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Boating Basics Weighing Anchor
Freeing the anchor from the bottom and what to do if it's stuck
Getting an anchor up is basically the reverse of setting it. Unless there is a strong current running or the wind is blowing hard, you can usually pull the boat up to its anchor by hand. If the strain on the anchor line is heavy, put the boat in forward gear and motor up to the anchor. Do this slowly so the person on the bow can gather in the anchor line and keep it from getting under the boat and fouling in the propeller. Using hand signals, the bow crewman tells the helmsman which way to steer to get over the anchor, since the angle of the anchor line leading to the anchor usually can't be seen from the helm.
When you're pulling the anchor line by hand or motoring up to the anchor, the boat will have some headway as it gets over the anchor. This momentum can be used to help break out the anchor. As the anchor line gets short and leads straight down to the anchor, snub the line on a cleat and allow the boat's momentum to break out the anchor. The bow person should signal when the anchor is free from the bottom.
When the anchor is free, put the engine in forward and proceed slowly until the bow person has the anchor cleaned off and out of the water. If you go too fast the anchor will be pulled under the boat and bang against the topsides when it is hoisted aboard. Cleaning it may take a bit of time, especially if you have anchored in mud or clay. A bucket on the foredeck with a lanyard on it is very helpful to wash down the anchor and chain, which can bring aboard an amazing amount of smelly gunk.
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