Soulakala
07-30-2004, 05:57 AM
Having read the tips on using anchor systems and the pro's and con's of either pulling from the bow or stern a third safe option is available. Make sure you modify you system to include at least a length of poly line 1 1/2 times your boat length, 1/2 size is best, attached to your anchor line as the final length. I have stainless quick connectors at the chain end and poly end to swap out two different lenths of anchor line as needed (very easy and quick to swap lines or add both together should you need 250')Use thimbles on your nylon anchor rope and poly rope. I also have a section of 1/2 inch nylon the is tied to the bow cleat and stern cleat with enough slack to form a loop in the water 1 foot past the stern. Onto this line I snap the poly line with a quick snap. My anchor line can then easily slid from bow to stern. The only problem is during slack water the snap can move back towards the stern, but will once again move to the bow on return of current. This allows me to pull from the stern without fear of prop conflicts and if you hang up will quickly change to a bow pull. The poly floats therefore keeping the rope from the prop. A no hassle system, you just need to tighten up the rope onto the stern cleat to get it out of the water before heading back to port.