Thanks, Jeannie. In situations like that, very quick decisions sometimes have to be made. I immediately dropped anchor. For the anchor to dig in, a 6/1 ratio is needed--six times the depth. With 150 ft. of 3/4-inch anchor line, that means 25 ft. of water. Much more than that, and the anchor can drag, especially in a strong current. So I needed to anchor promptly. Delaying that could have resulted in being carried out with the outgoing tide. Another important issue is to have the right anchor on hand. For this trip, I brought along a big Danforth, solid and heavy--overkill for this boat, perhaps. Better too big and strong than too puny IMO. I have been surprised at the small anchors I see so many times mounted on big boats! Like toys.

Anyway, I was amazed at how strong and fast the current was. As I paid out the anchor line, the boat was being pulled out so fast I barely was able to wrap the line around the winch. This boat weighs over three tons, and is not easy to stop. Once the anchor dug in and we were safe, then we tinkered with the motor for a little while, got it unstuck and re-started--yet there was no easy way to shift gears. I felt it was too risky to attempt to navigate the channel with it in that condition. BoatUS has a great program--Vessel Assist coverage up to a 100-mile radius is available for only $165.00 a year. It is well worth it.

Dave