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finding an anchorage

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Merrick
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USA
192 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/08/2009 : 19:38:16

Another basic question, but I've wondered how you know where to go to find a place to anchor overnight in a fairly busy area like Charleston harbor. A couple rivers converge, there is some heavy shipping, marinas, bridges, etc. Are there charted areas designated as anchorages? (I've looked but haven't seen anything) Or do you just find any spot out the the channels that has good depth, swing room etc. Are there any rules? Can you anchor anywhere if you are out of the way of traffic? Actually I'd also like to hear how you pick a spot even when you are away from a congested area. What things do you look for?

1981 #2555 "Aero"
sk/sr
Coosaw Island, SC

Edited by - on

windsong
Captain

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USA
318 Posts

Response Posted - 07/09/2009 : 05:16:05

As for Charleston, there's a great spot off the Charleston marina in the Ashley River off the "Super Dock." You'll find many boats anchored there. You planning a trip?

Edited by - on

DaveR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2015 Posts

Response Posted - 07/09/2009 : 06:10:58

I'm a day sailor so am not knowledgeable in this area but I'd research the area by doing an internet search, probably go to sailnet and search their site, and take a look from Google Earth where you can see where people are anchored.

Edited by - on

Renzo
Admiral

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USA
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Response Posted - 07/09/2009 : 06:19:36

In addition to being out of shipping lanes and busy channels, look for a spot that will provide coverage from the prevailing winds and surge or waves. A hook in the shoreline, small bay or a blind inlet are likley candidates or close by the lea side of a small island. If you are anchoring in an area that has tides make sure there will be sufficent water at low tide. Of course, one way to find a good anchorage is to look where all the other boats are anchored.

Edited by - Renzo on 07/09/2009 06:20:34

Dave Bristle
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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 07/09/2009 : 06:39:41

Here's another key topic in cruising guides. They'll point out anchorages and often describe the bottom conditions. They'll also tell you about available moorings--your first choice in most places--and moorings that are not for public use. There may be a fee for moorings--you'll see who to call to arrange payment--and launch services may be included. A key advantage of mooring fields is orderliness--you won't have problems with people swinging or dragging into you (or you into them). (Do not drop your anchor in a mooring field.)

Check NOAA for wind forecasts--you don't want to be awakened to find the wind has shifted and picked up, and you now have many miles of "fetch" causing you to pitch, pound, and drag.

Search in the General Forum on "anchor" or "anchorage" or "scope" and read Sten's (Redviking) many stories, tips, and admonitions.

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 07/09/2009 06:40:54

DaveR
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Response Posted - 07/09/2009 : 06:52:31

Just did a search for "Charleston, SC anchorages" and got [url="http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f19/charleston-sc-anchorages-14705.html"]this[/url]. Then I got on Google Earth so I can visualize what I read. Great info in addition the the cruise guide DaveB suggests.

Edited by - DaveR on 07/09/2009 06:53:21

Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 07/09/2009 : 07:07:59

I would also talk it up on local docks. Most guys won't volunteer their favorite spots, but after a couple beers and some flattery, you can get good tips. You may be sworn to secrecy though.

Since we are looking at Georgian-bay, I have had a number of experienced cruisers over for BBQ's and whatnot. gotten piles of good tips. Our challenges are different from yours though. Everything looks like a prime spot but the entrances can be notoriously tricky to navigate, and instructions can be mindboggling, often involving transits off rock piles, leaning trees, and hilltops.

One entrance in particular has a 6 foot wide cut in the granite that runs 8 feet deep with 3 foot shallows on either side. Its a slot that can only be run if the wind is the right direction, but once you get inside the anchorage, its pristine, deep, and plenty of space to swing. I'm not sure I'm up to an entrance like that with a 4 foot fin keel. The guy who told me about it draws a little over 5 feet, and he says its one of his favorite spots. I think he's nuts.

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jerlim
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1484 Posts

Response Posted - 07/09/2009 : 07:25:05

Google Earth has GOT to be one of the best aps for getting advanced intel on destinations - we just love it

Edited by - on

aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1709 Posts

Response Posted - 07/09/2009 : 10:35:22

Always check your chart. An authorized anchorage is designated with an anchor symbol. If it is not designated as such on the chart, check for indications that you are not supposed to be there - security zone, underwater power lines etc. If the spot is usable but not designated as an authorized anchorage and you anchor there, you must show a round black anchored marker (a ball). They are usually inflatable and are raised using a halyard.

