Parking at Lake Sandbar

I am sure there are several ways to accomplish this goal, the way I have seen it done is to drop an anchor off the front of the boat, and essentially point the bow towards the waves, and then back away from the anchor (transom towards the shore) get the anchor line set, then run a line off of the transom to a shore stake.   keeping the bow to the incoming wakes will help to keep the boat from swamping should you have a surfer run by a little too close etc.   Rafting together would work too, but I don't have any personal experience with that procedure.

My only advice is to leave enough water below the running gear and skegs to prevent anything from hitting if waves are present. If tides are present, you may need to adjust your lines to accommodate.

Yeah and mark your anchor so I don't step on it...

I park at a sandbar that has a lot of wake action. I bought these specifically for parking there.

Shore stake

Folding anchor

Both of these work great and the anchor stows under my backseat which has not been possible with other anchors.

The folding anchor actually comes in two sizes, large ($129.99) and small ($109.99). The website only shows the large one. I have the small one for both of my boats.   I bought the first one at the store and then had to call to order the second one.

Jonny Quest wrote: Anchor Buddy system.

As mentioned all situations can be different. I have found the AnchorBuddy works well. I attach a float to the AnchorBuddy so it will always have the rope end on top of the water and it is easy to find when you return to shore. I keep the bow line attached and tie a simple loop in the end so I can attach the AnchorBuddy. While SLOWLY approaching the shore I will drop the AnchorBuddy . As the line pulls tight the boat should start to swing the stern toward the beach if done right. It does take some practice. Put the boat in reverse and slowly stretch the AnchorBuddy. Then with the stern line that you needed to already have set up prior to approaching shore, I step off the back of the boat in about 3 ft. of water and walk the line to shore as the AnchorBuddy is pulling your boat back to deeper water.

I purchase a cheap dog lead anchor (large cork screw looking device) to screw into the beach side. This device is small light and easy to store. I leave the AnchorBuddy and float in a location for the day when using a beach. I leave the bow line attached with a simple loop tied in the end. As I slowly approach the shore I reach down and grab the float and attach the hook attached to the AnchorBuddy through the loop in the bow line and repeat the above listed routine.

Donald80SN wrote: I have seen the anchor buddy work great at some CCFan functions. One is on my to buy list. Also, on my to buy list is a Sand Spike. You can use these with the anchor buddy. Several years ago, RJ, of CCFan was a dealer and several guys picked one up. Go to http://sandspike.com/ to check them out. They come in several colors to match your boat. There has always been a big debate on this site as to beach or not to beach a boat. It is hard on the keel gel coat. Some have put a keel saver / guard on the keel for beaching.

+1

I use a sand spike in combo with the Anchor Buddy. Normal fluke-anchor in deep water attached to Anchor Buddy. Sand spike on shore. I just pull the boat from deep water close to shore and jump in. The bungee action of the Anchor Buddy pulls me away from shore nicely.

JQ