Equipment & Use (Safety in Small Craft pgs 14-20)

Question 1

Difference between soft- and hard-bottom anchor?

Answer 1

Soft: flat palms that allow the anchor to dig into the substrate.
Hard: long prongs that allow the anchor to hook the substrate

Question 2

How heavy should an anchor be?

Answer 2

Boat <= 15 m: 1.5 x boat length (kg)

Boat > 15 m: 2 x boat length (kg)

Question 3

What kind of rope is suitable for an anchor line?

Answer 3

Nylon or polyester. Polypropylene or polythene are too floaty.

Question 4

How much chain and how much anchor line?

Answer 4

Chain: At least a boat length
Rope: Not less than 10 x the boat’s length

Question 5

What is a sea anchor (or drogue)?

Answer 5

Sea anchor - a parachute or other object streamed on a line from the bow of a boat to keep the boat’s bow into the wind, and keep it from turning beam to the waves
Drogue - an object streamed over bow or stern to help reduce yaw, slow speed and improve steering control

Question 6

What is a bailer/bilge pump?

Answer 6

A bailer is a bucket or other container for removing water from a boat. A bilge pump is necessary in larger boats, and is a mechanical pump for removing water.

Question 7

Other useful equipment might include:

Answer 7

Spare anchor, boathook, secondary engine or paddles, bucket, knife, torch, spare rope, boarding ladder, spare bungs, spare fuel, spare engine parts, other tools.