anchoring boat with two anchors

[monkey12]

I have a question regarding anchoring to keep the boat as steady as possible under windy conditions. I do some night jigging for kokanee and I want to keep the boat as steady as possible. The kokanee bites are so light that any kind of wind or boat swinging makes detecting the bites next to impossible.
1. Should one set the front anchor facing the wind first and then anchor the back when the back end of the boat swings into the position where the boat is facing directly into the wind? OR
2. Should the front and back anchors be set so that the boat sits perpendicular to the wind?

Which method will keep the boat steadier?
Motor

 

[SeaDog]

Hi!
OK!
Here is my professional advice.
1st of all -> what type of boat are you trying to anchor?

Note: Use anchors that are heavy enough with plenty of line!
(I use Mushroom anchors because they are the least likely to get hung up on bottom obstructions!)

Next stop the boat and let her drift for a bit.
Each type of boat will lay into the wind in the most favorable position according to hull configuration and how the boat is loaded. (Gear/People)
Either the bow or stern will lay into the wind and ride the most favorably.
Once you have determined that -> That is the end which you will set your 1st anchor.

Note: Give your 1st anchor enough scope (length) so it holds without dragging and the boat rides with the least amount of heaving (up and down).

Next -> Drop the 2nd anchor with just a little slack.
Now the boat will still swing back and forth a few feet. This cannot be prevented, but will lay to, at anchor, in the best and steadiest position.
Again -> Anchor weight and length of line out, is the key!
You'll have to experiment a bit each time, depending on your boat and the depth of water your anchoring in.

Note: When leaving -> Take up the anchor that is away from the wind 1st.
This will prevent the boat from swinging around 180 degrees, which could be dangerous if the wind is strong.
Next -> Start you engine and raise the last anchor -> This way you'll have control of the boat.

Hope this helps!

SeaDog (Capt. US Merchant Marine)

 

[Full_Monte]

Good luck! Using two anchors is not easy. It will take some practice. West Marine used to have a small book on the subject of anchoring. There's a lot to know.

 

[monkey12]

Sea Dog,
Thanks for the information. My boat is a small 12 ft deep V. I didn't think about letting her drift and see how it would lay into the wind the best. I think also from your comments that I need to do a better job of distributing the weight in the boat. I usually fish alone and have all the weight at the back of the boat (me, gas can, batteries, fishing gear etc.) I think that is why my bow anchor kept on slipping as the waves beat against it. I'll have to do a better job of distributing the weight. Thanks for your help.
Motor

 

[SeaDog]

Hi M12!

OK! You have a 12 ft. V boat.
Yes! Put your battery(s) as far up front as possible and any other gear just behind that.
What you're trying to do is get the boat more on an even keel.
If you need to -> fill a couple of gallon milk jugs (Screw type cap) with water.
Each gallon weights 8 lbs. Put these way up in the bow.
That should solve your even keel problem.

SeaDog

 

[monkey12]

Sea Dog,
Great tips. Thanks again.
Motor