Folding Grapnel Anchors
Choosing a Folding Grapnel Anchor
A Folding Grapnel Anchor folds down for very compact storage. This makes it popular for small boats and sloops that anchor temporarily in sheltered waters in fair weather while you stay on board. It can be used on sand, mud and soft clay.
A Folding Grapnel Anchor has less holding power than other anchor types. The table below therefore only gives boat lengths for temporary sheltered anchoring. For extended or overnight anchoring, a different anchor type is more suitable. Check the folded dimensions before ordering too.
| Anchor weight | Max. boat length extended / overnight anchoring | Max. boat length temporary sheltered anchoring |
|---|---|---|
| 0.7 kg | - | 2 m |
| 1.5 kg | - | 3 m |
| 2.5 kg | - | 4 m |
| 3.2 kg | - | 4.5 m |
| 4 kg | - | 5 m |
| 6 kg | - | 6 m |
| 8 kg | - | 7 m |
| 10 kg | - | 8 m |
| 12 kg | - | 9 m |
| 15 kg | - | 10 m |
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. Stay on board and check that the anchor holds.
Anchor rope and chain
A chain leader or anchor chain, or a leaded anchor rope, also helps a Folding Grapnel Anchor hold better. The extra weight keeps the pull closer to the seabed, helping the anchor dig in.
Want to know more about other anchor types, how much anchor rope to use and suitable accessories? Read our guide on the Anchors page.