Kedging: When and how to use your kedge anchor

Kedging is when you deploy a kedge anchor to pull your boat towards it. It’s useful when your boat is stuck or you’re trying to move in a small space, and an important skill for sailors of all experience levels.

In this guide, we’ll look at kedging in detail. We’ll share the type of anchor you need and when to use it, and provide a handy step-by-step guide to perform it yourself.

What is kedging?

Essentially, kedging is the process of moving a boat by deploying an anchor ahead of a vessel and hauling it in. While modern vessels use an engine to generate thrust, kedging uses an anchor as a fixed point to move the boat. The kedge anchor is carried ahead of the vessel, usually by dinghy, kayak, or even by hand in shallow water, and lowered onto the bed.

Once the anchor is secure, the crew hauls in the anchor rode using a windlass or winch. As the line tightens, the boat is gradually pulled towards the anchor rather than being pushed forward by a propeller. If a boat needs to move even further, the anchor can be recovered and repositioned so the process can be repeated until you reach your desired location.

The main difference between kedging and normal anchoring is the purpose of the anchor. During normal anchoring, the anchor holds the boat in place, preventing the wind, waves or current from causing it to drift. A kedge anchor, on the other hand, is used to move the vessel. Rather than securing the boat for an extended stay, kedging uses an anchor to move forward when engine power is unavailable or when accurate manoeuvring is needed.

What is a kedge anchor?

Kedge anchors are lightweight, portable, and easy to deploy. Unlike primary anchors, which are used to secure the boat for extended periods, a kedge anchor is used for controlled movement and emergency situations. It can be carried ahead of the vessel by dinghy or by hand, set down, and used to pull the boat into position.

It’s easier to handle than a heavier bow anchor and is particularly useful for refloating a grounded boat, reducing swing in a crowded anchorage, setting up a stern anchor, or helping manoeuvre in areas where engine power is limited or unavailable. Although it is usually smaller than the main anchor, a kedge anchor should still provide sufficient holding power, offering added flexibility and peace of mind when out on the water.

What is a kedge anchor used for?

This kind of anchor is used for:

Refloating a grounded boat

If your boat runs aground on mud, sand, or gravel, kedging can help you move your vessel into deeper water. This reduces potential damage and means you don’t need to wait until the tide comes in.

Moving without engine power

Should you suffer engine failure, fuel shortage, or a mechanical breakdown, kedging can help you move forward.

Holding position in tight anchorages

Kedging is useful when anchoring in locations where space is limited and where it isn’t practical to allow the boat to swing freely. By deploying a kedge anchor from the stern or at an angle to the primary anchor, you can reduce the boat's swinging circle and keep it aligned with the wind or current.

Mooring in confined spaces

When mooring in small coves, rocky bays, or other confined spaces, a kedge anchor can help position your boat where you need it. By setting the kedge anchor separately from your main anchor, you can limit the amount of room the boat needs to swing while maintaining a safe distance from the shoreline, rocks, and other vessels.

Assisting during strong winds or currents

Strong winds and currents can make it difficult to keep a boat in position, especially when anchoring or manoeuvring in restricted waters. A kedge anchor provides additional control, allowing you to make slow adjustments without relying on engine power alone.

Your step-by-step guide to kedging

Whatever situation you’ve found yourself in, the right kedging technique will improve your chances of success while keeping you and your crew safe. You’ll need to focus on careful planning and controlled movements rather than speed, so ensure you take time to assess the situation before going ahead.

Step 1: Assess the conditions

Before deploying your anchor, check the conditions to determine where you should move your boat to.

• Tide - A rising tide may make refloating easier, while a falling tide could leave you stranded for longer
• Bed type - Sand and mud provide the best conditions for a kedge anchor, while rock or heavy weed may hinder you
• Wind - Consider how the wind will influence the boat's movement and whether it can assist you
• Current - Strong currents can alter the direction of pull and affect how well the anchor sets

Step 2: Prepare your anchor

Before kedging, make sure that your equipment is ready to deploy. The anchor should be securely attached to the rode, and everything should be tightened and properly secured. To perform it successfully, you’ll require:

• A suitably sized kedge anchor
• Anchor rode of sufficient length
• Chain to improve holding and reduce chafe
• Secure shackles and connectors
• Protective gloves

Step 3: Carry the anchor into position

The anchor needs to be placed ahead of the boat in the direction you want to move. The exact distance will depend on water depth, available rode, and the amount of movement required. You can opt to:

• Use a dinghy, which offers safe, controlled deployment
• Transport the anchor by kayak if conditions are calm
• Walk the anchor out if the water is shallow and the seabed is safe to cross

Don’t drop the anchor too close to the boat, as it may not generate enough pulling distance to be effective.

Step 4: Set the anchor securely

Once the anchor reaches the desired location, lower it gently onto the seabed and allow enough rode to achieve an appropriate scope. You should aim for at least a 5:1 scope where conditions allow, though this may vary with depth and conditions.

Slowly apply tension to the rode so the anchor can dig into the bottom. Before attempting to move the boat, check that the anchor is holding firmly and not dragging across the seabed.

Step 5: Winch the boat towards the anchor

With the anchor securely set, begin hauling in the rode slowly. You need to pull the boat towards the anchor using controlled force rather than sudden movements.

Depending on the equipment you have available, you could choose to use a manual windlass, an electric windlass, a cockpit winch, or even haul manually if your boat is small.

Step 6: Recover the anchor and repeat if necessary

If you don’t reach where you need to, recover the anchor and repeat the process. You might need to do multiple deployments when moving a boat over longer distances or freeing a vessel from soft mud or sand.

Once the manoeuvre is complete, recover the anchor, inspect your equipment for damage, and pack everything safely away.

Kedge anchor size guide

The anchor weight you require depends on the length of your boat. The size guide below shows the weight you should aim for:

• Under 20ft: 4kg - 6kg
• Between 20 and 26ft: 6kg - 8kg
• Between 27 and 35ft: 8kg - 12kg
• Between 36 and 45ft: 12 kg - 16 kg
• 45ft and above: Check the manufacturer's recommendations

Discover more essential sailing tips with our guides to rigging a gaff sail, mast climbing and yacht rigging.

Kedging FAQs

What is a kedge anchor used for?

A kedge anchor is used to move or control a boat when standard anchoring isn't enough. Common uses include refloating a grounded vessel, repositioning a boat in a crowded anchorage, limiting swinging room, and manoeuvring when engine power is unavailable.

Is a kedge anchor the same as a stern anchor?

No. A kedge anchor refers to the type of anchor, while a stern anchor refers to where the anchor is deployed. It is often used from the stern to reduce swinging or secure the boat in a confined anchorage, but it can also be deployed from the bow or side of the boat.

Can one person perform kedging?

Yes, one person can perform kedging on a small boat if conditions are calm and you have the right equipment. Having additional crew makes the process safer and more efficient, particularly in strong winds, currents, or emergencies.

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