When it comes to scope, there's no two ways about it: more is almost always better. More scope means less vertical strain on the boat anchor thereby decreasing the chances of unsetting the boat anchor.We generally recommend a scope ratio of 5:1 minimum, but ideally 7:1 or even more (especially if anchoring overnight), i.e. let out 7 feet of rode for every 1 foot of water depth you're anchoring in, so if you are anchoring in 10 feet of water, you'll let out 70 feet of rode. Unfortunately, in small or crowded anchorages there's often not enough room to allow for a lot of scope. What can you do?
When facing this dilemma, the aim is to increase horizontal rode tension. This is a basically a fancy way of saying you want the anchor rode to sit as horizontal as possible in the water.
There are a couple of ways to do this. The most common way is to add 20 feet or so of chain to nylon rope. It has been shown that by adding just 20 feet of chain to 180 feet of nylon rode you can increase horizontal strain nearly 250%. This is the result of the extra weight pulling the anchor rode to the sea bottom. By using 200 feet of chain you can increase horizontal tension nearly 800% from all nylon rope. However, it's debatable whether the tension gains achieved in an all chain setup offset its disadvantages, most importantly the strain on one's arms! Without a doubt though, at least 20 feet of chain should be added to all rode setups.
The other popular option in increasing horizontal strains is to add a kellet. A kellet is a weight added somewhere along the anchor rode. Adding the kellet as close to the chain-rope connection as possible results in the largest tension gains but many prefer to place it about half way along the rode to ease the shock loads. It has been shown that by adding a 20 lbs kellet half way up (or down) a 200 foot rode setup one would achieve 300% horizontal tension gains over an all rope setup.
Used-boat buying can be a great way to get a great deal on a boat, but it can also be risky if you don't know what you're doing. Here are some secrets to help you make the most of your used-boat buying experience
If you're a recreational boater, you know that the industry is constantly evolving. From new boat designs and technologies to changing consumer preferences, there's always something new on the horizon. As we approach the end of 2022 and start thinking about the upcoming year, it's a good time to look at some of the top trends in recreational boating for 2023.
Numerous factors can ultimately lead to a bent anchor shank, but the majority of the time this is caused either by a bad snag or from the boat shifting its load in a perpendicular direction from the anchor set. In this article, we will discuss common causes and prevention tips to help you avoid finding yourself in such an unlucky predicament.
According to the Boat Owners Association of the United States (BoatUS), 2021 will likely bring more hurricanes to the Atlantic coast than we have typically seen in the past. As a result, boaters are being warned to immediately begin putting together a plan of action in case a hurricane does touch down in your area.
Jet Ski and PWC riders often don't have actual docks or slips for you to tie up to when exploring new areas. As a result, it's important to have the right gear and know-how when it comes time to take a break and drop the anchor. Follow along below as we discuss the best methods for anchoring in either shallow or deep water.
Whether you’re sailing around the world, exploring remote destinations, or hosting a few friends for a weekend getaway, there has never been a better time to connect your boat and guests with high-speed internet. Today’s digital era has made connectivity an essential part of work and play for most people, so we’ve assembled the best methods for accessing the internet right from your boat.
In today's modern world, there are a plethora of apps available to help us navigate our everyday lives. In recent years the boating world has benefited greatly from a variety of helpful apps that can help take your boating experience to the next level. Boaters today can download apps to help them log their trips, download nautical charts, reserve a slip, and even learn to tie essential boating knots. We have reviewed many of the apps on the market today and are sharing our best boating and fishing apps.
Dock lights not only help give your dock the right look but also go a long way to ensure you, your guests and your property remain safe and secure. We've assembled a list of the best dock lighting options to help you find the perfect solution for your dock.
Anchoring with inadequate ground tackle is not only unsafe but can also make setting anchor a painstaking and arduous process. Luckily there are a number of solutions available to help simplify the process and to help keep you and your craft safe. The three main components of your anchor rode are the anchor line, chain, and anchor but additional accessories can be added to customize your system for your specific needs to help make dropping anchor a snap.
It's that time of the year again! Are you having troubles finding that perfect gift for your boating enthusiast? Never fear, we have assembled 15 of this years coolest and best gift ideas that will put a smile on any boaters face.
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