Motor Boatin' Bloggin'

How to Safely Anchor Your Boat

September 20, 2021

So, you have been riding around on the lake, and you have found a nice cove that you want to drop anchor in and rest and relax. Just in case you have never done that before, Motor Boatin’ wants to share with you the safest way to anchor your boat in the lake.

The first thing to be aware of is to know the depth of the water where you are at. The length of the anchor line needs to be around five times the depth of the water. Angle the boat in the direction of the current you are in and idle the engine just slightly forward of where you want to drop the anchor.

Once you have got the boat in position, slowly release the anchor into the water. Do not just toss it out there, otherwise the line might tangle. Releasing it slowly into the water allows the anchor to slowly sink and move away from the boat. As the anchor sinks, allow the boat to move backward (go slowly in reverse if necessary.) But, don’t let it go too far.

Make sure the anchor line always has tension. This ensures that no tangling in the line takes place. Once the anchor has reached the bottom, it’s time to secure the rope. Wrap it around a cleat. When you feel the anchor has dug into the bottom surface, put the engine into reverse idle to back up slightly more.

After you are anchored, look at the landmarks around you and where the boat stands. Check periodically to see if the boat is drifting.

Of course, in the case of an anchor, what goes down must come up. When you are ready to leave, the anchor should lift easily, provided you lowered it correctly. Lift the anchor as vertically straight as you can so it won’t damage the boat, the line, or the anchor itself. Rinse off any mud or debris before placing it back in the boat.

And there you go. To rent one of our boats and find that cove to anchor in, check out our availability right here. At Motor Boatin’, we believe in having fun, relaxing, and enjoying safe times on our beautiful watercraft. Get out and enjoy the water!