Make a Sampson Post (mooring bit)

Of all the little jobs on the boat that bring peace of mind, making and fitting a Sampson post (or mooring bit) rates highly. Cleats can distort or even pull right out of the deck and knowing that the mooring lines or the anchor are secure eliminates one more source of potential disaster. Regardless of the size of the boat, it will be a very worthwhile project

For comprehensive drawings and construction advice, click the link (left column) to download the article

The stainless one looks great, but how strong is it?
The timber one is not going anywhere

There are a number of anchor types - the most common recreational anchors are listed below. Choose the anchor type that meets your anchor requirements:

Plow

Description:
lands sideways - buries when pulled

Best for...
rocky bottoms, weeds, grass

Danforth

Description:
pivoting flukes bury the anchor

Best for...
soft mud, grass

Mushroom

Description:
for canoes and inflatables

Best for...
flat bottoms

Anchors should have: line, chain (called 'rode') and anchor (all items together are called 'ground tackle'). The chain helps to set and retrieve the anchor. The amount of rode (line + chain) to have out depends on the water depth you plan to set anchor. As a general rule of thumb, your rode should be 7-10 times the depth of the water in which you will anchor. You will need more rode in bad weather or rough water.

Anchors can be of assistance in emergency situations - especially engine failure in rough waters or currents. As such, make sure the anchor is accessible and the rode is free of entanglements.

• Pick a spot upwind from where you wish to end up (once you set anchor you will drift downwind).
• Calculate the amount of rode needed to set anchor (rode = water depth x 7-10).
• Ready rode in a fashion that will allow the anchor to release smoothly to the bottom; ensure no feet or equipment is entangled in the rode.
• Slowly lower the anchor from the bow, rather than the stern, to avoid capsizing or swamping.
• When the anchor has hit bottom - and sufficient rode is given out - give a solid pull to set the anchor.
• Secure the line to a bow cleat. Never tie the line to the stern - the additional weight could bring-on water.