mike_s
Contributor
Four fine men were involved in this accident, three died as a result. My only purpose here is to post this accident link which demonstrates the danger of anchoring from the stern. Per the document, rough seas, operator inexperience and faulty anchoring (from the stern) caused the stern to go down and the boat to capsize. This is from the official document, not speculation.
It seems from what I have read is that they had a stuck anchor, swung the boat around to tie off to the stern cleat to use forward throttle to pull the stuck anchor, the stern was dragged down by the thrust of the engine, downward pull of the anchor and high seas broached the stern causing the boat to roll over.
I saw a boat in a tidal current, stern anchored, strong current, two men in the back, boat went down and rolled. Never anchor from a stern cleat in but the most benign conditions, don't try to motor a anchor free by tying to a stern cleat. Leave the anchor or use several other effective methods for freeing an anchor.
No expert here, there are lessons to be learned from this accident in hopes it will not happen again, one is not to tie off to the stern cleat to an anchor. Very sad for all involved.
http://www.tampabay.com/specials/2009/PDFs/boaterfolo032809/Investigation_Report.pdf
N
Nemrod... thanks for posting this.