Anchoring Tips for Kerr Lake's Many Bottoms

We need to remember that Kerr is a man-made lake and that they did not remove all the trees when they flooded it.  It is wise to heed the following point and tips when anchoring.

• We need to be careful especially in areas that we are not familiar with and have not anchored before.  Keep a dive mask on the boat for checking shallow stuck anchors.  
• There are several different bottom types in the lake, hard clay, soft mud and silt, and sand.   Not all anchors hold the same on these bottom types.  Have an anchor that is appropriate for the size of your boat and can best grab in these bottom types.  
• Anchoring in a lake is different than in the ocean.   In the sailing books they recommend the minimum scope for anchoring in good conditions is a ratio of chain against depth of water of 3:1 and a ratio of rope against depth of water of 5:1. (Keep it Simple Series page 240).  In another book (Sailing Fundamentals), they recommend 7:1 ratio.  Although I have not seen mention of both chain and rope, I suggest having plenty of chain on the anchor (a boat length) to hold the line down so the chances are reduced that the anchor will pull up.  Make sure you have plenty of rode out to allow for swinging and shifting winds (5 times the depth or more).  Last year a storm came up suddenly and several boats anchors slipped.  
• Other discussions can be found at (http://www.thehulltruth.com/boating-forum/75401-length-anchor-line-depth-ratio.html).  
• When leaving your boat to go to shore take a handheld VHF radio so you can be hailed if someone notices a problem while you are on shore.  
• And finally, make sure that you have given the Steele Creek Yacht Club membership working phone or cell number.