+anonymous anonymous Take a bearing to one specific part of the hull (bow, mast, stern). Record the bearing in the log. Shoot another bearing later on to the same exact spot. Compare it to the first bearing. It should be pretty close. You can also use a natural range and check how the boat lines up with a point of land or object ashore. If they split apart, this could indicate dragging. Both of these methods are similar to taking drag bearings for your own boat. Before you lower the anchor, tour the anchorage. Stay away from boats that are are on too short of a scope (the visible part of their rodes may appear to be straighter than others nearby). Also, favor boats with a similar design as your boat (hull, freeboard, superstructure). Boats like this will most likely swing together.

+Captain John's Skipper Tips Perfect. I got it. Thanks Cap.

+Timucin Edman Timucin, freeboard is the height of the hull above the water, measured from the waterline to the intersection of the hull with the deck. The bow will be higher, so the freeboard will be greater at the bow than at the stern.