Even Safer Anchoring

   One of the really fun aspects to cruising the Pacific Northwest is anchoring in secluded bays and coves, where you are the only boat for miles. But that's also kind of scary because, if you're like many boaters, you worry about the trustworthiness of your anchor and chain.
   Capt. Dave, as he is wont to do, read an article about some survivors of a Caribbean hurricane. One thing they attributed to their survival was a Wasi Powerball, a well-made German stainless steel anchor-to-chain connection swivel.

   When discussing this with a fellow member of Fidalgo Yacht Club, Mike Sharp, a former Glacier Bay, AK, ranger, he gained even more insight. Mike said anchor swivels are great, but he cautioned that the consistent point of failure for anchor swivels is where the jaws attach to the anchor. He added that the problem usually happens at that moment when the chain is perpendicular to the anchor.  
   But Mike also provided a solution: Add three links of chain between your anchor and the powerball. Capt. Dave did this using high-strength McMaster-Carr screw-pin shackles and securing them with seizing wire.
   It's worked great for two summers and over three thousand miles of cruising. I'm a Wasi Powerball fan!
   If you get one for your anchoring system, don't forget to oil it when it shows signs of becoming less flexible. Capt. Dave uses a long, needle-neck nozzle for the 90-weight oil, which he applies to the anchor roller and the swivel.
   (File that handy hint under "It's a Boat.")

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Printables designed to make you feel safe and organized on extended boat cruises.

Feel safe and organized on your next long cruise. Use the printable Boat Notebook Pages. A5, Half Page, Happy Planner Classic, and Letter