Boats come in all shapes and sizes, and they’re designed to serve different purposes. Whether it’s for leisure, fishing or transportation, a boat’s anchor plays a vital role in keeping it in place while it’s stationary. However, one significant question that concerns many boaters is whether they should raise their anchors when reaching the open sea.
When boating in coastal waters, it’s typical to drop anchor to enjoy a beach or to anchor out overnight. Anchoring in protected waters is advisable as it provides more safety and stability for the vessel when the weather is rough or windy. But, when it’s time to head out into the open sea, boaters must secure their anchor properly, and sometimes lifting the anchor altogether is a wise decision.
The main reason for lifting or securing the anchor when reaching open seas is to maintain safety. Although an anchor serves as valuable safety gear, it can become a danger if left unattended, especially when encountering strong currents or shifting winds. A loose anchor can cause the vessel to drift and cause potential accidents or damage.
Additionally, an anchor can become entangled in seaweeds, kelp, or even a shipwreck on the ocean floor, making it almost impossible to retrieve. The losses incurred in these circumstances are not just financial but also a safety concern. If the anchor is not secure, it can break free and cause the boat to be pulled in the opposite direction, which puts the vessel and its crew in danger.
Another issue is corrosion. Saltwater is a corrosive agent that can result in damage to an anchor over time. Once an anchor is affected, its strength is compromised, making it difficult to support a boat’s weight in strong waves and currents.
When venturing out into the open sea, it’s important to review the status of the anchor before proceeding. In most cases, it’s advisable to secure or lift the anchor, so it won’t cause damage to the boat or endanger the lives of the crew. Always practice safety precautions and use equipment that is in top-notch condition to ensure that the boating experience is enjoyable, profitable and ultimately safe.