ancor

[Thunderchild]

ok i have this little inflatable boat and as i use it on the sea i think it would be nice now and then to be able to "drop ancor" so that I can stay afloat in the same place. obviously I can't use the traditional type of ancor used on large boats but was thinking of a weight that would hold the boat in place. what sort of weight should i use ? ie how heavy should it be. the boat has a capacity of 220 Kgs (440 lbs)

[NORMANTHEDOG]

i would think you would need quite a heavy weight to hold you and then it would be too heavy to carry in the boat,bit of a catch 22 situation

[derekpara]

Do you mean anchor ?

[sddsddean]

Due to the weight of the anchor and length of rope you would probably need, you would be better off with a 'sea anchor'. This is a small canvas parachute shaped thing which you can chuck over the side with relatively little rope ( 20 or 30 feet should do on an inflatable). They will stop you drifting too far. Google 'sea anchor' and you will find loads.

[stanleyman]

You should never put to sea in any boat without being properly prepared and with an anchor and some chain to keep the angle of pull low down and some anchor line. There are many anchors suitable for an inflatable and I suggest you visit a chandlers and ask their advice.

While you are there have a look at the lifejackets if you haven't got any and get as much info about safe boating as you can. Never take chances where the sea is concerned. A sea anchor is really only any good for a life raft in open seas and I hope you are only going no further than just off the coast in such a small boat.

[Mortartube]

Much depends on the sea bed type in the area that you intend to travel in. Some anchors will work better in sand than over rocky ground. The anchor doesn't just hold the boat by it's own weight. You are likely to need about 6 to 8 feet of chain on the anchor before attaching the anchor warp (rope). This chain stops wear on the rope as the boat swings with the tide and also helps to hold the anchor down at it's most effective angle. Whilst at the chandlers, ask how to trip your anchor as well. This is a trick whereby you can usually get your anchor back if it gets deeply buried in the seabed and you can't pull it up. It will be more easily explained visually than by me typing a description.

As Stanleyman suggests, a chandler will be able to advise you on the best course of action

[Thunderchild]

please all note: I am a good swimmer and this is not english sea but in italy. I do not intend going far out and it is a bay so i'd end up back to shaw anyhow.

[heathfield]

Italy or not, always wear a lifejacket. It's incredibly easy to stumble and fall overboard from a boat. In the slightest breeze, a boat, most especially an inflatable, can be out of reach in seconds - and be moving away much faster than you can swim.

[Thunderchild]

in which case I jump overboard an swim back to shaw and le tthe boat go. I will certainly not go farther that I can swim as the boat deflating is not totaly impossible. I'm not one to panic or take risks. and i certainly won't go out in bad weather.

[stanleyman]

I understand what you are saying about the Med and your use of the boat. I had literally just got home from a sea survival course last night when you posted your question so it is fresh in my mind that survival times even in warm waters is limited especially if injured. Take care, be prepared and enjoy your boating and swimming.

[Thunderchild]

oh sure it'll just be paddling about really and as I said any real trouble and I just swim back to shore no big deal I only paid 16 � for the boat second hand. I put my life before all. by the way how can I help someone learn to swim. my romanian work mate and his two sons can't swim. i would like to teach them or rather help them to have the confidence to learn as really it is about them getting confident and getting over their fear. they may be comming out in the boat as well but I want to help them learn to swim first. I could only help one person anyhow. so they must learn to swim first

[stanleyman]

There maybe a local swimming pool where they can get lessons. Obviously they would be more at risk without much experience so if they do go out make sure they have life jackets, you don't want to be working on your own!

[Thunderchild]

no swimming lessons here I am afraid. although being so near the sea no authority has ever deamed it necesary. in romania they lived so far from the sea that they had never been before

[stanleyman]

You could teach them yourself in the sea but it is a responsibility. They don't need to swim to go in a boat but as master of the vessel you have an even bigger responsibility for passengers and you would be in serious trouble if things went wrong and you had not taken all reasonable precautions for their safety.

From what you have said, your inflatable would be fine (with anchor) for your use alone but to take out non or learner swimmers beyond shallow waters the risks are too high and you would be better off with a bigger, better prepared boat. There are no half measures with boats.

[pugwashjw]

There is a new type on the market, shaped a bit like a tear drop. It has four folding flukes that open out and away from the main shaft. It isa only about 12 inches long overall and weighs about 3 pounds.[ 1.5 kg.] It is ideal for small craft and when folded is very neat and takes up minimal room. Its proper term is " FOLDING GRAPNEL MARINE ANCHOR" and should be stocked by most reputable marine supply stores. Cost will be from about $14 to $36.

[Thunderchild]

well we have a nice sea area that is not ruff and gets deep very gradually so boating in the shallows is not a problem and a good place to learn to swim.