Anchoring Etiquette

[chucktro]

Could someone explain in simple terms the etiquette involved in anchoring.
Next summer my plans are to do some coastal cruising off Southern California but am lacking experience in blue water cruising. A couple of procedures which concern me are, when entering a bay, cove, etc to anchor, is it necessary to attempt hailing a Harbor Master requesting transient mooring or permission to anchor? If it is obvious that no Harbor Master is in control does one simply make oneself at home obviously insuring sufficient swing room to prevent interference with other anchored vessels? When is it necessary to contact a Harbor Master for anchoring or mooring permission?

[SilentOption]

If your cruising plans include San Diego check this website

Port of San Diego | Answers to Common Questions

This link is the FAQ section for the Unified Port District.
They discuss everything you need to know about restrictions and locations and permits and such. Including how to get an entertainer permit in case you want to put on a little concert from your cockpit.

[rjrendemd]

I believe that is where cruising guides come in handy. The people who have written the guides have either made the mistakes and are telling you their recommendations or have relayed the information they have learned from the people who have anchored in the wrong places!

[delmarrey]

Also on your (up to date) charts you may fine an anchor symbol in some obvious locations. It pretty much depends on what's around the anchorage and the bottom conditions.

The biggest indicator is when you see other boats anchored. If there are buoys, it may be restricted but not likely.

The biggest problem is swing and set. You don't want to hit anyone/thing or end up on the hard. Be aware, before anchoring, of tidal changes, currents and wind changes................................._/)

[Pelagic]

If you have screaming children or barking dogs then always anchor beside boats with similar afflictions…..they wont notice!...

[BassAckwards]

Sometimes its a good idea to approach a boat anchoring nearby and ask for an advisory before dropping your hook.

[defjef]

You should gather all the information about your destination from cruising guides and charts. general anchorages are marked as are the bottom condition and the soundings. You should also consider the prevailing, current and predicted wind speed and direction for your stay. If you intend to go ashore, be aware of the landing for your dink or dock to come along side for fuel or water, prepare your lines and fenders for that well before you are to dock.

As you enter "read" the other boats and how the harbor is organized. Is there a local non coast guard channel marked with buoys? Is there a speed limit sign or buoy with a speed warning. When dropping your hook make sure you are well clear of any marked channel and won't swing into it with a wind or shift in the currrent. Taller masts mean deeper keels so you probably will see them in the deeper parts of the anchorage. If the harbor provides protection from the winds, it will be calmer and a smoother ride in close, but it's shallower there as well. If the anchor is crowded you can almost gauge the depth by the spacing of the anchored vessels based on a 5-7 scope and swing room. Chanes are that anchore between two boats in a crowded anchorage where you are closer to other boats than the others are to each other means you are in the wrong place.

A good approach is to drop your hook a boat length or more behind an anchored boat and then fall back on the 5-7 scope. Moored boats are on shorter scope so be advised that they will swing differently and anchor in a tight mooring field in not advisable as you can swing over and foul on a unoccupied mooring or into a moored boat!

Listen on your VHF on 16 or use the local chanel that the yacht club or launch used to communicate with anchored and moored boats. Find a break in conversation to ask them your questions about anchoring or other features of the harbor.

And finally make sure you have your anchoring techinique down pat. Dragging through an achorage can be a costly and embarrassing experience. If you don't feel completely comfortable with your anchor set, re anchor until you do. That's good semanship.

[scotty]

my big anchor problem is where i keep my boat we get a fair number of day trippers, they typically use 3 to 1 scope and assume everyone else does too. so when the wind shifts i swing around on 75 feet of rope and chain and they swing on 40 if they where closer than 50 feet or so we rub, yes it has happened once and been close a few others. i have started dual anchor one off each end, and anchoring close enough to the edge that they wont anchor behind me. my point is dont assume what scope they are on make sure you have room.

[theonecalledtom]

Remember that boats swing differently depending on windage and underwater profile. If in the M26 you might be more akin to a powerboat than a full keel cruiser. Also remember the the first one there sets the anchoring approach for all, normally a difference between single anchor and a fore/aft arrangement.