Being spoiled with 3'2" of draft, I was constantly sticking TPIII's nose in tight spots. One thing I always did before venturing into unknown anchorages;was to make sure Bambino(14'nester dinghy) was alongside or tied very close to the stern. I always kept a 100' 5/8" line in the forward anchor storage area, attached to 20' of 5/16th in chain and a 25# deep-set Danforth. Every time I got stuck on that damn sand bar(Mary would ask, when U going to give it up ) I was determined to make it into the cove. Never realized the chart showed the entrance to be a mile below where I was trying to cross the bar.
So I'd row the anchor and chain out. Let the anchor settle in, go back to TPIII, use the anchor winch to turn the bow to the anchor and wait for a passing vessels wake and then turn on the winch and pull like Hell. I was successful 100% of the time.
I know all the experts say I should not have put that kind of strain on the anchor windlass. They are right but only if it were a normal anchor winch for a 32' boat. Mine was a Ideal designed and built for a 55' Chriscraft and I had sent it back to the factory and they called me and told me it was in perfect condition and I probably lift my boat with it with no problem. All my bases were covered, EXCEPT my STUPID mistake of NOT carefully reading the chart. Fortunately when a tide came in I pulled myself over the sandbank and into the cove.
A lesson in chart reading I'll never ever forget.
ole salt, laughing as stupid self
geneWj