As summer continues, dropping anchor and getting together with our boating friends to raft-up is a great way to enjoy the dog days of summer. The team at Atlantic Marinas has pulled together some of their favorite spots located a close boat ride from Severna Park, Arnold, and our marinas in Pasadena as well as a few tips for successful anchoring.
Dobbins Island
Location: Located at the point where Sillery Bay merges with the Magothy River
Mile Marker: Mile 45 West
Coordinates: N 39° 04.733’ / W 076° 27.750’
Depth: 7-12 Feet
Eagle’s Cove
Location: Lies between Holland and Purdy Points on the north side of Gibson Islandon the Magothy River
Mile Marker: Mile 45 West
Coordinates: N 39° 05.350’ / W 076° 26.083’
Depth: 9-12 Feet
Black Hole Creek
Location: Magothy River
Mile Marker: Mile 45 West
Coordinates: N 39° 05.050’ / W 076° 29.867’
Depth: 7-10 Feet
Hart Miller Island
Location: Chesapeake Bay near the mouth of Middle River
Mile Marker: Mile 31-4 Miles West
Coordinates: N 39° 15.550′ / W 076° 22.517′
Depth: 8-11 Feet
Bodkin Creek
Location: Positioned near where the Patapsco River and the Chesapeake Bay meet
Mile Marker: 38.4
Coordinates: N 39° 07.575′ / W 076° 27.501′
Depth: 9 feet
Stoney Creek
Location: Off the Patapsco River where it meets the Chesapeake Bay
Mile Marker:
Coordinates: N 39° 09.784′ / W 076° 31.619′
A day on the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers offers so much fun for the entire family. Here are a few tips for anchoring gathered from aceboater.com so you can be sure all aspects are covered for your fun day on the Bay.
- Select an anchorage area that offers shelter from wind, current, boat traffic such as the local spots listed above. It’s best to never anchor in a busy channel or traffic separation zone.
- Lowering the anchor from the bow. Anchoring from the stern could cause the boat to swamp or capsize.
- Determine the depth of water, which will allow you to calculate the amount of rode needed. You should have out three times the depth of the water plus the distance from the water to where the anchor will attach to the bow.
- Position your boat up-wind or up-current from the spot you have selected.
- Stop your boat and lower your anchor until it lies on the bottom. Slowly start to motor back, letting out the anchor rode. Backing down slowly will ensure that the chain will not foul the anchor and prevent it from digging into the bottom.
- When all the anchor line has been let out, back down on the anchor with engine in idle reverse to help set the anchor (keep an eye on your prop in relation to the line).
- Look around for reference points in relation to the boat when the anchor is firmly set. One recommendation from Aceboater.com is to sight your compass to get the bearing of two different fixed points (house, rock, tower, etc.) The, over the next hour or so, make sure those reference points are in the same place. If not, you’re probably dragging anchor. Everyone in your group should check occasionally to make sure you’re not drifting.
- When it’s time to head home, power forward slowly to retrieve the anchor until the anchor rode hangs vertically at the bow.
Please click here to visit ACEBOATER.com for these anchoring tips and more. The entire team at Atlantic Marinas wishes you a safe and memorable boating experience on the Upper Chesapeake Bay.
