The anchor line should form an angle of eight degrees or less with the bottom.

The anchor line should form an angle of eight degrees or less with the bottom.

• A. Eight degrees
• B. Ten degrees
• C. Twenty degrees
• D. Fifteen degrees

Answer: (A)

Holding power comes from how the load is transmitted into the bottom. When the anchor line runs nearly along the seabed, most of the pull is along the bottom, helping the anchor flukes dig in and stay set. This is achieved by keeping the angle between the rode and the bottom small—eight degrees or less. If the line forms a larger angle with the bottom, more of the pull acts to lift or drag the anchor across the seabed, which reduces holding power and increases the chance of dragging in wind or current. Therefore, the best choice is the option that keeps the angle at eight degrees or less, since it maximizes the anchor’s holding effectiveness. To maintain that, let out sufficient rode (scope) and position the boat so the line lies close to the bottom after the anchor sets.

Holding power comes from how the load is transmitted into the bottom. When the anchor line runs nearly along the seabed, most of the pull is along the bottom, helping the anchor flukes dig in and stay set. This is achieved by keeping the angle between the rode and the bottom small—eight degrees or less. If the line forms a larger angle with the bottom, more of the pull acts to lift or drag the anchor across the seabed, which reduces holding power and increases the chance of dragging in wind or current. Therefore, the best choice is the option that keeps the angle at eight degrees or less, since it maximizes the anchor’s holding effectiveness. To maintain that, let out sufficient rode (scope) and position the boat so the line lies close to the bottom after the anchor sets.