When anchoring, good practice requires 5 to...

When anchoring, good practice requires 5 to...

Question 1 of 2707066636ee728f7522a1c5174d0

When anchoring, good practice requires 5 to 7 fathoms of chain for each fathom of depth. Which is TRUE when anchoring in deep water?

Question 1 of 27070

Q

When anchoring, good practice requires 5 to 7 fathoms of chain for each fathom of depth. Which is TRUE when anchoring in deep water?

🔍 Key Concepts

• Scope of chain when anchoring (ratio of chain length to water depth) • How depth of water affects catenary shape and holding power of the anchor • Difference between minimum recommended scope in moderate depth vs. adjustments in deep water

💭 Think About

• If the same scope is used in very deep water, what happens to the angle of pull on the anchor shank? Become more horizontal or more vertical? • Which action (more or less chain per fathom of depth) would help keep the pull on the anchor closer to horizontal on the bottom? • How does chain lying on the bottom contribute to shock absorption and holding power in rough weather, especially in deep water?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify how scope is normally expressed (e.g., 5:1, 7:1, etc.) and what that means in terms of chain vs. depth • Consider what changes in deep water: more depth, more stretch, more vessel movement – does this call for increasing or decreasing scope? • Ask whether using two anchors actually changes the required scope for each anchor, or is that a separate consideration from the chain‑to‑depth ratio?