Lift, Lower, or Cut Anchor

An anchor serves a common purpose on a ship or boat…to stop it from moving. Lower the anchor and it engages and connects the vessel to the seabed, ensuring it stays put. It prevents drifting in the wind and current which would put those onboard at risk. It is a basic requirement for vessels on the water, typically with a sharp projection that hooks into the rock and soil. The stability it provides enables a variety of productive and pleasurable activities for those onboard.

Periodically, a boat anchor can get wedged into the seabed so tight that it’s difficult or impossible to get it out. In this case, some boaters keep a sharp knife handy so that they can cut the rope linked to the anchor. Particularly, if the vessel is in perilous water or weather, it’s important to be able to quickly release what’s holding it back. (more…)