With the tragic devastation wreaked by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma fresh in our minds, it’s understandable why boaters would be wondering if their storm anchoring is up to par, even for those on inland lakes. If you find yourself concerned, one resource for brushing up on your skills is Fortress Marine Anchors. Offering free material to assist boaters in developing the necessary skills for keeping boats safely secured during a storm, you can find a lot of relevant information here.
Surviving a Storm at Anchor by Tom Neale is a comprehensive look at the techniques and equipment needed to weather a storm. Topics include everything from anchor selection to how many to set, foredeck gear, chafe protection, reducing windage, the importance of the rode, and storm hole selection. You can download it at fortressanchors.com/SSA.pdf.
A Safe Anchoring Guide is an easy-to-grasp primer that goes through the fundamentals of anchoring. You can access an online animated format or download it at fortressanchors.com/resources/safe-anchoring-guide.
USA-made of marine-grade aluminum-magnesium alloy, Fortress Marine Anchors are adjustable for specific seabed conditions; the 69 lb. FX-125 model was even chosen as the primary anchor for the US Coast Guard's 154-foot Sentinel-class of cutters, so you can be sure they know what they’re about. For those of us with smaller boats like pontoons, it offers eight models for recreational and commercial vessels.
