In this article, Boating contributor Rick Shackleton describes the use of an anchor ball for hauling your boat's anchor.
Understanding the anchor ball
In admiralty court, if another boat crashes into you when you dont have the proper dayshape (anchor ball) aloft, you are assessed more contributory damage penalties (percent) towards the cause of the mishap. Case law in admiralty court seems to support such - AFIK.
Using an Anchor Ball
Using an anchor ball is like heaving a line over a tree branch and connecting one end to a truck's hitch in order to raise a heavy weight at the other end. Since limbs are rare on the water, run the rode through the ring, which is supported by the buoyancy of the ball. The boat is the truck, the ring and ball the limb.
Using an Anchor Ball
Using an anchor ball can help save your back without the complexity of a windlass. Having a windlass beats weighing anchor with your back by a measured mile. Yet a windlass costs some bucks, and not all boats have the space to fit one. Also, the slow drop of a power-out windlass makes it difficult to anchor precisely, compared with the speed ...
How to Pull Anchor with an Anchor Ball (No Windlass)
How to Pull Anchor with an Anchor BallBest anchor types. https://www.globalfishingreports.com/boat-anchor-types/In this video, captain Cody shows how to retr...
Pulling an Anchor on Your Boat
If you don't have a windlass on your boat and you're pulling your anchor without an anchor ball, stop the madness! In this quick tips and tricks video we show you how to properly connect an anchor ...
HOW TO USE AN ANCHOR BALL
I think we can all agree that pulling an anchor can be hard on the back. ⚓️ Especially when spending a day bottom fishing. Each time you go to another spot t...
Essential tips when using an anchor
You need to display an anchor ball by day and an all-round white light by night. When I arrive at an anchorage in the dark, I set the anchor ball as well as the light, so I don't have to get up at dawn.
What Is the Proper Technique for Anchoring (Important Anchoring Tips)
The proper technique for anchoring requires you to use your engine to steady the boat while you cast the anchor ball. You have to use the right scope, measure the anchoring distance correctly, and understand the bottom terrain while anchoring. Knowing different anchoring techniques is also helpful. This article will discuss the proper technique ...
PLASTIMO Black Folding Anchor Ball
The internationally recognized signal for a boat at anchor, this black ball is 11-7/8" in diameter, made of PVC, weighs just 1 pound and folds flat for storage. For vessels less than 15 meters in length.
How to anchor properly: a comprehensive guide to anchoring
A guide to anchoring for sailors - how to choose an anchorage, what types of anchors there are. We will teach you how to anchor effectively and securely.
Anchoring & Mooring
With so much investment literally riding on your anchor, your boat's anchoring system is no place to cut corners. Your choice of anchor depends on the size and type of your boat, and the weather and anchoring conditions you generally encounter.
Anchor Swivels: Caution Required
Stroll down the docks at any boat show, and youll see a surprising number of boats equipped with expensive, stainless-steel swivels between the anchor and the chain. Almost all of these swivels are highly polished, machined and/or welded gems that cost anywhere from $80 to $200 or more. By comparison, a galvanized anchor shackle rated to ...
BIG Boat UPGRADES! How to Use an ANCHOR Ball! (Boating TIPS!)
In today's video we add some boat upgrades including a new anchor, chain, line, boat lines and some safety items. I show you how to use an anchor ball and ri...
Anchor Balls
A PWC hit an anchored sailboat in a local area used as an undesignated anchorage. In broad daylight. There were injuries to the operator and passenger and damage to both vessels. The owner of the sailboat was found to have contributed to the "accident" because the proper day shape was not displayed.
Anchoring tips
Anchoring Tips: How to anchor correctly, safely, and with sophistication - Here's our top anchoring advice... just for you!
Anchor-Retrieval Systems
Like real estate, reef and wreck fishing are all about location, location, location. Being able to set the anchor so the boat is positioned properly means the difference between having an epic day or going home with a big goose egg.
What is an Anchor Ball?
As the name suggests, an anchor ball is ball-shaped, with an inset ring. The ball is designed to be buoyant. People can snap the ring directly around the anchor line or use a short length of line to attach and ball to the anchor line, depending on personal preference. The boat is slowly moved forward, allowing the anchor ball to slide down the ...
How to Select the Right Type of Anchor
Visit West Marine to learn tips to find out what the best type of anchor for your boat is, including anchor type, weight, holding power & more.
Anchor Balls
Shop the best selection of Anchor Balls from West Marine. Visit for products, prices, deals and more!
Mantus Anchor Bridle and Snubber System
For a proper mooring ball attachment please take a look at the Mantus Mooring Snap Shackle. The anchor bridle ensures that your anchor has the highest chance of staying put and your boat staying intact.
T-H MARINE Anchor Retrieving System
Easy to use, maintenance free, and much cheaper than a windlass! Simply place the anchor ring over your anchor line, attach the anchor ball, lower the ball overboard, and run a slow course 30-45 degrees away from the anchor. This will move the ball down the anchor line to the anchor, pulling it free, and floating it to the surface.
