How long do you leave the boat while anchored?

legarots · #1 (**permalink**) 10-22-2009

When chartering (or even on your own boat), how long do you leave the boat (to go exploring ashore) unattended while at anchor?

For the sake of this poll, consider yourself anchored in the lee of an island with 10 knots of wind.

jrd22 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-22-2009

A lot of variables come to mind when deciding this. What's the wind forecast, what are the tidal current conditions and turns, what anchor gear do you have, how is the holding where anchored, etc, etc. Given your parameters of in the lee and 10 kts (and assuming it's not predicted or usual for it to increase or change directions) I said 4-8 hrs.

Bene505 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-22-2009

Depends on so many things. We are often on a lake with no real current. Plus I like to have 2 anchors off the bow for any extended time, so that either rode can't wrap around either anchor.

Regards,
Brad

Zanshin · #4 (**permalink**) 10-22-2009

I don't distinguish between a sojourn of 1 hour or 1 day; either the anchor will hold in principle or it wasn't set correctly in the first place and I shouldn't leave the boat at all. This assumes that no significant weather change is going to take place. Long rode equates to peace of mine and I'll use every inch of chain that conditions permit (I've let out all 300 feet in 15 feet of water before, when nobody else was in the anchorage). Chain or rode in your anchor locker is akin to airplane analogies of runway behind you or altitude above you

RealityCheck · #5 (**permalink**) 10-22-2009

You seem to be looking at only very short times.... That is probably why most answers are at your max. Many sailors leave the boats anchored for days/ weeks and some... months. It all depends on what the situation is and where you are. 8 hours is nothing on a well founded operational boat .... as Zanshin has indicated... either it is well anchored or not so unless your worry is Pirates/ Thieves it really does not matter

cormeum · #6 (**permalink**) 10-22-2009

At an open roadstead anchorage? (like the OP suggested). Not too long. the answer would be different if there was a protected harbor.

paulk · #7 (**permalink**) 10-22-2009

As people are saying, there are lots of variables, like weather, current, how protected the harbor is, the boat you're anchoring, and what kind of anchor gear you have (400' of 2" chain w/a 200 lb CQR, or something else...) it all makes a difference.

Waltthesalt · #8 (**permalink**) 10-22-2009

Agree depends on where and how you anchor. Also the weather coming up. Does it make any difference if you drag 2 hars after you leave the boat or 6? I think a key is not running off before you know you anchor is properly set and what your swing will be.

cruisingdream · #9 (**permalink**) 10-22-2009

Its a charter boat just make sure you have the insurance in case it drifts away.

WanderingStar · #10 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009

Generally only long enough to walk around town and get a meal, no need to stay longer. I once left my boat anchored off the beach and swam ashore for a date. The next day I rowed out and got her back.