JEM Watercraft

Hi all. This is a bit off topic, but what method do you use to secure your anchor line to your yak? I know most use a running anchor 'trolley' line, but what knot or method to you use to tie the anchor line to the ring or clasp etc. I have always used a kind of double clove hitch but I just made up my own. I thought I would ask what you guys do.

I run my line thru a snap link ( instead of ring) and secure it into a jam cleat like this one -
http://www.kayakproshop.com/Open_Cleat.html

Cheers Mike

I actually use two - one for the anchor line to lock the length and another to lock the position of the trolley i.e. bow, mid, stern etc

Actually I found this knot, called a Mooring Hitch as shown here:

http://www.ehow.com/video_6086715_tie-l ... -knot.html

This is simpler than what I use now and would be quicker to untie to pull up the anchor to move.

I like the idea of the jam cleat though. But you would want one that the rope wouldn't slip out of if it goes slack. With no wind or tide the rope might have little tension and slide out unless there was some kind of retaining clasp to keep it in place.

The rope actually wedges into the jaws.
You could use a cam cleat -
http://www.campmor.com/harmony-deck-cam-cleat.shtml

Cheers Mike

Or make one...

I like that Woodman

Very impressive woodman! But if you are using a movable 'anchor trolley' line, a fixed clam cleat isn't going to be very practical.

I have taken some photos of a knot I 'invented' after mucking around with some rope and a ring clip. It is easy to tie, very secure, but is easy to undo by pulling the free end.


This is simulating the anchor line not tied on at all.


Run a loop through the clip or ring, what ever you use.


One half-hitch around the loop.


A second half-hitch secures the knot. Just cinch it up to the ring to tighten and leave enough of a loop to make sure that it doesn't slip out unintentionally.

I think that this will be a good knot. I have yet to test it 'in real life' but I can't see why it wouldn't work for an anchor line.