Snubber connected aft to point into swell

[and4ew]

I came across a picture that showed an anchored boat with the snubber connected far aft, in the cockpit area. You can see it here: https://www.pinterest.es/pin/437764026282083940/ and the idea is that if the swell and the wind are from different direction, you use the snubber to point the boat into the swell.

My question is: won't this cause some sideways pull on the anchor and potentially cause it to release? or will the boat move into a position where there's an equilateral triangle formed by the rode and the snubber? That's not what's shown in the diagram.

[Mike OReilly]

I sometimes do this, although not quite as extreme. I always rig my snubbers as a bridle, and my bow cleats are far enough down the foredeck to allow for a differential setting. This angles the boat like your image.

Other than the initial setting of this setup, there should be no real change at the anchor. If it is properly set and dug in it might crab around to meet the new force vector. But if anything, it should be easier on the anchor since you'll be lessening the shock-loads by orienting into the seas.

[GordMay]

Anchor Spring Lines ➥ https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...ml#post2917149

[dougweibel]

I would just add that the picture you linked to shows the snubber cleated aft, but a load left on the rode to the bow. If you have a chain rode you don't want to do this. You want to use two snubbers, as Mike says rigged like a bridle, with one to the bow and another further aft. As rigged in the picture you will get shock loads transmitted through the chain to the bow which is unfriendly to your fittings.

[SV_Galateia]

In researching different boats, someone stated that their boat tended to "Sail at Anchor" alot. This arrangement (not as extreme as shown) was one of the ways shown to reduce this motion.

[noelex 77]

Originally Posted by and4ew

My question is: won't this cause some sideways pull on the anchor and potentially cause it to release? or will the boat move into a position where there's an equilateral triangle formed by the rode and the snubber? That's not what's shown in the diagram.

This is quite a common and useful technique. It is used to increase the comfort at anchor. I am not sure the diagram is strictly an accurate representation. However, anchors are (or should be) quite good at rotating and remaining engaged with the seabed if this is needed. The same happens when the wind direction changes slightly.

Of greater concern is that as the the yacht is no longer aligned with the wind the aerodynamic drag will be higher and hence the force on the anchor may be higher. In practice, a yacht anchored conventionally will not maintain a steady head to the wind position so canting the yacht to one side may not increase the peak load substantially. In some instances it can even reduce the forces involved.

Most cruising yachts (if their owners have any sense) will have chosen anchoring gear that is still adequate in less than ideal conditions.

Most commonly less than ideal conditions relate to poor substrates, shorter than ideal scopes, very strong wind or wave action etc etc. These factors will will be much more significant than the relatively small extra drag generated by adopting the techniques shown.

[JPA Cate]

We have done something similar, but different from what is shown. Anchor as normal, with our usual snubber. Then, take another stretchy line from the stern cleat and lead outside everything, and attach to chain with a rolling hitch. Then veer out more chain, till the bow's headed into the swell.

When retrieving, cast off the stern spring, pull her up on the foredeck, undo the rolling hitch, and set the line to dry astern, then up anchor as usual.

Ann