How to Buoy an Anchor

An anchor buoy is the common term for a trip line.[1] Anchors can be expensive, but you can save yourself this cost with a homemade trip line. If you already have one, they're relatively easy to deploy and retrieve. Be sure to use your trip line safely to prevent unnecessary tangles or damage.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Deploying and Retrieving a Trip Line

  1. Image titled Buoy an Anchor Step 1
    1
    Determine the length of your trip line. Use a nautical chart, a depth finder, or another suitable instrument to find the water's depth at high tide. The length of your trip line needs to be at least equal to this depth.
    • You never know when you'll get tall waves because of rough conditions. Account for this by adding about 3 ft (.91 m) to your minimum length for the line.[2]
    • Avoid allowing too much extra line in the water, as this can make it more likely to foul. Extra slack can be wrapped around the buoy's bottom.
    • If you'll only be anchored for a short time, use a 1:3 or 1:4 ratio for your line. For instance, if the depth where you are is 10 ft (3.0 m), you'd need to pay out 30–40 ft (9.1–12.2 m) of chain.[3]
    • If you'll be staying longer, use a 1:7 ratio. For example, if you'll be at the same spot with the 10 ft (3.0 m) depth but you'll be staying overnight, you'd need 70 ft (21 m) of chain.[4]
  2. Image titled Buoy an Anchor Step 2
    2
    Fasten the trip line to the anchor. The cord of your trip line needs to be firmly attached to the crown of the anchor. Most anchors will have at least a hole in the fluke or a designated tie-on spot for trip lines.
    • If the hole on your anchor for your trip line is rough, you'll need a shackle so the line doesn't chafe and break.[5]
    • If your buoy is not already attached, use a firm knot, like a large eye splice, to fasten it to the anchor-opposite end of the rope.
    Advertisement
  3. Image titled Buoy an Anchor Step 3
    3
    Spool out the trip line to prevent snags and tangles. Gather the cord of the trip line in a coil so it's easier to manage. If necessary, pass the coil under and over the pulpit or rail to prevent it from snagging there. Separate the coil in half and set down the half farther away from the float.[6]
  4. Image titled Buoy an Anchor Step 4
    4
    Deploy the trip line. Approach your anchorage point carefully. While keeping ahold of the half of the coil closest to the float, toss the float overboard to the anchorage point. Release the line as you do, so it completely streams into the water.[7]
  5. Image titled Buoy an Anchor Step 5
    5
    Follow the trip line with the anchor. Take care during this process to avoid getting the trip line and anchor tangled. Lower the anchor as you would normally.[8] Make sure to deploy the trip line before dropping anchor, as this will decrease the chances of tangling.[9]
  6. Image titled Buoy an Anchor Step 6
    6
    Retrieve the trip line and anchor. Approach the anchor point with your boat. Snag and retrieve the buoy of your trip line with a boat hook. Retrieve the anchor as per usual – you'll only need to use the trip line if the anchor is stuck.[10]
    • If your anchor doesn't budge, it's time to put your trip line to work. In many cases, simply pulling up on the trip line will capsize the anchor and free it.[11]
    • Most anchors resist a single direction of travel. By adding slack to the anchor line or by pulling in the direction opposite anchor's resisted direction, you may pop stuck anchors free.[12]
  7. Image titled Buoy an Anchor Step 7
    7
    Maintain and stow your trip line. Once the anchor's on board, it's time to remove the trip line from the crown. After using your trip line, you should rinse it well in clean water. Allow the wet line to air dry completely, then return it where it belongs in the anchor locker.[13]
    8. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Making a Simple Trip Line

