How to Anchor, Safely.
- Kaine Renae
- Aug 5
- 5 min read
Dropping anchor might seem as simple as “chuck it overboard and hope for the best,” but in narrow and shallow waterways like here on the Sunshine Coast—where currents, tides, and summer northerlies love to test your skills—it pays to do it right.
Whether you're pulling into Pumicestone Passage for a BBQ or dropping near Old Woman Island for a fish, anchoring properly means safety, confidence, and no embarrassing rescues.
This blog breaks down the must-know anchoring basics for boating and jetski licence holders in Queensland, with a strong focus on Sunshine Coast waterways.
⚓ Why Anchoring Matters
Anchoring is one of the core skills every boatie and jetski licence holder should master. It’s not just about stopping the boat. It’s about holding position safely, understanding your environment, and knowing what to do if it all goes pear-shaped.
On the Coast, where shallow banks, tides, and wind shifts are common, a dodgy anchor job can quickly turn into:
A drift into a swim zone or navigation channel
A fouled prop or tangled rode (anchor line)
A day spent recovering your gear instead of enjoying the water
Alright, let’s go
Step 1: Know Where You’re Dropping
First up—check the depth where you want to anchor. This determines how much rope (called line when it’s being used) you’ll need to let out. The golden rule?
Use 10m of chain or the length of your boat, whichever is shortest
Use 3-5x the depth in line,
Example: Dropping in 5 metres of water in a 5m tinny? You’ll want 5 metres of chain and minimum 15m of line (5m x 3 = 15m).
👉 Pro Tip: Venture outside of the channel in high tides and use a sounder or depth gauge to get an accurate read of what it will look like in low tide. Don’t guess it.
Step 2: Read the Conditions
Before you drop the pick, figure out what’s doing the most pushing: the tide or the wind. Then point your bow straight into whichever is stronger. This gives you a stable setup and helps the chain lay correctly.
On the Sunshine Coast, wind often dominates the exposed areas like Currimundi, Mooloolaba and Noosa, while tide can be strongest (as much as 6 knots) in places like the Mooloolah River or Golden Beach.
Step 3: Deploy the Anchor
Now that you’re facing the strongest element:
Bring the boat to a full stop.
Lower (not throw!) the anchor to the bottom. If it’s a powerboat, stay in neutral.
Let the boat drift back naturally, or gently motor in reverse.
As you drift, feed out the chain and rope steadily so it lies flat, not in a pile.
Don’t understate the chain length—this is what really does the holding.
Once enough line is out, give it a light reverse to set the anchor into the seabed.
Secure the rope to a bow cleat or other strong point and double-check your knots.
Step 4: Check You’re Holding
The last thing you want is to think you’re anchored, only to find your boat halfway to Moreton Bay 10 minutes later.
Here’s how to double check:
Line up two landmarks onshore. If they stay in line—you’re holding. If they move, you’re dragging.
Use your GPS or phone app for an anchor alarm.
Watch your depth on the sounder. Sudden changes can mean you’re slipping.
Still not sure? Pop the boat in reverse again gently—if the anchor holds, you're good.
Anchor Safety Tips (Don’t Learn These the Hard Way)
Never anchor from the stern (back) of the boat only. It’s unsafe and could flip your vessel in strong current. It’s okay to run a stern anchor as well as the bow, but never alone.
Don’t cut corners on anchor weight or rope length. Cheap gear costs more in emergencies.
Avoid anchoring in shipping lanes or near channel markers, or under bridges.
Always have a sharp knife handy in case you need to cut the rope fast.
Local Anchoring Spots and Challenges (Sunshine Coast Specific)
Anchoring on the Sunshine Coast offers a mix of shallow estuaries, protected bays, and tidal rivers. Here’s what to expect:
📍 Pumicestone Passage
Shallow banks shift regularly. Use your sounder and avoid anchoring in high current zones.
Ideal for short stops, fishing, and picnics.
📍 Mooloolah River
Be mindful of traffic and depth changes.
Watch for tide surges and back eddies near the marina mouth.
📍 Maroochy River
Great holding ground in most spots, but the sandbanks move, so check charts and soundings.
📍 Noosa River
Plenty of anchoring zones but heavily patrolled.
Avoid dropping anchor near swim zones or the busy ferry routes.
Retrieving Your Anchor
When it’s time to leave, here’s how to bring it up clean:
If you’ve got an electric windlass, start the engine before using it—these things chew power.
Motor gently towards the anchor, taking strain off the winch.
As the chain tightens, start hauling it in.
If it’s jammed, try slowly motoring forward over the anchor to pull it out from the reverse angle.
Once free, bring it aboard carefully—don’t damage the hull.
Stow it securely so it doesn’t bounce around underway.
What If Your Anchor’s Stuck?
If the anchor refuses to budge:
Pull directly overhead. That usually does it.
If not, secure the chain, motor gently forward, and try to pop it out from a new angle.
Still stuck? You may need to tie off the line and circle slowly, letting the boat pull it from a side angle.
Sometimes, though rare, you may need to cut it loose if it’s fouled badly in rocks or junk.
Anchoring for Jetski Riders
Anchoring a jetski? It’s slightly different but just as important—especially when you're stopping for a swim or lunch.
Use a lightweight sand or mushroom anchor with a short rope.
Keep the rope tied to the bow (never the stern).
Only anchor in calm, protected waters.
Always secure your lanyard or remove the key to avoid theft or accidental startups.
✅ Anchoring Checklist (Print This for the Boat!)
Depth checked and correct scope calculated
Strongest element (wind or tide) determined
Facing the right direction before drop
Anchor lowered (not thrown!)
Enough chain/rope out
Anchor set with reverse test
Visual or GPS check for dragging
Anchor retrieval plan ready
Safety gear on hand (knife, gloves, V-sheet)
📚 Final Thoughts
Anchoring is one of the most underrated skills in boating—but on the Sunshine Coast, it’s essential. Whether you’re anchoring for lunch at Bulcock Beach, sunset drinks at Moffat, or just chilling mid-river, doing it right keeps you safe, legal, and confident.
If you're working toward your boat or jetski licence in Caloundra or anywhere on the Sunshine Coast, this is one of the key practical drills we cover. Don’t just tick the box—learn it and live it.
Need your boat or jetski licence?
See how easy it is in our 2 minute video below:
Train with the Sunshine Coast’s Highest Rated Boat & Jetski Training Group -Over 4,000 students trained, and 500 x 5-star Google Reviews. We’ve the tacit knowledge you won’t find in the manual. Book now or give us a bell.
📍 Caloundra Boat & Jetski Training - iLicence
📞 0450 700 202
Comments