Anchoring, Chain Only

[LinekinBayCD]

I use a similar cable tie system on my all chain rode but do the colors in order of the color spectrum starting with red (as for danger, danger Will Robinson) using one or two ties per mark. The progressive colors help me remember the numbering system. Its been on for two seasons so far and holding up. Remember that you should add the distance of the bow above the water to the first mark.

1 red = 25'
2 red = 50'
1 orange = 75'
2 orange = 100'
1 yellow = 125'
2 yellow = 150'
1 green = 175'
2 green = 200'
1 blue = 225'
2 blue = 250'

Joe

[AdamLein]

How easily can you tell the colors apart at night?

[kellysails]

Should be fine with a strong LED headlamp although I prefer having "many" cable ties per mark.

-craig

[kellysails]

Actually, with more thought, the solution here might be a clip on LED lamp that is connected to the windlass. You can take it off when not in use.

-craig

[LinekinBayCD]

Originally Posted by AdamLein

How easily can you tell the colors apart at night?

Typically anchor before dark but that is what flashights are for.

[Zanshin]

Originally Posted by ScituateMan

...Great Harbor on Jost Van Dyke. This is the place that worried me the most. We anchored in 30 - 35 ft, I put out all I had and still dragged when reversing to 1200 RPM...

Great Harbour on JVD is probably the only mainstream anchorage in the BVI with bad holding. The bottom is, in many places, a thin layer of sand over rock. I have only rarely had to make more than one attempt when anchoring, usually I need to re-anchor because I have come too close to another boat and not because I drag. Great Harbour is the big exception. Last time I was there I didn't set my anchor until the 4th try (the first try shouldn't count, but a charter boat shouted that I was over their anchor [they must have had over 150 feet out for that to happen] so I reeled the chain back in).
While the outer, deeper areas in Great Harbour have more sand, there are still bare patches and most likely you found those. I don't know cats, but 1200 sounds like a pretty reasonable reverse RPM to me - I use something like that RPM setting and only have one engine, but a folding prop with a very agressive reverse pitch.