Get yourself a copy of NOAA Chart # 1, which explains all you need to know about charts and symbols. Also get a copy of the Coast Guard pub which deals with rules of the road for inland and coastal waterways.
You'll be glad you did. They would be particularly helpful in your sailing area.

Edited by - aeckhart on 07/09/2009 10:40:32

Prospector
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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 07/09/2009 : 11:24:48

I had a bookmark for chart one where you could download it online, then work went and "cleaned" my hard drive. Most of my bookmarks got cleaned ;(

You should investigate local laws (I dunno how things work down there) since the jurisdictional rules can be different depending on where you are. For instance... here the crown owns any land below the high water mark. That means that the bottom of the lake is public land. So is the land you are floating over. There are very few exceptions to this. The only ones I know of in my area are for military bases, test ranges, and one particular resort which hasn't changed hands in something like 200 years. You are liable though if you hook into a submerged power line.

Of course the guy whose cottage is on the shore, who thinks your boat is breaking up his view also owns the water you are floating on, and he may decide to come out and run his jetski in circles around you until you leave.

The Ontario Provincial Parks were trying to charge boaters for use of anchorages within their boundaries, but that was taken to court and we won! So as long as neither your crew or any extension of your boat (including lines) touch shore you can stay as long as you like without paying. As soon as you step ashore, its user fee heaven for the parks (who are more focused on canoeists and hikers and would rather not have boaters at all.)

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Nautiduck
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Response Posted - 07/09/2009 : 12:32:25

Charts and cruising books specific to your area are very useful resources. Plus, one can spend many a happy hour simply going over the charts and books planning future trips.

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DaveR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
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Response Posted - 07/09/2009 : 13:47:34

[url="http://www.charts.noaa.gov/OnLineViewer/AtlanticCoastViewerTable.shtml"]Atlantic NOAA Nautical Charts[/url]

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mfasis
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114 Posts

Response Posted - 07/09/2009 : 13:52:46

http://demo.geogarage.com/noaa/

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Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 07/09/2009 : 13:57:58

Yeah Mark - Thats kinda cool... You can make your own with any chart, a scanner and a few minutes of tinkering on Google. I have created overlays of most of the Georgian Bay Charts on google earth. Sadly I don't have the high-res imagery NOAA put into their work.

What I was talking about before about it being tricky to reach some of the anchorages though... check out th erock below the waterline in this shot...

http://demo.geogarage.com/noaa/?lat=45.512061121601&lon=-80.49854278564453&zoom=14

Edited by - Prospector on 07/09/2009 14:06:55

Merrick
Navigator

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USA
192 Posts

Response Posted - 07/09/2009 : 20:51:01

Amazing what's on the internet if you know where to look. Never occured to me to simply search for anchorages. Or chck Google Earth! Thanks for all the info. I feel like maybe I could put together a plan and go somewhere. We have had one overnight experience on a sailboat and it was on a C22,hot and buggy and twenty years ago.
Our destinations now may need to include hotels and good restaurants.

Edited by - on

DaveR
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Response Posted - 07/10/2009 : 05:19:05

It's amazing (or maybe not) how many of us come from a C-22 20 years ago!

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Merrick
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192 Posts

Response Posted - 07/10/2009 : 08:41:05

so true - such a great stable boat, just like the 25. and I still see them being bought and sold regularly

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Voyager
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5379 Posts

Response Posted - 07/10/2009 : 20:27:42

Also, check with the local US Power Squadrons. If you go onto the National Site, www.USPS.org, you can check for local squadrons. Usually, the squadron will have a website, and the Commander, Exec Officer, Admin Officer and Squadron Education Officer will all have contact info up on the site.

Email them and ask. You may find out all kinds of local lore, and you may even make a few new friends.

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redviking
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1771 Posts

Response Posted - 07/11/2009 : 07:43:53

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by windsong
 As for Charleston, there's a great spot off the Charleston marina in the Ashley River off the "Super Dock." You'll find many boats anchored there. You planning a trip?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

That is a difficult anchorage at best... 3-4 knot current with the tides and a lot of derelicts. SeaTow won't help if a derelict fouls your anchor

- long story already posted. However, the SeaTow guy did advise me - after threatening to sue over comments posted here - that you can hail them and ask about recommended anchorages. Tell Anthony Nouri I said hello.

