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| How Much Scope with a Stern-tie?
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October 1, 2003
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Anchoring is as much art as science, and fixed answers are hard to come by. Here's a question that illustrates what I mean.
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I
have tried to get this question answered from the Waggoner's text but have failed. The question is: When stern tying how much rode does one let out? 3:1 or less or more? My husband and I have a bit of a disagreement on the amount.
Thank you for your help.
Faye Husch
Genesis
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Response
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How much scope? I think the quick answer would be enough to be sure the bow anchor will be properly set and hold the boat, even in a cross-wind. When in doubt, more scope is better because scope helps the anchor bury and hold. But that answer may not apply in a given anchorage. If you put out too much rode you could slide back and forth, perhaps enough to put you on the rock you're trying to stay off of. If you put out too little the anchor could drag, once again putting you on that rock.
On a bottom that slopes quickly into deeper water you could end up using less scope than on a flat bottom that runs out quite a distance. The purpose of the stern tie, remember, is not to hold the boat, but to keep it from swinging.
In the final analysis, you look at the situation, consider your alternatives, and do what seems best at the time. You must keep in mind, however, that if the bow anchor drags, the stern-tie won't be of much use. It could even make the situation worse.
-- Bob Hale
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