I light of our recent discussions on anchoring, we offer another related topic, buoying the anchor (or not).

Anchor buoys are a complex subject. They offer the advantage of being able to easily free a fouled anchor. But they add a layer of complexity which is not necessarily beneficial.

If you are anchoring in an area with a bottom fouled with cables wrecks, or old moorings, using a buoy makes sense. But for everyday rocky bottoms, as you find in this part of the world (Norway), we take our chances without the buoy.

If you do buoy here are some things to consider:

• The rode must be long enough to allow for tidal range, and to be reached with a boat hook.
• If there is traffic in the anchorage, minimize the extra length of line.
• High modulus rope without a cover is ideal as it floats and remains clear of the bottom. But it is more likely to catch a passing prop.
• The rope should be strong enough to take a strain equal to a third of the chain’s breaking strength.

We have a float and Spectra rode ready to use. But in the past four years have put it to work just once. The rest of the time we:

• Survey the bottom with depth finder (and now sonar) before dropping the hook to look for fouling clues.
• Make a mark on the plotter where we drop the anchor and again where we are when the chain is stretched tight.
• Reduce scope to a minimum after setting the anchor (two to one if worried about fouling).

Although we carry a hooka air compressor  system (good to 90 feet) and dry suit, we would not want to dive in Arctic waters to clear a foul! In the last 30 years we have only had to dive on two anchors, both from chain wrapped around coral heads. The rest of the fouls we have been able to unwind, or clear using a weight to carry a tripping line down the chain to the anchor shank.