I’ll be camping on Capers Island in May (already have the permit), and am looking for advice on overnight anchoring. Beach anchoring south inlet vs north inlet? Bow to beach vs stern? I was considering arriving during the low to high tide change in order to see how far out the beach becomes exposed, thoughts? I’ve got a 24 CC with a fairly deep V. I’ve got anchors for the bow and stern. Also have a 5ft auger anchor. Any thoughts or advice are appreciated.
Either anchor up where the outgoing tide will beach it level, or anchor in deeper water, bow and stern anchors. Make sure they hold well. Whatever you do, do NOT anchor such that the boat may be, or drift over, a creek bank. When the tide goes out and comes back in you will sink your boat as MANY have done before. Ask me how I know!!
2000 SeaPro 180CC w/ Yammy 115 2 stroke
1966 13’ Boston Whaler w/ Merc 25 4 stroke “Flatty”
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President, Summerville Saltwater Anglers
Always anchor with your bow pointing out and the stern toward the beach.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose
I use an anchor buddy. It is a big bungee. http://www.danbullard.com/dan/anchor_buddy.html
J-16 Carolina Skiff
It’s not rocket science and don’t let the boat anchoring stress you out and take away from the camping experience. Just take two anchors and make sure and check to see what kind of tide you will have when you plan to leave. I usually check the boat at low tide to make sure everything looks okay. It is fine for the boat to be beached at low tide, unless you plan on leaving at low tide. If this is the case, you need to anchor farther back. We usually just check the tide in the morning when we plan to leave and anchor accordingly to give enough water. If you are worried about your boat being beached, just move it back at low tide.
I like to camp where I can keep an eye on my boat, so I don’t worry. Boats larger than 24’ anchor at Capers all the time.
Camping out on Capers is a blast. I think most people camp out on the north side of the island. It may sound like over kill but I would suggest unloading all your gear and then taking the boat back out into deeper water to anchor. You would have to swim back to shore but this would save you from getting stranded on the beach. Boats have this strange way of getting up on the beach and lying on their side if left unattended. Trust me on this.
Dorado II
Carolina Skiff 25DLV
I do alot of camping. I like to fish, drink beer, and cook and camping makes it where I can do all 3 and not have to drive, although it’s beginning to be alot of work to clean up other people’s messes at the campsites. My question is how is the fishing, can you fish from shore if need be, and do you have to unload your gear in any type of breakers? We’ve been looking for a saltwater fishing spot for years.
Caper is easy to camp on and fish from. Several spots with no breakers and quick drop-off to the channel. Capers is worth the trip.
J-16 Carolina Skiff