How do people connect the anchor line to the bow?

[tat]

I have never anchored. I purchased the boat with a view to getting it up to speed for the sea. My mind has turned to focus on anchoring, and in particular where to connect it to the bow. Should I just tie it to a cleat. But the boat will swing and there will be constant movement. Surely it needs something more specialist to do the job, like a channel or something for the rope or chain to go through, or something. Or should I just tie it to the rail on the bow.

Cheers.

[Garrettw]

If your boat has an anchor locker there is usually a reinforced fitting down in there to fix the end of the rode to.


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[Tbrad]

The very end of my rode is secured in the anchor locker. It leads out over the bow roller and I feed out the required amount of rode in relation to the depth I'm anchoring in and then cleat it off on the bow cleat.

[JPA Cate]

Does your cabin cruiser have a fitting on the bow that is a sort of small wheel? If so, it is your bow roller, and you deploy the anchor, its bit of chain, and the rope rode over it. When you have veered out about 5 times the depth you're in, tie the rope off around the deck cleat. The underlying assumption i'm making here is that you have no anchor locker, just an anchor with some chain and a lot of rope, in a bag or a milk crate, to contain it all. if so, it will all have to be pretty simple. You'll want a way to secure what you don't pay out on the deck. Perhaps lashed to the stanchion or bow pulpit.

Maybe you could take a look at some similar size and type boats and see how they do it. Generally speaking, there should be a cleat with a backing plate under it, either on both sides of the foredeck or in the center of it. You do want a strong point, and your bow pulpit usually is not up to the job of the stresses of anchoring.

Ann

[S/V Alchemy]

I just did this job a couple of days ago. While smaller boats can get away with somewhat different arrangements, the principles are the same regarding snubbers, bridles and "bitter ends", so this (you can skip the first part about the mainsail) may be of interest: The world encompassed: The bitter end

[AlwaysFORSAIL]

There are books written on anchoring so there is a plethora of things that need to be done to secure your boat at anchor. Mine is secured in the anchor locker at the bitter end with rope so that I can cut it if necessary. The rest of my rode is chain and after passing over the bow roller I cleat it off in the anchor locker on a sturdy cleat.

You will swing at anchor, allow for it. You can use a Bahamian Moor to reduce swing but I prefer a single anchor unless absolutely necessary.

[RichandHelen]

Rule #1: MAKE CERTAIN THAT YOUR ANCHOR RODE IS SECURED TO THE BOAT BEFORE YOU TOSS IT OVERBOARD

[elknimrod]

I'm a light sleeper, so the rode jumping over the bow roller drives me crazy. It takes a little planning, but I attach the anchor directly to a bow cleat, no roller involved. So it goes from the anchor to the bow cleat through the roller to the locker. Nice and quiet.

Ed

[cabo_sailor]

Originally Posted by RichandHelen

Rule #1: MAKE CERTAIN THAT YOUR ANCHOR RODE IS SECURED TO THE BOAT BEFORE YOU TOSS IT OVERBOARD

Yep I use a bit of thin nylon twine, looks like double braid. If I do have a runaway chain, I'd rather lose the chain than damage the bow.


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[g_3]

Originally Posted by RichandHelen

Rule #1: MAKE CERTAIN THAT YOUR ANCHOR RODE IS SECURED TO THE BOAT BEFORE YOU TOSS IT OVERBOARD

Secured to whom?

[tdh1849]

#1, in the anchor locker there s/b an eye bolt to secure the bitter end of the anchor line to. Attaching it and tying it off is a must.Then when you set the anchor tie it off to a bow cleat. U may want to back up the boat just a bit to ensure the anchor is set.
#2, U should have chain at the end of the line where it attaches to the anchor, and use a swivel. The length of chain will depend on the type of sailing U will be doing. Chain helps keep the anchor set into the bottom.
#3 Remember, the bigger the boat the heavier the anchor you need.
#4 There are anchors for sale to be found on the web by manufacturer which will have specs.
#5. Always a good thing to have a second anchor and line on the boat just in case.
#6 At night you use an anchor light and be sure to find a location where there is no traffic.
#7, it aint no big thing, it will come naturally to you. Good luck, fair seas...........

[sailon46]

Originally Posted by tdh1849

#1, in the anchor locker there s/b an eye bolt to secure the bitter end of the anchor line to. Attaching it and tying it off is a must.Then when you set the anchor tie it off to a bow cleat. U may want to back up the boat just a bit to ensure the anchor is set.
#2, U should have chain at the end of the line where it attaches to the anchor, and use a swivel. The length of chain will depend on the type of sailing U will be doing. Chain helps keep the anchor set into the bottom.
#3 Remember, the bigger the boat the heavier the anchor you need.
#4 There are anchors for sale to be found on the web by manufacturer which will have specs.
#5. Always a good thing to have a second anchor and line on the boat just in case.
#6 At night you use an anchor light and be sure to find a location where there is no traffic.
#7, it aint no big thing, it will come naturally to you. Good luck, fair seas...........

If u don't tie down the bitter end of ur rode then u ll find out quickly why they call it that name

[Dave22q]

that is a very scary question. it frightens me to think you are in a boat anywhere near mine. as for your question--if your boat is over 20 feet or so there will probably be a cleat or post in the center near the bow. the will probably be metal leads for your line at the bow. if just some cleats use the largest one. Please, before you do anything, read some books, take a seamanship course and talk to some boat owners. Operating a boat safely requires some knowledge before you begin.

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by tat

I have never anchored. I purchased the boat with a view to getting it up to speed for the sea. My mind has turned to focus on anchoring, and in particular where to connect it to the bow. Should I just tie it to a cleat. But the boat will swing and there will be constant movement. Surely it needs something more specialist to do the job, like a channel or something for the rope or chain to go through, or something. Or should I just tie it to the rail on the bow.

Cheers.

You need some sort of Sampson post. Bow cleats with line going through chocks are good for dock lines in most cases not for Rhodes.

[tat]

Originally Posted by Ann T. Cate

Does your cabin cruiser have a fitting on the bow that is a sort of small wheel? If so, it is your bow roller, and you deploy the anchor, its bit of chain, and the rope rode over it. When you have veered out about 5 times the depth you're in, tie the rope off around the deck cleat. The underlying assumption i'm making here is that you have no anchor locker, just an anchor with some chain and a lot of rope, in a bag or a milk crate, to contain it all. if so, it will all have to be pretty simple. You'll want a way to secure what you don't pay out on the deck. Perhaps lashed to the stanchion or bow pulpit.

Maybe you could take a look at some similar size and type boats and see how they do it. Generally speaking, there should be a cleat with a backing plate under it, either on both sides of the foredeck or in the center of it. You do want a strong point, and your bow pulpit usually is not up to the job of the stresses of anchoring.

Ann

Thanks, Ann. You guessed right that I don't have an anchor locker....I'm actually thinking of using an old motorbike top box bolted down to the foredeck. I think you are right about needing a good strong point with backing plates. It is all very helpful to me, as I was thinking along these lines, so the fact that you have said it gives me the confidence it is the way to go. When I ask questions I put my cards on the table because I might not know something really important, so it is great to check it out with you folks who know more than myself. Cheers.