Realistic Cost Breakdown for anchor/mooring ball/marina
Mooring balls ran anywhere from $20 to $30 a night. Some places discount if you stay a week or a month, but ask first since you sometimes will only get the discount if you book the full week/month when you arrive. So yes, you can certainly anchor and moor inexpensively in the Bahamas. Marinas will add up fast though.
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
In this article, Boating contributor Rick Shackleton describes the use of an anchor ball for hauling your boat's anchor.
In admiralty court, if another boat crashes into you when you dont have the proper dayshape (anchor ball) aloft, you are assessed more contributory damage penalties (percent) towards the cause of the mishap. Case law in admiralty court seems to support such - AFIK.
Using an anchor ball is like heaving a line over a tree branch and connecting one end to a truck's hitch in order to raise a heavy weight at the other end. Since limbs are rare on the water, run the rode through the ring, which is supported by the buoyancy of the ball. The boat is the truck, the ring and ball the limb.
Using an anchor ball can help save your back without the complexity of a windlass. Having a windlass beats weighing anchor with your back by a measured mile. Yet a windlass costs some bucks, and not all boats have the space to fit one. Also, the slow drop of a power-out windlass makes it difficult to anchor precisely, compared with the speed ...
How to Pull Anchor with an Anchor BallBest anchor types. https://www.globalfishingreports.com/boat-anchor-types/In this video, captain Cody shows how to retr...
If you don't have a windlass on your boat and you're pulling your anchor without an anchor ball, stop the madness! In this quick tips and tricks video we show you how to properly connect an anchor ...
I think we can all agree that pulling an anchor can be hard on the back. ⚓️ Especially when spending a day bottom fishing. Each time you go to another spot t...
You need to display an anchor ball by day and an all-round white light by night. When I arrive at an anchorage in the dark, I set the anchor ball as well as the light, so I don't have to get up at dawn.
The proper technique for anchoring requires you to use your engine to steady the boat while you cast the anchor ball. You have to use the right scope, measure the anchoring distance correctly, and understand the bottom terrain while anchoring. Knowing different anchoring techniques is also helpful. This article will discuss the proper technique ...
The internationally recognized signal for a boat at anchor, this black ball is 11-7/8" in diameter, made of PVC, weighs just 1 pound and folds flat for storage. For vessels less than 15 meters in length.
A guide to anchoring for sailors - how to choose an anchorage, what types of anchors there are. We will teach you how to anchor effectively and securely.
With so much investment literally riding on your anchor, your boat's anchoring system is no place to cut corners. Your choice of anchor depends on the size and type of your boat, and the weather and anchoring conditions you generally encounter.
Stroll down the docks at any boat show, and youll see a surprising number of boats equipped with expensive, stainless-steel swivels between the anchor and the chain. Almost all of these swivels are highly polished, machined and/or welded gems that cost anywhere from $80 to $200 or more. By comparison, a galvanized anchor shackle rated to ...
In today's video we add some boat upgrades including a new anchor, chain, line, boat lines and some safety items. I show you how to use an anchor ball and ri...
A PWC hit an anchored sailboat in a local area used as an undesignated anchorage. In broad daylight. There were injuries to the operator and passenger and damage to both vessels. The owner of the sailboat was found to have contributed to the "accident" because the proper day shape was not displayed.
Anchoring Tips: How to anchor correctly, safely, and with sophistication - Here's our top anchoring advice... just for you!
Like real estate, reef and wreck fishing are all about location, location, location. Being able to set the anchor so the boat is positioned properly means the difference between having an epic day or going home with a big goose egg.
As the name suggests, an anchor ball is ball-shaped, with an inset ring. The ball is designed to be buoyant. People can snap the ring directly around the anchor line or use a short length of line to attach and ball to the anchor line, depending on personal preference. The boat is slowly moved forward, allowing the anchor ball to slide down the ...
Visit West Marine to learn tips to find out what the best type of anchor for your boat is, including anchor type, weight, holding power & more.
Shop the best selection of Anchor Balls from West Marine. Visit for products, prices, deals and more!
For a proper mooring ball attachment please take a look at the Mantus Mooring Snap Shackle. The anchor bridle ensures that your anchor has the highest chance of staying put and your boat staying intact.
Easy to use, maintenance free, and much cheaper than a windlass! Simply place the anchor ring over your anchor line, attach the anchor ball, lower the ball overboard, and run a slow course 30-45 degrees away from the anchor. This will move the ball down the anchor line to the anchor, pulling it free, and floating it to the surface.
Mooring balls ran anywhere from $20 to $30 a night. Some places discount if you stay a week or a month, but ask first since you sometimes will only get the discount if you book the full week/month when you arrive. So yes, you can certainly anchor and moor inexpensively in the Bahamas. Marinas will add up fast though.