Anchor Release hookup

Larry H · Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2008 9:21 pm Post subject:

A trip line and float fastened to the claw end of the anchor will work, but a floating line can be snagged by a passing boat or dingy and pull your anchor for you.

I would use a sinking line and mark the float 'anchor do not pull'.

The trip line and float can also be used to mark your anchor location in crowed anchorages so that you can keep folks from dropping their hook on top of yours. In Squirrel cove, Desolation Sound, B C I used a small fender marked as above as a float and numerous dinghys came motoring close by to see if they had found a 'free' fender.

Unless you know in advance that the anchorage is an 'anchor grabber', I think the float and trip line is more trouble than it's worth. However, if you need to mark your anchor location, some lightweight fish line and a fishing float would do the job.

CW · Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2008 9:49 pm Post subject:

I agree a "breakaway anchor" should not be used for overnights. But, otherwise, they are standard practice in many areas in the PNW for daytime use. If you are not going to use them, then, as I said, be prepared to cut your whole system away and definitely, carry an entire back up system - anchor, shackles, line etc. C.W.