Anchors

Which anchor to choose?

The right anchor depends on the seabed, the size of your boat and how you plan to anchor. Danforth, Britany and Pool Anchors are mainly suitable for sand, mud and soft clay. Delta and Plow Anchors can also be used on hard clay and gravel. Bruce Anchors are mainly suitable for sand and mud and can also be used on gravel.

Folding Grapnel Anchors have less holding power, but fold down for very compact storage. They are popular for small boats and sloops that anchor temporarily in sheltered waters in fair weather, while you stay on board.

Consider how you will use your anchor. Do you need to rely on it for extended or overnight anchoring? Or will you only anchor in sheltered waters in fair weather while staying on board? In the second case, a smaller anchor that is easier to store may be an option. The table below helps you choose the right anchor type and weight. The boat lengths shown are a guide. Your boat’s weight, how much wind it catches, the anchor rope or chain you use and the conditions also matter. Do you have a relatively heavy boat or one that catches a lot of wind? You may need a heavier anchor than the table suggests based on boat length alone.

Check the dimensions too

We regularly see anchors exchanged for smaller ones because they turn out to be larger than expected. Check the dimensions carefully before ordering, especially if the anchor needs to fit in an anchor locker. The anchor should be easy to store, but must also have enough holding power.

Anchor rope and chain

A chain leader, anchor chain or leaded anchor rope helps the anchor hold better. The extra weight keeps the pull closer to the seabed, helping the anchor dig in.

For temporary anchoring in calm, sheltered waters while you stay on board, you can use approximately three to five times the water depth. For extended or overnight anchoring, approximately six times is a better guideline. Add the height of the attachment point above the water to the water depth before calculating the length. For example, with a water depth of 2 metres and an attachment point 0.5 metres above the water, six times means approximately 15 metres of rope and chain combined. More length is needed in stronger winds or waves.

Anchoring accessories

Besides a suitable anchor and anchor rope or chain, the following accessories are also worth considering.

Black anchor ball
A black anchor ball shows other boaters that you are at anchor during the day. Hoist it in a clearly visible position on board.

Anchor light
Staying at anchor after dark? An all-round white anchor light allows other boaters to see your boat.

Anchor buoy
An anchor buoy floats above your anchor to mark its position on the seabed. Other boaters can take this into account when passing or dropping their own anchor. Make sure the buoy line is no longer than necessary.

Anchor chain connector or shackle
An anchor chain connector or shackle attaches the anchor chain or the eye of the anchor rope to your anchor. When choosing one, check that its size fits both the anchor and the chain or rope eye.