Currently my anchor lives in a bow locker but I don't like it there. It's a pain to get to and to put away so if I'm using it at all, it ends up on the deck where it is a hazard. A bow mount anchor trolly seems like it would conflict with the trolling motor and fish finder. I can imagine going over a wave and having the anchor take something out.

In an ideal world I could keep it stored and use spot lock to keep me in place, but I've run into a few times where that doesn't work. I end up on a lot of high alpine and giant reservoirs. Wind is pretty much a guarantee. Some times enough wind that trying to fight it with the TM is a bad idea.

Also, my boat is 50/50 fishing and family. When we are swimming off the boat, the TM isn't available. But, these are the exact times I don't want an anchor laying around on the deck. How do you manage and store your anchor? Do you never use it? Does it interfere with your Trolling motor and transducers?

My anchor is for emergency situations only. I keep it in storage on the boat at all times though.

43 minutes ago, Susky River Rat said:

My anchor is for emergency situations only. I keep it in storage on the boat at all times though.

Same here.

I store a small box anchor and 175 ft of 3/8" double-braided nylon anchor line in a heavy vinyl bag under my seat.

Port side.

A-Jay

I've contemplated removing mine from the boat. I never use it. Front bow storage is where it sits at present time.

D’oh!

Edited January 23Jan 23 by VolFan
Duplicate

Probably been 40 years since I have had an anchor in a boat.

Next you'll all tell me you don't own a drift sock.

I have an anchor with 50 feet of marine rope that stays in my boat all season. It's also in a bow storage compartment.

I haven't used it in at least 7 seasons now. But I am not going to take it out. It may be of need in an emergency so it will continue to stay there.

4 hours ago, gim said:

It may be of need in an emergency so it will continue to stay there.

Agreed. I think it's an oversight that they aren't required by USCG/state law. A paddle is pretty useless on anything bigger than a little jon boat even if it's dead calm. And if there's wind? "Fuggetaboutit"!

When I built Bass Trek, I purposely left the rear area open for storage of 'bulk' items. Starting battery, toss cushion and anchor all live back there. Since I don't have spot-lock, the anchor gets used when in deeper water than the stake-out pole can handle.

I have an anchor with 75'nylon rope - used it twice last year. Also a drift sock that i've owned for over 20 years and probably used 10 times. They stay in the boat, i consider them as safety items.