BOATsmart! USA Knowledge Base

Module 03 - Getting on the Water

How to Anchor Your Boat

STEP 1: Choose a safe area to anchor. Consider boat traffic, obstacles, wind and current.

STEP 2: Ensure the inboard end of the anchor line is securely attached to the boat.

STEP 3: Ensure the outboard end of the anchor line is securely attached to the anchor.

STEP 4: Slowly lower the anchor over the bow until it reaches the waterway bottom. Note the distance to the bottom. Never throw the anchor over the side of the boat.

STEP 5: Let the boat drift rearward or operate slowly in reverse to set the anchor.

STEP 6: While the boat drifts, let out eight to ten times more anchor line than the depth of the water. This way, the rode will lie perfectly flat on the waterway bottom and pull the anchor in deeper.

STEP 7: Once the anchor is set, choose two fixed landmarks on the horizon and occasionally check your relative position to ensure that your boat is not drifting. Remember, if you’re anchoring at night, you must display your boat’s all-round white light.

STEP 8: To retrieve the anchor, slowly pull on the anchor line and move the boat forward until the anchor frees itself from the bottom. Then bring the anchor onto the boat and place it in a safe, secure location before getting underway.