Anchoring locations

[Jfrano]

Are the only “allowable” anchorage locations, those designated on a map or Navionics or out of the channel out of the way, in a protected location from the elements sufficient?

Thanks

 

[Red Raven]

The latter is the basic rule. Areas where anchoring is not allowed are typically noted on the chart or with a marked buoy. Many many great anchorages are not marked on the chart.

Curt

 

[FlyMeAway]

There is enough case law on anchoring to fill a chapter in an admiralty law textbook, but the basic rule in the US is that if you are in saltwater and not a hazard to navigation you can anchor anywhere (some limited but notable exceptions for environmentally critical areas, national security zones, etc -- these tend to be marked on charts).

Some municipalities (especially in Florida) have tried to limit this, but it is often determined to be outside their jurisdiction.

 

[Jfrano]

Thanks for the good info.

Sometime on Navionics, I’ll see “Special Anchorage”
See note.

How does one access the note?

 

[CaspersCruiser]

Are the only “allowable” anchorage locations, those designated on a map or Navionics or out of the channel out of the way, in a protected location from the elements sufficient?

Since you’re on the east coast and may decide to cruise to Florida, know that Georgia has enacted some fairly restrictive anchoring laws. Besides the universal restriction of no anchoring in a navigational channel, the Waterway Guide website distills the law to this guidance:

No overnight anchoring is allowed:

-Within 300 ft. of a marina
-Within 150 ft. of a marine structure (such as a private dock)
-Within 500 ft. of an approved shellfish area

These zones are mapped on GA DNR's website here:

https://gcmp.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webap ... cdb5eeb107

Marina setbacks are shown in red. Structures setbacks are shown in purple. Shellfish setbacks are shown in brown. They are not charted by NOAA nor are there currently ATONs in situ to delineate these areas.

 

[SJI Sailor]

Also keep an eye on local postings that may not be obvious on a chart. I often see folks drop anchor, or start to drop anchor, in an area with several buried lines. They can be hard to distinguish on charts and folks also miss the large warning signs on shore. (for PNW folks, I'm taking about south of Friday Harbor between Brown Island) Eventually someone warns them and they move. So look around on shore for warnings, and try to ask a neighbor boat if unclear.