Tips

Open Water Anchoring Anchors are designed to dig into the bottom at an angle -- they do not work well unless enough line is let out -- at least 5 times the water depth.

Rocky Bottom Anchoring The anchor line should not rub and chafe against coral or rocks -- if it does, the line may part and the boat could drift away. Also, please do not anchor in stands of living coral.

Tying to a Dock

A boat should never be allowed to rub against a dock, and should never be tied in such a way as to allow it to hang at low tide or be caught under the dock at high tide.

 Drop anchor while approaching dock -- be careful not to get line caught in propeller -- fend off dock -- secure anchor line so bow is close enough to get off boat. Pull boat off to one side to get it further from dock, and secure it. Allow slack for tide.

Securing a Boat Near a Beach