Trying to distract from the fires ravaging my favorite canoe country I was thinking about a couple of other posts dealing with weighted anchors and rudders, and got me thinking about sea anchors and drogues. Any boat going in the ocean should have them and I had a sea anchor on my 32’ boat. A sea anchor is deployed from the bow and keeps you pointed into the wind and slows your drift and is fairly large and shaped like a parachute. A drogue is payed out the stern and has more holes, the idea is to slow the boat down in a following sea and help keep it from broaching. Years ago when I was canoeing more on salt water I sewed one up but never used it. I dug it out of storage a week or so ago finally figured out how to control it in my solo boat. It’s 9” diameter opening and 14” long with a hole at the end, it made from some left over ripstop nylon and webbing. I made a stainless steel wire rope hoop to keep it open to ensure it doesn’t collapse, but it is flexible so packing is no problem. Years ago in some book I think I saw the advise of trailing a big pot with a bale at act as a drogue but don’t know where I saw it. Anyway here are some pics and I’ll bring it with me next time I get out but I generally avoid conditions where it might be helpful, at least on day trips.
Anybody try something like this?
Jim
Anybody try something like this?
Jim