If you do anchor there - set two hooks with a lot of chain. Most of the anchorage is about 20'.

sten

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glivs
Admiral

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USA
836 Posts

Response Posted - 07/11/2009 : 17:51:25

Prospector...great image...got to love that Canadian Shield!
<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"> I have created overlays of most of the Georgian Bay Charts on google earth. <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Any chance you could post an image (small subset maybe)so we can see what you've done? tia

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5902 Posts

Response Posted - 07/13/2009 : 07:54:12

As others have mentioned, look on charts and in cruising guides for anchorages, but there are often many excellent anchorages available that aren't shown on the charts. A good place to look is where a river or creek empties into a big lake or bay. There are often good, sheltered anchorages in the mouth of the river or creek, or around it's first bend.

A good anchorage should usually be deep enough so that you won't ground when the tide is out, and no more than 15-20 feet. It should be sheltered from the direction that the weather is developing at the time. Ideally, you should avoid being on a lee shore, but, if it's not taking big rolling waves, and if you have good ground tackle, a lee shore is acceptable. (The most popular anchorage in Annapolis Harbor is often on a lee shore, when the wind direction is unfavorable.) In calm weather conditions, I have anchored in the Gulf of Mexico and in the Delaware Bay, so anchoring offshore, where there's no shelter, is acceptable, if you don't have a better choice, but, unless you're very confident about the predicted weather, or unless you're only stopping for a short nap, an anchor watch should be kept.

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JohnP
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1520 Posts

Response Posted - 07/13/2009 : 08:34:03

Anchoring, or picking up a mooring, in my boat, or in my friend's boat, has made sailing into a really cool adventure. When single-handing, or with 1 or 2 crew, the boat has just enough in the way of luxurious accomodation (queen size air mattress and hot meals) to make overnighters very pleasant.

In my sailing area there are dozens of popular anchorages and a few mooring fields, but I have found and named a small cove "Gypsy Cove", since my boat is the only boat anchored there any time all summer. Last year there was a wedding reception ashore with live music all Saturday night in Gypsy Cove! It's on my chart, but you'll never find it!

Happy sailing!

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windsong
Captain

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USA
318 Posts

Response Posted - 07/13/2009 : 08:53:12

How well do you sleep when anchored? I sleep very lightly. I wake up every couple of hours and go above to check on the anchor. Can't seem to clear my head of worry of it dragging. Do you use an anchor alarm? I have one on my GPS, but I'm afraid it'll run down my battery, so I do this annoying dozing "thing" all night long.

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Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5902 Posts

Response Posted - 07/13/2009 : 09:18:13

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by windsong
 How well do you sleep when anchored? I sleep very lightly. I wake up every couple of hours and go above to check on the anchor. Can't seem to clear my head of worry of it dragging. Do you use an anchor alarm? I have one on my GPS, but I'm afraid it'll run down my battery, so I do this annoying dozing "thing" all night long.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">Michael, your inability to sleep soundly at anchor seems to be an indication that you lack confidence in your ground tackle. After a few un-restful nights, I replaced my little anchor with a big-@ss Danforth that would be an adequate working anchor for my present 35' boat, and a little heavy chain, and, when I set the anchor, I backed down on it with the engine, burying it in the mud, and slept soundly. (Truth-be-told, I still checked it periodically in high winds, but that was more out of an abundance of caution than necessity.) Others get by with smaller anchors, but, after getting the big one, it never, ever dragged again.

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windsong
Captain

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USA
318 Posts

Response Posted - 07/13/2009 : 09:43:54

Steve, Excellent solution. Easier to fix my tackle than to fix my brain. (Plenty have tried and failed at that!)

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Dave Bristle
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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 07/13/2009 : 12:14:53

I'll second Steve's comments... My current Delta anchor is rated by Lewmar for a boat 50% longer and 3-4 times as heavy as mine, with chain approximately the length of the boat. Just as important are adequate scope and proper setting technique--discussed at length in several recent threads here. After the first time you find you can't get the anchor up in the morning, you begin to sleep easier in succeeding nights on the hook.

My GPS has an internal battery that can run it for about 8 hours... While I don't know the amperage off-hand, I have to presume that the unit will not appreciably draw down a Group 24 battery overnight. Given changing winds and reversing tidal currents, I set the alarm for about double my scope. To date, I still don't know what it sounds like.

I also use the GPS to track movement after I set the anchor. Even with significant "hunting" and swinging, I can see that I'm holding as the arc remains circular and the swings trace over each other. I can even see how much the rode stretched during the setting process. All of this contributes to a good night's sleep.

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 07/13/2009 12:34:09

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