Bahamian Mooring

Defined as anchoring on two anchors,

one of which is normally positioned in front of the boat, and the other which is positioned, usually about equidistant, behind the boat.  This method is used when  anchoring in strong, tidal currents which reverse every six or so hours especially when you are planning on staying several days or longer.

Also, if others in near you in where you intend to anchor are anchored with anchors in the Bahamian fashion, it is imperative that you do the same.  (However, if some are, and some aren’t find another place to set the anchor.)

Here's how to do it:

Anchor with your first anchor normally - See How to Anchor if you haven't read it already.

Then let out a little more than twice the scope.

Drop your second anchor - off the front of the boat.

Now pull your first anchor’s rode back up to its normal scope while letting out the second anchor’s rode.  Make sure that the rode on the anchor behind you is not going to catch in the prop and give yourself a little gentle forward momentum to start setting the stern anchor.  Let the boat settle back and do it again.

Now here’s the problem - every time the current reverses, the boat turns around, and eventually the two rodes are twisted so badly you can’t undo them. 

Here’s the solution:
Cleat the aft anchor rode off back from the bow a few feet.  (My boat has both an anchor cleat and two dockline cleats.  The dockline cleats are about 4 feet from the bow.  You may have to install a cleat or at least a fairlead.)

Take up the slack on both rodes until they are almost ‘clothes lined’ and they will ride along one side of the hull near the front of the boat and the boat will turn only back and forth, not round and round.

Using this method, it is also easy to see if one of the anchors starts dragging - the aft rode goes slack.  It usually isn’t a problem because that strong current just keeps digging the anchors in more deeply.

Occasionally, if you’re staying at anchor for a long time, as we have, it’s a good idea to let one rode out and pull the other in to prevent the lines chaffing in the same place.

Also, if living at anchor in an area which may be considered unsafe as far as theft is concerned, it may be a good idea to get a second dinghy to keep tied to the boat, to make it look like someone is home.

Also, keep your boat looking neat.  No piles of junk on deck, no laundry hanging all over the boat.  In many places, there are laws on the books that prohibit anchoring more than 72 hours.  In our experience, these laws aren’t enforced unless your boat is an eyesore.  There are places where disreputable people are living on boats which are permanently moored to the bottom (as in not afloat).  The boats are unsightly, and a menace to the environment.

Another note fo those of you who think it may be wise to drop your second anchor off the stern of the boat - and there are adherents to this method - the major drawback is that the boat cannot then head into the wind - and when it pipes up at two in the morning and the waves start hitting you abeam, it can be an awfully uncomfortable night if you're sleeping aboard.  We realize that this can also happen using our method, but if you are careful to note the prevailing winds you can usually set the aft anchor on the side facing the prevailing winds and minimize the problem. 

If it still becomes a problem, you can use our tip called "Rock and Roll is here Tuesday"

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