is serious and must be avoided. When setting anchor, the hands and feet are prone to becoming wrapped in the line, which can cause severe injury or drag you into the water. 

To avoid your feet from becoming entangled in the line, keep your feet clear of the line coils as it pays out over the side of the boat. 

The hands are more challenging to remain clear. First, ensure that the line is not tangled or knotted. Secondly, allow the line to slide through your hands versus wrapping the anchor line around your arms. Third, when you’re done deploying the line and ready to lock it on the cleat, keep your fingers clear to avoid them from becoming pinched on the side of the hull or cleat. 

Make Sure The Bow Anchor Is Attached To The Anchor Locker

The bow anchor, compared to the stern anchor, typically has a substantial amount of line in conjunction with a short section of chain. 

It should be noted that it is unlikely to see the bitter end of the anchor line when peering into a bow anchor locker. However, before tossing out the anchor and paying out the line, ensure that the line is secured within the locker. Most often, an eye is affixed within the locker that is designed specifically to tie the end of the anchor line. 

Unfortunately, boaters have paid out all of the line only to realize the end was not attached. More times than not, if you’ve reached the end of the line, it’s too late. You will not be able to secure it to the cleat. The anchor and rope will be gone overboard.

Don’t Toss The Anchor And The End Of The Line In The Water

It should be noted that this tip most often applies to setting a stern anchor versus setting a bow anchor. 

The stern anchor is most often a shorter run of line. Additionally, it is not attached to a fixed point within the vessel. Instead, a stern anchor is placed in a storage locker and removed when needed. The end of the line is wrapped on a stern cleat once the anchor is set on the beach or in the water. 

I was anchored at a beach and watched a fellow boater toss the anchor off the bow along with all of the line. Needless to say, the line was not attached, and the person held all of the anchor line in his hands. Fortunately, he was able to jump in the water and retrieve the anchor line. He retrieve it because it was only a couple of feet deep.  

With that being said, be cognizant of the fact that the anchor line needs to be held firmly in one hand. 

Avoid The Anchor And Chain Striking The Boat

When glancing at the bows of boats, it is easy to see who throws the anchor wildly versus setting it in the water gently. 

Unquestionably, the bows of boats are subject to dings and scratches by setting anchor. I recommend that you never toss the anchor. Unfortunately, I have seen the line get hung up, causing the anchor to slam into the side of the boat. Boat hull repair is expensive so it is best avoided. 

Secondly, never allow the anchor chain to drag along the fiberglass or the rub rail. The hard metal chain will cause deep scratches and gouges in the rub rail or fiberglass. 

Don’t Walk Away Until The Anchor Is Set

Never assume that a deployed anchor is guaranteed to set. When it comes to anchoring, there are many factors that impact the ability for it to hold. Two of the most notable are the amount of line paid out and the composition of the seafloor. 

I have had the anchor skip the bottom on a multitude of occasions. For this reason, I stand by until I can confirm that the anchor is properly set. 

Unfortunately, boaters who fail to confirm a solid hook set drift. Unknowingly drifting can put you in a bad situation, for example, ending up high and dry on the beach or over a shallow reef. Always ensure the anchor is firmly set before walking away. 

Use These Five Tips When Anchoring

Understanding and utilizing these five tips will make the process of how to set a boat anchor much easier and safer. I have over 30 years of boating experience and have pretty much seen it all. What is most important is everyone onboard having a good time while remaining safe.