Anchoring

I agree with that, I see the same thing all the time.  Not enough scope is the most common problem.  Second is lack of understanding on how to set the anchor.  Third is the wrong size or type of anchor.

I have scuba gear on the boat so I often go and check the anchor (more as an excuse to dive than really needing to check).  I've checked a number of boats using plows (especially with the knuckles) in soft mud and the problem that I've often seen is that the anchor lands upside down and buries in the mud.  It gives the illusion of setting for a few hours.  Many danforth users have a hard time getting a hold because of weeds.  The fortress, which is a great anchor (I have one as a back anchor), is really bad in these situations because it's just not heavy enough to penetrate the weeds (I've watched them skim the weeds like it was fishing lure).  The Bruce is the most effective in Georgian Bay, at least of the commonly available anchors here.

When I bought my boat last winter, I was really concerned about anchoring overnight with such a big heavy boat.  I researched and chose the Rocna anchor, and I oversized it a bit.  After watching this anchor set, I'm glad I bought it.  No matter the wind, or bottom, it always lands with the tip down.  Even if it lands first on it's side, it rolls the tip down.  In the soft bottom that I usually anchor in, you cannot even reach the anchor to dig it out (My arms are long, and it's buried deeper than I can get to).  I was worried about unsetting this anchor, but it hasn't been a problem.  We use the windlass to get right above the anchor and then power forward to unset.  You cannot use the windlass (and mine is huge) to unset this anchor.

The other tool that I highly recommend to all boaters that anchor, is a chain counter.  Forget coloured stripes or plastic tabs with numbers on it, get an electronic counter.  It makes the whole job much less stressful, and there's less of me yelling at my wife asking how much chain is out.  They're about $200 and a very simple install on any windlass (some are even prewired!)

Using the counter and the depth meter, I know how much chain I need out and how much is out.  I put out the right amount before reversing, add some more while reversing, and know when I have enough, then set the anchor.  

I sleep well at night.  Except in high winds when other boats are near.  3 weeks ago, I was the only boat around that did not pull (I was tied to shore in addition to my anchor).  By morning, half the bay way tied up to me or boats that were tied up to me.  The night was a bit stresful, but party the next day was great.  No damage done (because I had my radar turned on that night to warn me of approaching vessels and was able to get to all the other boats as they drifted and wake up their skippers before problems.

 

For a safe night:  Lots of chain, Rocna anchor, chain counter, radar.  All your bases are covered (the radar works better, in my opinion, than the GPS anchor drag alarm).