Preview: Anchoring, Part 4 – An Outhaul Alternative

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In Part 4 of the series Cooper Rooks demonstrates a nifty little trick to keep your boat afloat when going ashore with an outgoing tide.

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15 Responses So Far to “Anchoring, Part 4 – An Outhaul Alternative

  • Samuel Perkins says:

    In Penobscot Bay we snap a block onto the anchor shackle, run a long line through the block and tie one end to the stern. Dump the anchor overboard far enough off shore to deal with the falling tide and pay out the long line as you row/sail/motor to your landing spot. When you’ve landed, the long line becomes your outhaul, running to the block on the anchor and up to the stern of your boat. Haul the boat offshore by pulling in the long line and paying out the painter (usually lengthened with more line). Reverse the process when it’s time to go.

  • Neil Henderson says:

    We used to use this method in Lochcarron as kids with my fathers wooden dinghy – we used to use rocks balanced on the foredeck which were jerked off when the dinghy was far enough out in the bay. It worked a treat till one day when the rope slipped off the rock whilst we were inside eating lunch, but we don’t talk about that story………………………

  • Paul Briggs says:

    I wanna see a video showing Maynard’s boat. What is it?

    • Steve Stone

      Steve Stone says:

      She’s a “Handy Billy” design by Harry Bryan. Ya, exactly, why have we never done a video on this boat. We actually did try a couple times and weather or something got in the way.

  • Andrew Blodgett says:

    Thanks so much for this simple method! I have been trying to figure out some sort of pulley system (boat is too small to use Geoff Kerr’s cross method). This will be perfect to use on calm but cold lakes in Michigan, with sandy bottoms. I plan to tie the rope low on a Bruce anchor so when I drag it in to shore I won’t be working against the claw part of the anchor.

  • John Fernandes says:

    Useful look forward to putting it in practice.

    • Steve Stone

      Steve Stone says:

      Brilliant in bottoms with no rocks or impediments. I’ve been swimming using this technique among ledges and crooks. Just an FYI if the water is cold.

  • Neil Moomey says:

    That’s one of my favorite methods too. I’ve heard it called “Indian Anchor” before. I’ve tried all types of anchors and found the folding grapel type to work the best. I have a 13 pound with chain and it will hook over the gunwale if you drape the chain a bit. I’ve had to go swimming with other types. The second best anchor is the Bruce.

  • Dan Dickison says:

    OK, Cooper’s nifty trick will work well in some waters, but what about in those places where you’ve got sensitive marine life on the bottom such as corals or conch or urchins, etc? In some locales, you can get fined for dragging your anchor like that and damaging those species. He might want to specify that this isn’t for all areas lest some viewers opt to adopt this practice in areas with sensitive seabeds.

    • John Shaw says:

      Alternative plan to avoid dragging the anchor;
      Anchor offshore using a buoy attached to the anchor line.
      Attach a long loop to the ring on the buoy.
      Go to shore letting out the line as you go.
      When onshore attach your loop to the boat.
      Pull on your loop to take the boat offshore. Attach the shore end of the loop to a stake or similar.
      Enjoy your time onshore. To get your boat back;
      Pull your boat back in, then go and retrieve your anchor and you’re on your way.
      Works if the wind is onshore or offshore.

  • Michael Vaughan says:

    Hey Maynard!
    We’d like lunch for 4 delivered to Island Vertue at The Australian Wooden Boat Festival February 11, 2019, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
    Pastrami and salad on rye, hold the pickles…
    Between midday and 12.30 thanks.

  • Gordon Schimmel says:

    Might we have a look at Maynard’s launch? A short feature would be nice.

  • William Gates says:

    Brilliant! …… if slightly risky, as mentioned in the video. If the anchor gets stuck you may have to swim. Seems like a great technique for the falling-tide picnic, as demonstrated.

  • David Tew

    David Tew says:

    Maynard runs a Lunch Launch Service now?? How convenient!! ;)

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