64
California Boating
A Course for Safe Boating
Chapter 3
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Vessel Operation
Emergency Anchoring
Use of an anchor can help in emergency situations.
If the boat engine fails, set the anchor immediately to avoid running
aground.
If drifting into shallow waters or other boats, set the anchor.
If bad weather, rough waters or currents are blowing you ashore, set
the anchor.
Weighing Anchor
Head the boat toward the anchor.
Go ahead slowly using the engine while you retrieve the line.
When the boat is over the anchor, stop the boat—but not the engine—and
lift the anchor.
Carefully stow the anchor and line so it will be ready for the next use.
Never
pull up the anchor without starting the engine first.
If the anchor does not come free, try the following in calm water, avoiding
wave action from your vessel’s stern:
Tie the anchor line to a cleat and go forward slowly.
If the anchor still does not come free, circle slowly and try to loosen the
anchor. Be careful to keep the line from wrapping around the propeller.
Try to free the anchor from several different angles—and don’t give up
easily. The chain or the anchor may be hung up. Don’t put the boat or pas-
sengers in danger.
Common Mistakes
Letting the anchor go without securing the line to the boat
—oops, lost the
anchor!
Letting the anchor go with the anchor line wrapped around gear or the foot
of a passenger
—oops, lost the passenger or the gear!
Poor communication between the boat operator and the person setting the
anchor
—oops, dropped the anchor at the wrong time!