Anchoring should not be done in depths exceeding how many fathoms?

• A. 90 fathoms
• B. 100 fathoms
• C. 110 fathoms
• D. 120 fathoms

Answer: (B)

Anchoring effectiveness depends on having enough rode (the anchor line) paid out to give the anchor a proper bite and to absorb the pull of wind and current. The deeper the water, the longer the rode you need to maintain a safe scope. There are practical limits to how much chain and line can be handled on board, so a standard rule sets a maximum depth for safe anchoring. That limit is 100 fathoms. At 100 fathoms (600 feet) you can usually achieve the required scope with typical equipment and maintain control even in modest conditions. Going deeper than that means the length of rode needed becomes impractically large and the anchor is less likely to set reliably, increasing the risk of dragging. So anchoring should not be done in depths exceeding 100 fathoms.