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How to Use a Plow Anchor

Anchoring a boat by setting a plow anchor does not mean just throwing the anchor overboard and hoping it catches on something to immobilize the boat. A number of factors must be considered to perform a proper anchoring, such as knowing the tidal range, water depth, rode length, seafloor or lake-bottom condition, wind and currents. A skilled skipper will take all of these factors into consideration and know the limits of what his plow anchor can and cannot do.

Things You'll Need

Gloves
Depth and profile chart (if applicable)

Instructions

- 1
  Determine the water depth where you intend to anchor by dropping a weight line overboard or refer to your depth finder, if you have one. Anchor in the shallowest available location, about 15 feet in a protected cove or bay. Look for a shoal that affords the least amount of water depth if you are father out at sea.
- 2
  Calculate that you will require 7 feet of anchor rode (line) for every 1 foot of depth. Do not attempt to anchor in congested traffic or among other anchored boats that will not allow you "swing" room when your boat drifts around and sets.
- 3
  Determine the bottom condition by referring to a chart. Mark your position on the chart. Note whether you have a steady wind or shifting wind. You might have to reset your anchor after a wind shift. Prepare to anchor on the leeward side of a sheltered area.
- 4
  Determine the tidal variation where you intend to anchor. For example, if the location undergoes a 5-foot tidal change and you are anchoring at low tide, add 35 feet to your anchor rode. Adjust by subtracting rode for a high-tide anchorage. Don gloves if you must manually lower your anchor.
- 5
  Motor your boat to your desired anchor location and slowly release the anchor overboard, playing out the anchor by hand until it sets on the bottom. Use your windless (winch), if you have one. Let the boat drift downwind of the anchor position. Let out your appropriate length of rode by counting your rode marks until you reach a rode length-to-depth ratio of 5-to-1. Wrap the rode line around a bow cleat. Put the engine in reverse. You will feel the anchor set in the bottom with a firm tug or stoppage.
- 6
  Unwrap the anchor line from the cleat and let the boat drift out to the full 7-to-1 scope length. Tie off the rode line to the bow cleat. If you are using a windless, tie a snub line to the anchor rode and tie it off on the bow cleat to relieve pressure on the windless.
- 7
  Shut off the motor. Sight any immovable objects on the horizon or on shore and make a note of their position relative to the position of the boat to "fix" your location.

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