You never know when you’ll get tall waves because of rough conditions. Account for this by adding about 3 ft (. 91 m) to your minimum length for the line. [2] X Research source Avoid allowing too much extra line in the water, as this can make it more likely to foul. Extra slack can be wrapped around the buoy’s bottom. If you’ll only be anchored for a short time, use a 1:3 or 1:4 ratio for your line. For instance, if the depth where you are is 10 ft (3. 0 m), you’d need to pay out 30–40 ft (9. 1–12. 2 m) of chain. [3] X Expert Source Nitzan LevySailing Instructor Expert Interview. 24 April 2020. If you’ll be staying longer, use a 1:7 ratio. For example, if you’ll be at the same spot with the 10 ft (3. 0 m) depth but you’ll be staying overnight, you’d need 70 ft (21 m) of chain. [4] X Expert Source Nitzan LevySailing Instructor Expert Interview. 24 April 2020.
If the hole on your anchor for your trip line is rough, you’ll need a shackle so the line doesn’t chafe and break. [5] X Research source If your buoy is not already attached, use a firm knot, like a large eye splice, to fasten it to the anchor-opposite end of the rope.
If your anchor doesn’t budge, it’s time to put your trip line to work. In many cases, simply pulling up on the trip line will capsize the anchor and free it. [11] X Research source Most anchors resist a single direction of travel. By adding slack to the anchor line or by pulling in the direction opposite anchor’s resisted direction, you may pop stuck anchors free. [12] X Research source
Make an upcycled buoy from a clean plastic jug. You can even paint the jug a bright color to make it easier to spot in the water. [14] X Research source
Choose a bright color of polypropylene cord so you can spot your trip line better in unfavorable conditions. [15] X Research source After cutting the rope, prevent it from fraying at the cut end with glue or by passing a the flame of a lighter over the cut end to melt it.
