What is the safest way to retrieve a boat anchor when it is stuck or heavily loaded?
My 10-metre yacht has an electric windlass and an all-chain rode. Sometimes the chain comes bar-tight and the windlass stalls before the anchor lifts. How do I tell whether it is just well buried or caught, and what is the safest way to free it?
Answer
The safest approach is to take the boat's load off the anchor rode, bring the bow above the anchor and apply a steady vertical pull through properly rated deck fittings. If the anchor remains fouled, change the direction of pull with a suitable retrieval line or chain loop; stop before the force damages gear or endangers the crew.
Check what carries the load
Check the wind, current, manoeuvring room and rode direction before pressing the windlass button. A heavily loaded anchor may simply be holding the boat against wind or tide. A fouled anchor is trapped beneath something, and pulling harder may tighten the trap.
Put one person on the helm and another at the bow to direct retrieval, using agreed hand signals. Wear lifejackets, keep hands and feet clear of the gypsy and chain, and keep everyone out of rope bights and the recoil path of loaded gear.
An electric windlass lifts the anchor and hanging rode. It should not tow the boat forward or break out a stubborn anchor. If it stalls, stop immediately. Repeated attempts can overheat the motor or overload the gearbox, mounting bolts and deck.
Unload the rode, lift vertically
- Motor slowly towards the anchor, following the bow crew's directions and recovering slack. Use short movements at idle and select neutral as the boat approaches the rode.
- Stop with the rode nearly vertical. Avoid overrunning it or letting rope reach the propeller.
- Transfer the load to a properly installed chain stopper, or a suitable snubber or rope rode secured to a strong cleat. Ensure the load bypasses the windlass gearbox.
- Apply steady tension and wait. A well-buried anchor may release as the boat's gentle movement changes the pull.
Keep the bow facing the load. Do not take a heavily loaded rode to a stern cleat, particularly in waves or current, where it can pull the stern down.
If necessary, ease the boat a short distance beyond the anchor to alter the pull, provided there is clear water and the rode stays clear of the hull and propeller. Avoid deliberate snatching, high engine power or using wave impacts to wrench it free.