RIVER RATS- Hurricane Anchoring Guidelines

During Hurricanes Dennis and Floyd over $50,000 worth of damage was incurred by RRYC members.  All the damage was as a result of dragging anchors.  To avoid future damage, some “Local Wisdom” was compiled especially for Jordan Creek Rats.

Hurricane Warning: The contracts on the docks at Jordan Creek require boats to be moved off the docks during a Hurricane Warning.  The owners can evict boat owners if they disregard this requirement.

Anchor:  Two or three anchors, two rodes. A good rule of thumb is one pound of anchor per foot of boat.  Jordan Creek is clay and muck.  At least one Bruce or Max type with your Danforth is the best.  The key with all anchors is having the appropriate size for your boat and setting them correctly.   (Storm anchors may be stored under the Clubhouse.  Write your boat name on them clearly with an indelible marker.)

Rode:  It is critical that you allow for surges with hurricanes.   In Jordan Creek this means having at least 120 feet of rode (including chain) available to deploy.  To make it easy, mark the rode with markers from any boat store.  If everyone sets out the same length of rode, the risk of dragging and swinging into each other is lessened greatly.  Check the Clubhouse bulletin board to determine the recommended length for each storm.  Bob Haynes will post this for each storm. Small boats should have each anchor rode run back to a winch or more substantial cleat.   Size of rode: up to 25’ rode 3/8’; 27-‘31’ rode 7/16”; 32’-36’ ½”; 37’-44’ 9/16’.

Angle:  Since hurricanes circle over Jordan Creek, we experience a 180-degree wind shift.  Set your anchors at angles of 120o to 180 o apart.  If you are using two Danforths, set them at 180 o apart.  Because of the prevailing winds in storms, DO NOT set the anchors on an N-S line.

Engine:  It is vital to have a working engine to test the set of the anchor.  Drop the anchor and back off the anchor until it holds the boat still.

Distance:  Boats will swing.  If everyone deploys the same length of rode and sets their anchors at the recommended angles, the boats should not swing that much and should not crash into each other.  Allow about 100 feet from other boats.

Floats:  Place a float, a life jacket or jug with a trip line (10 feet) on each anchor.  It will help you retrieve your anchor.  It will also help other Rats know where your anchors are located so that rodes are not crossed.  Crossing rodes is a major cause of boats dragging into each other.

Chaffing gear: The winds and surges cause the rode to rub.  Chaffing gear can help prevent the rode from breaking.

Hurricane Log: For emergencies enter a location of your boat key or your combination and other information on the Hurricane forms.  Ask one of the officers for a form.

Retrieving anchors: Several Rats have tricks to help retrieve anchors from the muck.   One is to use the jib halyard to lift the anchor.  One Rat favorite is to put weight on the bow, secure the anchor, go to the stern, and drink a beer while the stern weight loosens the anchor.  Repeat several times.  To reduce muck on your boat, secure the anchor off and let it drag through the water as you return to dock.  River Rats are most willing to help if you need information about local conditions.  Please ask.

Consider lining up a “boat buddy” ahead of time, to anchor your boat out if you are not available.  Bob Haynes is available if prior arrangements are made (at first warning of a hurricane) to anchor boats. 

Fee $200/each way
(off dock and back to dock)
if boats need to be anchored out.