How to Anchor a Ski Boat Near the Shore
Any time that you plan to anchor a boat, especially near shore, you should make sure that the area is safe for you to set your anchor. Once that is determined, the rest involves double-checking your steps to make sure the anchor is set properly.
- Determine first whether it is legal to anchor where you are planning to anchor. Some localities have very specific locations where you can anchor, so it pays to check in order to avoid a large fine.
- Steer away from any rocks, large debris or other boats in the same area.
- Make sure that the anchor's rope is attached to the bow of the ski boat. It would not be good to lose your anchor completely because it was not securely attached to the bow.
- Make sure also that the boat is facing into the current before you drop the anchor.
- Lower the anchor into the water. When you feel the anchor touch bottom, tug it toward you to secure it into the silt at the bottom.
- Calculate the depth of the water as accurately as possible. If you have any sonar equipment, you may be able to get an exact depth. Otherwise you can measure how much of your anchor rope had to be let out in order to reach bottom. Once you have the depth, multiply it by 5 for fair weather or by 7 for more windy weather. This gives you the total amount of anchor line to let out, in feet, so that the boat has room to move with the current without dislodging the anchor.
- Measure out the anchor line according to your calculations and make sure it is tied securely.