If you are anchoring off shore, check depth and allow the line to be at least 3 times the depth of the water for chain and five times for nylon. The boat will swing with the wind and the radius will increase with a strong wind. This should be kept in mind in relation to any surface obstructions such as other craft, mooring buoys and other similar items.

A length of chain between the nylon rode and the anchor helps to keep the pull on the anchor horizontal.

To set the anchor in a bay or lake:

If anchor is on the bottom, pull anchor line with the boat pointing towards the shore to set the anchor, then tie a shore line to a tree or rock for a stern line. Position your boat a safe distance from shore with your bow line and shore line