This photo of four Bungys clearly shows the gadget’s simplicity. Beginning from the lower left, a Bungy sits in the closed position; above is one with the cap snapped open, ready for line; and above that, a bight of half-inch nylon anchor line is inserted. At the top right, a piece of three-quarter-inch braid has been inserted in the Bungy with the cap locked down, ready for deployment. The line itself holds the Bungy closed. At $29.90 per pair, they're hardly inexpensive, but certainly effective at absorbing loads.

Among the more worrisome situations for any boat owner is lying at anchor in roily conditions. It usually calls for an anchor watch, especially at night, particularly if the bottom conditions are unknown.

In these situations, the boat's deadly rhythmic dance can jerk fearsomely on the anchor rode. Chafe and drag become far more than the scary words you encountered in some book on anchoring.

Fear not. There are lots of ways to ease the relentless shock on the rode. And because it's an important subject, PS never passes on an opportunity to present ideas for dealing with that shock. …