Scope/Rhode in a crowded anchorage

[Jaqun]

I am relatively new to anchoring. We've been out in our Freedom 30 in several quiet anchorages with good holding. I have a 25 lb CQR with 16 ft of chain.
I have been calculating rode at 7 times depth+tide+4 ft (distance from the water to bow roller) Problem is in a place like block island salt pond that comes out to approx 30ft depth+3ft tide+4=37 x 5:1 scope = 185ft of rode. 7:1 Scope comes to 259 ft. This seems really long to me. Am I calculating wrong? Is this too much scope for a crowded place? What kind of scope do others put out. Very interested in learning
Thanks

[Kenomac]

If it's crowded and not windy, you're putting out way too much to be a good neighbor. Most of the others will be putting out 3:1, 4:1 or 5:1 max. At 7:1, you'll be banging into other boats when the wind shifts especially with mostly a rope rode.

[estarzinger]

Yea, typical scope is actually more like 3:1 (or 4:1 would be on the longer end) around there. Need to be sure your anchor is set! Enough chain length to be "all chain out" at typical depth (or perhaps chain plus 10' of rope out at typical depth) helps.

[Jaqun]

Sorry estarzinger, do you mean I should increase the feet of chain on the end? not sure what you mean by all chain out.

[Tayana42]

Yes increase your chain so you can have out mostly chain on shorter scopes. Also, consider that the CQR is not at its best on a short scope. Neither is a Danforth type. Most of the new generation anchors do better in short scope situations.

[estarzinger]

Originally Posted by Jaqun

Sorry estarzinger, do you mean I should increase the feet of chain on the end? not sure what you mean by all chain out.

Yes, exactly, like 75' of chain would be better around there, with 3 or 4:1 of total rode out.

Btw, the bottom/holding in block island is spotty. Some spots are quite decent, but others really poor, so set the anchor and back on it pretty hard and if it slides try again in a slightly different spot.

[mrohr]

Holding is spotty in B.I. , place is breezy, so crowded that Sea Tow is constantly chasing boats across the pond (owners on beach or pub). CQR anchor is substandard, 16 feet chain way too little ....up your game and sleep soundly @ 3/1.

.........................luv you all..............mike............................. ..

[Tayana42]

Jaquan, there is really good information to increase your knowledge about anchoring in these threads. Contributors to this forum have created an invaluable resource.

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ng-126073.html


http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ng-155412.html

[Seighlor]

At times you may need to let out more than 3 or 4:1 to get a good set. Once you're comfortable with your set, shorten to the 3 or 4:1 ratio.

[NevisDog]

Like Tayana42 says, those videos are truly educational. You'll never again sleep with a CQR out once you've learned how bad they are. I think some new generation anchors will even dig in at 2.5:1.

Folks still using CQR fall into three categories: extremely skilled, extremely careful, or extremely stupid.

[bvisailing32]

Our method was 5 to 1 scope in calm weather, and 7 to 1 in a strong blow.

Also, our chain was 1.5 the length of the boat.

When coming into a crowded anchorage, we would not anchor between boats and the shore line.

We would split the distance between the sterns of boats, that were out a ways, on an imaginary line drawn between their sterns to lay out our anchor. That gave all of us plenty of swing room.

Yes, now a days, when ever possible, we have become lazy, and do not wish to play bumper boats at 2 am, or have dragging anchors causing problems...we pay the freight for a mooring. ( if possible ).

In the caribbean, when anchoring , if possible we used bahamian moors, many times under sail. Plenty of room , and away from other vessels.
After, dropping the main, we would again set the anchor using the iron genny. Take bearings on land marks, and note them in the log.

Just our way, which is probably ancient seamanship relegated to us dinosaurs. This dinosaur loves the dickens out of moorings.

Yes, I am admitting to wimpism. Hargghhhhh, break out the rum.

[Cormorant]

Aside from scope and anchor type, see this thread for some tips on the best holding in Great Salt Pond:

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...-ri-58025.html

(P.S. One more vote for you getting some more chain and a new-gen anchor.)

[RichandHelen]

A CQR is so worthless that you are better off to take an equivalent weight in chain and use that - no anchor. Give up food for a while if you must and buy a Rochna.

[RSB333]

I don't know - our 45# CQR held us well for many years on its all-chain rode using mostly 3-1 scope. We set the anchor alarm on our chartplotter, but never dragged anchor except once on a shale bottom.

[NevisDog]

Originally Posted by RSB333

I don't know - our 45# CQR held us well for many years ...

Yes, lots of folks have them but would anyone ever seriously recommend buying a CQR? Though I used one back in the day, I wouldn't wish one on my worst enemy nowadays. Just do the research.