A sea anchor towed how many fathoms behind a boat serves to keep the stern or bow into the surf?

A sea anchor is a device that helps stabilize a boat in rough conditions, often by keeping it oriented into the waves to reduce the impact of surf. When deployed, it is typically towed at a specified distance behind the boat to effectively manage the vessel's movement and maintain its position.

The correct distance for towing a sea anchor is 20 to 30 fathoms behind the boat. This range is effective as it provides enough drag to stabilize the vessel while still allowing for some degree of maneuverability. This distance helps ensure that the boat's stern or bow can face the waves directly, which mitigates the risk of broaching and capsizing.

In contrast, shorter distances may lead to insufficient stabilization, resulting in the boat being more susceptible to surf impact, while longer distances could cause the boat to be less responsive to steering and control, as well as potentially losing the effectiveness of the sea anchor altogether. Thus, the choice of 20 to 30 fathoms is a crucial measure for ensuring the boat maintains a safe and controlled orientation in challenging sea conditions.