Anchoring at Somerset Dam: How to anchor your Boat and Jetski in shallow waters

• Planning a day at Somerset Dam but not sure how to anchor your craft up?

• Don’t want to scratch your hull by parking it on the rocky dam bank?

• Not sure why your sand and mud anchor isn’t working?

Well, in this guide, we will explore the best anchoring techniques for Somerset Dam, including what type of anchor to use, how much line to deploy, how to anchor right next to your campsite and some MUST KNOW safety tips to prevent damage to your watercraft

Why do I need to anchor up at Somerset Dam?

Because there is no place to hold your boat or jetski still. So unless you are planning on putting it straight back on the trailer after your ride, you’ll need to anchor it somehow. Unlike ocean anchoring, Somerset Dam presents unique challenges due to its rocky bottom– and varying water depths if you’re parking and launching from the dam bank. If you are setting up a shade or tent on the bank and want to spend the day by the dam bank, you have to know how to anchor it up or you’ll do unnecessary damage to your hull and body.

Choosing the Right Anchor for Somerset Dam

Given the rocky bottom, a sand or mud anchor will not grab effectively in Somerset Dam. The Danforth anchor and Delta anchor (typically used across SEQLD in the ocean, are NOT going to be good options here. Instead, the two best choices are as follows:

1.     Use a weight plate.

Sounds crazy, works extremely well. A weight plate costs next to nothing to get your hands on, and a 10kg weight plate will provide more than enough weight to hold your jet ski at anchor while parked in smooth water locations like Somerset Dam. You’ll need approximately 1 meter of chain and 1-2 meters of line. That’s it. Super simple, HUGELY effective.

Note: If your boat is less than 5m, 10kg is sufficient. 5m-7m you’ll need a 20kg plate. You can buy weight plates for bugger all at your local fitness shops, or delivered to your door from places like Kogan or Fitness Hero.

Constructing your anchor

Building this anchor takes 5 minutes, you’ll need:

• 1 x Rock anchor or weight plate

• 1-2 meters of anchor chain

• 1-2 meters of rope

• 2 x D Shackles or Small Eye Hooks

Note: Once again, this is wayyy less rope and chain than you will need when anchoring in the ocean, but perfect for anchoring in 1-1.5m of water at Somerset Dam).

• Step 1: Make a double figure of 8 knot at both ends of your rope.

• Step 2: Attach your D Shackle or Small Eye Hook to one end. (Clip this end onto the bow of your boat or jetski)

• Step 3: Run your chain through the end; or through the middle, or your weight plate. You should now have the chain running through the weight plate, and have both ends of your chain free.

• Step 4: Attach your D Shackle or Eye Hook to the other end of rope and then through both ends of your chain. (Your chain should now be attached to the line and be running through the weight plate).

This is what it should look like from the ground to your craft.

Weight plate or rock anchor – Chain – D Shackle or Eye Hook – Rope – D Shackle or Eye Hook – Your vessel.

Choose Your Anchoring Spot Carefully

Before dropping your anchor, look for an area that meets the following criteria:

• At least 1 meter deep (to prevent your ski from scraping the bottom)

• As close to your spot on the river bank as possible, and away from high-traffic boating areas

• Sheltered from strong winds, if possible

Approach Slowly and Turn Off Your Engine in Shallow Water

When nearing your anchoring location, reduce your speed and approach the spot gradually. If you’re entering shallow water (less than 1 meter deep), turn off your engine before reaching it. This prevents your intake from sucking up debris, mud, or small rocks, which could damage your jet ski’s impeller or cooling system.

Deploy the Anchor with the Right Amount of Line

Once in position:

• Lower your improvised anchor

• Allow the anchor to settle and grab onto the bottom.

• Ensure there’s just enough slack in the rope to handle minor movement but not so much that your vessel drifts excessively.

  
  

Test Your Hold

Give the anchor a slight tug to confirm it has properly grabbed onto the bottom. If the vessel continues drifting significantly, retrieve the anchor and try again in a slightly different location with a better grip.

Safety Considerations When Anchoring in Somerset Dam

Be Mindful of Water Depth Changes

Water levels in Somerset Dam can change due to dam operations, rainfall, or evaporation. If you plan on anchoring for an extended period, periodically check to ensure that decreasing water levels haven’t left your vessel in dangerously shallow waters.

Keep a Safe Distance from Other Boaters

Somerset Dam is a busy location, especially on weekends and holidays. When anchoring, ensure you’re a reasonable distance away from other boats and jet skis to avoid collisions or entanglements.

Use a Float (if you like)

You can add a few more meters of rope if you’d like to attach a float. This ensures it can be seen by you and by other water users. It keeps your line visible and prevents accidental entanglements.

Have a Quick Retrieval Plan

You should be able to grab your anchor and pull it out very quickly. This improvised anchor is designed to hold in smooth waters in calm conditions and does not take much effort to retrieve. If you’re on a boat, it should go in the anchor well, if you’re on a jet ski if should be stowed in the front compartment.

Alternative Anchoring Methods

If you’re struggling to assemble the improvised anchor above, or realise you’ve forgotten your anchor when you arrive, consider:

• Tying off to a submerged tree stump, secure object underwater or your trailer end (if it’s safe to do so)

Understanding Somerset Dam’s Water Conditions

Somerset Dam is a freshwater lake with a bottom composition of mud, silt, and rock. These conditions make traditional sand or mud anchors ineffective, as they struggle to gain proper hold. The water levels at Somerset Dam can also fluctuate due to rainfall and dam management, meaning boaters need to be adaptable when anchoring in different conditions.

The dam’s shoreline consists of shallow areas with rocky edges, making it essential to know where and how to anchor without risking damage to your vessel’s hull or propulsion system. The key to successful anchoring at Somerset Dam is understanding that traditional marine anchors are not always the best choice.

Conclusion

Anchoring in Somerset Dam requires a slightly different approach compared to marine environments. Using a rock anchor or weight plate with a short 2-3 meter line ensures that your vessel remains secure, acting as a drift anchor. Additionally, always turn off your engine before entering shallow water to protect your jet ski or boat from damage. By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to enjoy a safe and hassle-free experience on the water at Somerset Dam.

Any questions, please send us an email and remember to stay safe on the water!