There are no moorings in Big Geiger Cove. All members anchor when they visit. Here are some general tips about anchoring, specifically for our location:
Primary anchor – Delta, Danforth, Rocna and Mantus anchors work well in the bottom of Big Geiger Cove. Bruce, CQR, Navy do not. One size larger than the suggested size for any given boat. Minimum 2 boat lengths of chain and at least 300′ total rode, marked. Chain size depends on windlass size, but I always suggest High Test (G4) chain. The biggest shackles that will fit, wired with s/s seizing wire. Between 5/1 and 7/1 scope on all anchors, but not more than 7/1 on a busy weekend.
Secondary anchor – Similar to above with one boat length of chain for ease in rowing it out in a hurry.
Stern anchor – Danforth or Fortress anchor (with mud flaps installed) one size larger than suggested, one boat length of chain, one size larger than suggested for the boat size, High Test (G4) and at least 350′ of oversized nylon rope. Yes, 350′. When everything turns to you-know-what, you will use every inch of that 350′ to reposition the boat without taking out everybody else in the cove.
Every boat should have a 150′ piece of nylon rope ready to go during an anchor drill, for tying to another boat to save them or yourself.
- Be cognizant of other boats anchoring/pulling anchor at the same time. If you need assistance, we may be engaged during heavy traffic.
- Always dive or view to confirm your anchors are good and set after you stand down for anchor duty.
- Do not position your vessel abreast of another in close proximity. It’s best to stagger them as they all drift differently and have varying windage properties. Staggering them allows them to swing in front of or behind each other. This also gives us more time to react when one is dragging its anchor.
- Have an extra anchor and rode aboard and don’t be afraid to tie off to an adjacent boat to ease the strain and avoid a collision while help arrives on the scene.
- Be cognizant of wind direction AND CURRENT when deploying and retrieving your anchors. Last year we had opposing forces which made for some interesting departures.
- Never navigate “Inshore” of the two red reflectors.
- Asking questions when uncertain is the measure of good seamanship.
- Ask for help as needed.
Some Specific notes to Big Geiger Cove:
The prominent challenge to anchoring in our cove is the Eelgrass.
If you haven’t dove down to inspect it, it’s extremely durable and renders the sand very porous. This makes it very difficult for our anchors to pierce through to gain a solid hold.
Another challenge is that the Eelgrass grows in the center of the cove where we primarily affix our bow anchors.
GENERAL RULE: Set the hook! Typically 1000 rpms in forward and reverse, held for a while, is sufficient to embed the anchor under strain. The goal is when you come back to neutral, your vessel should spring towards the hook being set.
The ultimate goal is to have properly/over sized well seated bow and stern anchors that on the bow, will pierce through the Eelgrass and on the stern embed into the sand and gravel.
So, what type of anchors work best with this underwater topography?
BOW ANCHORS:
Bruce Anchors don’t seem to be the best bow choice as they tend to not pierce the Eelgrass and collect clumps as they scrape across the bottom.
MUCH BETTER (For BGC):
The Delta and Spade Anchors seem to pierce and set in Eelgrass better than the Bruce.
STERN ANCHORS:
Danforth/Fortress Anchors seem to work the best in sandy/gravel “stern-hook-region” of Big Geiger Cove.
This is a refresher and reminder as to make our guests/prospective members aware of our rules in an effort to make them feel most welcome and comfortable. We’re all here to have a great time and work together.