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You need to know how to transport your kayak safely to your launch point and home again. Once you are out on the water it is important to know how to anchor.
Fishing from a kayak is one of the main reasons to anchor your kayak, but enjoying a sunset, stopping for a snack, or just taking a break are also great reasons to toss out your anchor. Here are a few tips for safely anchoring your kayak, as well as effectively tying down your kayak for transport.
There are a number of roof rack systems available for transporting kayaks. The simplest is a set of foam position blocks that slide onto standard roof rack systems. Center your kayak over your car so that the length of the kayak is distributed evenly. Next you will want to use straps with cam buckles to tie down the kayak to the roof rack. Tighten the buckles enough so that the boat is snug, but not so tight that the kayak is bending. Quality cam buckles will have pads to protect your kayak from damage.
After the straps are in place you will need to use rope to tie the front and back ends, or bow and stern, of the boat to the bumper of your car. Check all of the ropes and tie downs before your drive to ensure that they are secure. If you plan to leave your boat unattended at any point, invest in a lock to keep it safe. REI offers a helpful video with instructions for tying down your kayak.
When you want to anchor your kayak a 1.5 pound or 3 pound collapsible anchor works well. According to paddling.net you should use 7 feet of marine grade rope for every foot of water depth you are anchoring in. Having plenty of rope will allow your anchor to easily catch the bottom. You may also want to attach a chain between the anchor and the rope to help weigh down the anchor and allow it to catch the bottom and hold in place. You can anchor from either the bow or the stern of the kayak. There are advantages and disadvantages to either depending on the wind and the current. You may need to experiment a bit to find what works for you. For the rope, we suggest our ¼” neon orange rope. It’s great for holding small watercraft with anchor, is easy to see in the water, and is mold and mildew resistant.
Taking care of your kayak, whether you are transporting it to your favorite waters or anchoring to fish, is important to keep you and your kayak safe. Use marine quality rope for all of your kayaking needs. Quality Nylon Rope has many options from which to choose.