  1. Image titled Buoy an Anchor Step 8
    1
    Purchase or make a buoy. Even a cheap Styrofoam buoy from your local hardware store should work for a trip line anchor buoy. Serious boaters or those who frequent deep waters might benefit from sturdier buoys purchased from boat supply stores.
    • Make an upcycled buoy from a clean plastic jug. You can even paint the jug a bright color to make it easier to spot in the water.[14]
  2. Image titled Buoy an Anchor Step 9
    2
    Cut polypropylene cord for the buoy. Not only will polypropylene line withstand harsh conditions better than most other kinds of cordage, it also floats. The length of your trip line should be about 3 ft (.91 m) longer than the highest tide in your sailing area.
    • Choose a bright color of polypropylene cord so you can spot your trip line better in unfavorable conditions.[15]
    • After cutting the rope, prevent it from fraying at the cut end with glue or by passing a the flame of a lighter over the cut end to melt it.
  3. Image titled Buoy an Anchor Step 10
    3
    Attach the buoy to the line with a large eye splice. Large is the key word here. A large eye splice will make snagging your buoy a cinch with a boat hook. If you decide to use another kind of knot, make sure it's sturdy. Your trip line won't do you much good if the buoy floats away.[16]
    4. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Using Trip Lines Safely

  1. Image titled Buoy an Anchor Step 11
    1
    Write a label on your buoy. Especially in crowded conditions, boaters desperate for moorage might take liberties with unmarked buoys. Send a clear message that your buoy is currently in use by writing “Trip line, don't pick up” in large letters, along with your boat's name.
  2. Image titled Buoy an Anchor Step 12
    2
    Avoid using trip lines overnight. In the dark, even the most colorful trip lines can be missed. This can tangle in a fellow boaters' propellers, causing trouble for you both. Especially if there's night traffic on the water, you may want to forego a trip line for overnight anchorages.[17]
  3. Image titled Buoy an Anchor Step 13
    3
    Prevent boats from damaging your anchor with a trip line. Crowded harbors can be difficult places to maneuver. This can sometimes cause other boats to pass uncomfortably close to your anchor and its line. Improve visibility of your anchorage point for other boats with a trip line.[18]
  4. Image titled Buoy an Anchor Step 14
    4
    Use a trip line when anchoring in areas with a poor bottom. Broken rock or large pieces of coral can trap your anchor stubbornly in cracks and crevices. If you've had your anchor stuck before in the area you're now anchoring, or if you're worried it might get stuck, deploy a trip line.[19]
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

  • Question
    How can I safely anchor a boat?
    Nitzan Levy
    Nitzan Levy
    Sailing Instructor
    Captain Nitzan Levy is a Sailor, Social Entrepreneur, and the Founder of Sailors NYC, a recreational sailors’ club based in Jersey City, New Jersey that specializes in cruising boats and a variety of community programs. Capt. Levy has over 20 years of sailing experience and has sailed in many places around the world including: the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, The Caribbean, and the Indian Ocean. Capt. Levy is a U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Master of vessels up to 50 Tons with Auxiliary Sail and Assistance Towing Endorsements. Capt. Levy is also a NauticEd Level V Captain Rank Chief Instructor, an American National Standards Assessor, an SLC instructor, an ASA (American Sailing Association) Certified Instructor Bareboat Chartering, and an Israeli licensed skipper on Boats for International Voyages.
    Nitzan Levy
    Nitzan Levy
    Sailing Instructor
    Expert Answer
    Make sure the depth where you're anchoring is sufficient for your boat. For example, if your boat is a 4 1/2 foot draft, the water should be deeper than that. You'll need to account for the tides, as well—and the difference between high tide and low tide can be 6-7 feet, so take that into consideration.
Advertisement

Things You'll Need

Deploying and Retrieving a Trip Line

  • Anchor
  • Trip line (and buoy)

Making a Simple Trip Line

  • Buoy (or a clean plastic jug)
  • Polypropylene cord
  • Scissors (or a knife)
  • Tape measure

