The Art of Anchoring a PWC

“Okay. Drop anchor!  Hey, you scratched my anchor!” ~Rodney Dangerfield, Caddyshack

Crowded island full of boats...Yes!
Relaxing...No!

As jet skiers, we are generally all about being on the move.  After all, that is why we chose a PWC instead of a regular boat, right?  But times, they are a-changing!  More and more, people are buying PWC as day trip tourers, economical family boats, and long distance haulers.  Manufacturers are now focusing mostly on comfort, convenience, larger fuel capacity, and smoother ride characteristics.  All of this boat-like behavior also means that people are doing more boat-like things with them.  It is now not uncommon to see PWC anchored at sandbars or on lakes, with their owners contentedly spilled out on a pool float in the sun, half-asleep with a rapidly warming beer in one hand.  It is not always possible or desirable to pull your ski up on shore.  Here in Miami, the nicest shorelines (the pretty ones with palm trees and decent sand) get completely overloaded with noisy partiers and their folding chairs, grills, dogs, coolers, and spider web of docklines.  Not only is the area busy, but constant passing boat wakes are always pushing smaller watercraft sideways up onto the beach.  And sometimes, you frankly just don’t want to be resigned to making a ride layover in the midst of everyone else’s chaos.  The answer?  Get yourself an anchor, and take control of your relaxation destiny!

How much can there be to know?  Throw it overboard and secure the line somewhere, right?  Wrong.  A lot can go awry with something as simple as making your own anchorage.  Your anchor can get hooked on some unseen bottom-dwelling object, resulting in your having to cut the rope and lose the anchor.  You might drop anchor and wander away across the sandbar to buy a hotdog, and you come back to find an angry anchor-neighbor examining the bright red streak across the side of his boat, along with the matching white one on yours, which also coincidentally happens to be dragging a small anchor behind it.  Or you may find another fellow PWC rider has ridden way too close to where you are anchored, and inadvertently gone over top of your way-too-long line and sucked it up into their intake, whilst pulling your ski into it like a string of spaghetti.  I illustrate with these examples, because they are real examples of what I have seen with my own eyes!  Yikes!



Folding grapnel anchor

A few simple guidelines can ensure you will not be the goober that doesn’t know how to anchor like a pro this summer.  First off, select a proper anchor for your planned use and type of water you are boating in.  Remember, space is key in a PWC, and there is a very limited amount of it in your storage areas.  I prefer a small 3lb. folding grapnel-style anchor with pointed tips.  Since it folds, it is space friendly.  And I also find that it is the most versatile for the different types of water-bottom environments (e.g. sand, grass, rocks).  There is obviously no need for a 10lb anchor, unless you are planning on holding several skis in place in rougher conditions for a long period of time.  Another possible option is a sandbag anchor, which is just a small vinyl bag with a drawstring on top, that you can scoop up sand or dirt into for weight and drop onto the bottom.  These really only work well for small, light PWC models being anchored in very calm waters with little or no current.  I have known some people to use one of those corkscrew things with the hook on top (the type used for connecting a long dog lead to) and handscrew it down into the bottom.  Again, that is limited to use in areas that are of a suitable bottom material, and also must be shallow enough to stand in so you are able to set it/remove it. 

How many skis can my awesome
anchor hold?  At least 5!

Now that you have determined what kind of anchor is most suitable, let’s consider anchor line.  Make sure what you are using is rated for the weight load you are putting on it.  A ski is light, so you don’t need super heavy-duty, but don’t try to use knitting yarn either!
  I would recommend something at least as thick as clothesline rope.  Also, keep it free of knots.  Once you get a knot in there and abandon trying to untangle it, that knot will get tighter and tighter every time stress is put on the rope.  Over time, those spots become weakened, and can become breaking points in your line.  Putting it away neatly and being patient when taking it back out can go a long way to preventing the knotted ball of twine scenario. 

How much line should you put out?  The ratio between the length of line and the depth of the water is called ‘scope’.  Scope should increase slightly for rougher conditions.  But generally you want to have a 3:1 ratio at least.  So if you are anchoring in 5 feet of water, you should have at least 15 feet of line out.  It creates less resistance on the rope, and therefore less drag.  If your line disappears vertically into the water, there will be maximum drag on your anchor, and much less chance that it will hold.

Finally, there are environmental conditions to consider.  If you are anchoring in the ocean, pay attention to wind.  That will be the primary factor affecting anchor location choice.  If it is shallow enough to stand, drop the anchor and then step it into the sand, then wait to see if it will hold, based on wind/water roughness.  If not, you may need to let out more line.  If it is too deep to stand, toss the anchor and slowly let out line until you have the correct angle, and then gently tug on the line to encourage the anchor to dig into the bottom.  Once it has done that, you are good to go ahead and tie off the line.  If you are in a river, the current will be your biggest consideration.

You may be surprised how much more enjoyable spending the day on the water will be when you have the freedom to suddenly stop somewhere and drop anchor.  And when done properly and safely, you will be able to find your spot for peace and tranquility away from the hectic crowds on the islands and shorelines.  So go ahead…drop anchor, plunge into the quiet waters and crack open a cold one.  You are now free to lazily back paddle in your niece’s dragon head pool float you hope she doesn’t notice missing from the yard!

Lazy (anchored) sandbar slug