How to attach an anchor line to an inflatable?

[Motorbtr]

Anyone have a good method for attaching an adjustable length anchor line to the bow tow/anchor/D-ring on an inflatable? I will be anchoring in varying depths from 20'-80' and need a way to tie off the correct length of line to the large D-ring under my bow (since there is no cleat, like on a fiberglass boat , to tie off on).

I'm thinking of tying a 4' section of line with a loop on the end to the D-ring on the bow, then tying a bowline knot in the anchor line at the appropriate length, and then clipping them together with a caribiner clip (so I don't have to lean over the bow and tie the anchor line to the D-ring. I might run another length of line from the caribiner clip to the cockpit to help bring the anchor up when it's time to go. Sound like a good idea or has someone come up with something better? Thanks!

[deejaycee_2000]

Well it sounds like you have it all figured out already, enjoy .....

[Motorbtr]

Well, almost. I'm trying to figure out a way to avoid having to tie a bowline knot on the cast out anchor line, especially if there is tension on it from a strong current/wind.

[Drowned Rat]

Get yourself an ascender>> http://www.rei.com/product/782459?cm...b-000423bb4e79

and carabiner it to your bow D ring. Then run your anchor line through it. No knots, easy to adjust.

Or you could go with something not quite so pricey, but not a slick either >>http://www.rei.com/product/783076

Both products work fabulously.

[Lion hunter]

Does the boat have a life line around the edge? If so I would tie off to it rather than one d-ring to distribute the stress and keep the d-rings from pulling off. That would also allow you to use a caribeaner and clip to the line anywhere on the boat.

[Motorbtr]

I have a lifeline around the boat, but I want to anchor in the ocean and I think keeping the bow into the wind/waves would be best.

I'll try the method above, that I thought up, first. If it works well, but is a pain to set up, I might buy an ascender and try that.

[AStack75]

Thanks Drowned Rat. I had this same question. I went with the cheaper Figure 9 Carabiner.

I'll probably tie the end of the rope to a 2-liter bottle also, in case I accidentally drop the rope in the water.

[highN'dry]

I use my Novurania for diving, anchoring in up to 100 feet of water requires nearly 300 feet of rode. I store it and the anchor in a bucket, the anchor rode ties to a cleat mounted to the forward deck. I sometimes set the anchor on a 12 inch bumper float. I then tie a painter (clip or tie) from the deck cleat or bow eye to the 12 inch bumper float. In this manner I can disconnect from the anchor rode and move about to recover errant divers and then return to my anchor rode.

[mpj76]

I got a cheap $10 extension cord reel from Target. Works great for managing 300' of line in a small boat.

[RichardM]

Anyone have a good method for attaching an adjustable length anchor line to the bow tow/anchor/D-ring on an inflatable?

I have a small yellow buoy (it's actually an empty 5L plastic motor-oil container with the lid epoxied on), tied to the end of the anchor line; I put the buoy in the bottom of a box which itself sits in a triangular bow bag which is tied off to the grab-lines at the bow. The anchor line is then fed in and coiled on top of the buoy, followed by the chain, followed by the anchor, which sits on top of the whole lot, inside the box.

When it comes to anchoring, the anchor and chain are dropped in and an appropriate length of anchor warp paid out, after which I tie a loop with a figure-eight knot and this is then clipped off to the bow-painter rope with a snap-carabiner which is permanently lashed to the end of the painter, meaning that the anchor line is tied off to the painter.

If I need to move in a hurry, perhaps because the divers I'm supposed to be looking after pop up a distance away in a strong tide or worse, there's an emergency and pulling the anchor is going to take too long, I simply throw the whole lot overboard and return to retrieve the anchor etc, marked by the buoy, as and when I can.

[Sea Rider]

This anchor configuration saves lots of space and it's user friendly.

1-Secure rope to bow d'ring by means of proper thimble & shackle.

2-The rope organizer can hold 25/30 meter long 6 mm rope, just let go needed lenght. Forget about having entangled meters of line on deck or bucket.

3-The anchor is kept at the transom area inside a plastic case so not to jump inside sib or passengers as we tie gas tank at bow for better sib balance.

Happy Boating

[jondavies]

Thanks for the tip. I just bought a lobster trap float and tied it on to the bitter end of my anchor line. I wrote my name and phone number on the float with a sharpie just in case I don't get back to retrieve the anchor immediately and some other boater finds it in the meantime.

Cheers,

Jon

I have a small yellow buoy (it's actually an empty 5L plastic motor-oil container with the lid epoxied on), tied to the end of the anchor line; I put the buoy in the bottom of a box which itself sits in a triangular bow bag which is tied off to the grab-lines at the bow. The anchor line is then fed in and coiled on top of the buoy, followed by the chain, followed by the anchor, which sits on top of the whole lot, inside the box.

When it comes to anchoring, the anchor and chain are dropped in and an appropriate length of anchor warp paid out, after which I tie a loop with a figure-eight knot and this is then clipped off to the bow-painter rope with a snap-carabiner which is permanently lashed to the end of the painter, meaning that the anchor line is tied off to the painter.

If I need to move in a hurry, perhaps because the divers I'm supposed to be looking after pop up a distance away in a strong tide or worse, there's an emergency and pulling the anchor is going to take too long, I simply throw the whole lot overboard and return to retrieve the anchor etc, marked by the buoy, as and when I can.