Warnings

Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Use a Sextant
How to
Use a Sextant
Read a Nautical Chart
How to
Read a Nautical Chart
Tie up a Boat
How to
Tie up a Boat
Sail a Boat
How to
Sail a Boat
Navigate by the Stars
How to
Navigate by the Stars
Run a Boat Motor Out of Water
How to
Run a Boat Motor Out of Water
Repair Gelcoat
How to
Repair Gelcoat
Transfer a Boat Title
How to
Transfer a Boat Title
Store a Kayak
How to
Store a Kayak
Tie Fenders on a Boat
How to
Tie Fenders on a Boat
Remove Barnacles
How to
Remove Barnacles
Mount a Trolling Motor
How to
Mount a Trolling Motor
Start an Outboard Motor
How to
Start an Outboard Motor
Maintain an Outboard Motor
How to
Maintain an Outboard Motor
Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ http://cruising.coastalboating.net/Seamanship/Anchoring/TripLines.html
  2. ↑ http://cruising.coastalboating.net/Seamanship/Anchoring/TripLines.html
  3. ↑ Nitzan Levy. Sailing Instructor. Expert Interview. 24 April 2020.
  4. ↑ Nitzan Levy. Sailing Instructor. Expert Interview. 24 April 2020.
  5. ↑ http://www.gulfcoastsailingschool.com/uploads/4/6/8/6/46860537/anchoring_using_trip_line.pdf
  6. ↑ http://www.gulfcoastsailingschool.com/uploads/4/6/8/6/46860537/anchoring_using_trip_line.pdf
  7. ↑ http://www.gulfcoastsailingschool.com/uploads/4/6/8/6/46860537/anchoring_using_trip_line.pdf
  8. ↑ http://www.working-the-sails.com/mooring_and_anchoring.html
  9. ↑ http://www.gulfcoastsailingschool.com/uploads/4/6/8/6/46860537/anchoring_using_trip_line.pdf
  1. ↑ http://www.working-the-sails.com/mooring_and_anchoring.html
  2. ↑ http://www.gulfcoastsailingschool.com/uploads/4/6/8/6/46860537/anchoring_using_trip_line.pdf
  3. ↑ http://cruising.coastalboating.net/Seamanship/Anchoring/TripLines.html
  4. ↑ http://www.gulfcoastsailingschool.com/uploads/4/6/8/6/46860537/anchoring_using_trip_line.pdf
  5. ↑ http://www.gulfcoastsailingschool.com/uploads/4/6/8/6/46860537/anchoring_using_trip_line.pdf
  6. ↑ http://www.gulfcoastsailingschool.com/uploads/4/6/8/6/46860537/anchoring_using_trip_line.pdf
  7. ↑ http://www.gulfcoastsailingschool.com/uploads/4/6/8/6/46860537/anchoring_using_trip_line.pdf
  8. ↑ http://cruising.coastalboating.net/Seamanship/Anchoring/TripLines.html
  9. ↑ http://www.gulfcoastsailingschool.com/uploads/4/6/8/6/46860537/anchoring_using_trip_line.pdf
  10. ↑ http://www.gulfcoastsailingschool.com/uploads/4/6/8/6/46860537/anchoring_using_trip_line.pdf
  11. ↑ Nitzan Levy. Sailing Instructor. Expert Interview. 24 April 2020.

About This Article

Nitzan Levy
Co-authored by:
Nitzan Levy
Sailing Instructor
This article was co-authored by Nitzan Levy. Captain Nitzan Levy is a Sailor, Social Entrepreneur, and the Founder of Sailors NYC, a recreational sailors’ club based in Jersey City, New Jersey that specializes in cruising boats and a variety of community programs. Capt. Levy has over 20 years of sailing experience and has sailed in many places around the world including: the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, The Caribbean, and the Indian Ocean. Capt. Levy is a U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Master of vessels up to 50 Tons with Auxiliary Sail and Assistance Towing Endorsements. Capt. Levy is also a NauticEd Level V Captain Rank Chief Instructor, an American National Standards Assessor, an SLC instructor, an ASA (American Sailing Association) Certified Instructor Bareboat Chartering, and an Israeli licensed skipper on Boats for International Voyages. This article has been viewed 20,266 times.
1 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 5
Updated: May 30, 2022
Views: 20,266
Categories: Boats
Advertisement