Choosing the Right Anchor
It may not be the most glamorous piece of kit, but a well-chosen anchor can bring a new dimension to your boat life.
January 21, 2012
While there are plenty of boating accessories the recreational enthusiast can do without, an anchor is not among them. This unassuming little hook not only allows you to stop and explore relatively quiet or remote backwaters, but it also serves as a vital safety device in the event of a mechanical breakdown. Plainly then you need an anchor, but the trouble comes when you attempt to buy one…
Having the proper anchor makes possible lunch and overnight visits to remote areas like this beach. Photo Gilles Martin-Raget/Beneteau
Like a propeller, an electronics suite or indeed the boat itself, there is so much choice (and so many conflicting opinions) that it can be difficult to know where to begin. But the basic issues the average recreational boater needs to consider are actually very simple. Will it fit on board your boat comfortably and enable you to use it without awkwardness? Will it provide effective holding for your boat in the seabed material you most commonly encounter? Will it position itself correctly and will it hold or reset itself if the boat rotates? If the answers to these questions are all positive, then it is time to turn your attention to that simplest (and most compelling) consideration - price.
A secondhand store or yard sale is a good place to look for anchors, but there are a range of different designs...
Anchor types
The range of boat types, boating applications and seabed materials is enormous and the broad range of anchors available reflects that. One of the most popular types is the Danforth, which uses a horizontal anti-roll bar and provides fierce holding power despite quite modest weight and accessible pricing. It is, however, quite bulky and awkward to stow, particularly in the traditionally tapered bow of a planing powerboat.
A Fortress anchor
So how about the Fortress Anchor? Of the same general design as the Danforth, but made of lightweight aluminum-magnesium alloy, it uses a pair of long, pointed flukes on a pivot, which are designed to drive into the surface or to catch an edge. You also get the flexibility of adjusting the angle of the flukes to improve its performance, plus lightweight construction and the ability to dismantle it and stow it very neatly in a compact carry bag.
The Bruce anchor meanwhile is a favorite of the more glamorous powerboat brigade. It uses a single fluke, which is designed to enable it to nestle into a soft surface and stay secure, even if the boat rotates. In its stainless steel guise, it can look fantastic poised on the bow of a boat, but its holding power is relatively limited in relation to its weight.
A Grapnel anchor
So what about the Grapnel anchor? It is a simple, lightweight unit with three or four prongs, each of which can be folded upwards, creating a small, easily stowed package that looks rather like a bashful squid. The trouble is that only half the prongs are able to come into contact with the bed at any one time and as a result, they rarely have sufficient grip to serve as your sole anchor in all conditions.
And that brings us nicely to the plow anchor. With broadly effective holding in most conditions, it has proven itself as a very effective compromise. The CQR (Clyde Quick Release) hinged version of the plow can be neatly stowed over a bow roller and it boasts an excellent ability to set itself even if it falls on its side. The original version was used during WWII as an affordable general-purpose military anchor, and the modern CQR is a sound selection for a great many recreational applications. Just watch out for your fingers in the apex of that hinged shank.
The CQR anchor is a sound selection for many recreational applications.
Five Tips for Anchor Selection
1 - Most guidance charts refer to your boat's length as the key consideration. But don’t forget your boat weight and windage. To play it safe, buy an anchor a size or two above that recommended for your overall length.
2 - A poorly secured anchor in your bow locker can cause damage, so make sure it’s placed in a bracket, rests on something soft like a rubber mat, or strapped down securely.
3 - You'll also need a good anchor line. Nylon is a great choice, as it is non-buoyant and has a bit of elasticity. Depending on your boat and usage, you may also need a length of chain.
4 - Get more line than you think you will need, as you may need to anchor in deeper water than you expect. Add 60 to 100 feet to the length required for your regular anchorage and you will have some leeway for emergencies.
5 -When you anchor, take a good fix on the objects around you. If you then start dragging, you should be able to spot it early and reset your hook.
Match your anchor to your boat. A poorly stowed anchor can cause damage.
Keep it green
Non-native invasive species can have serious detrimental effects on our ecosystems. They can easily get transported around our coastline by small recreational boats. In order to stop these invaders hitchhiking on your boat, give your anchor a good wash down before you leave your anchoring spot.
Summary
An anchor is not the marine equivalent of fuzzy dice; it is a vital part of your skipper’s inventory. Find out what you need for your boat, taking into account advice on the best type of anchor for your local area, and make the investment.
—Alex Smith
