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Buying the Right Anchor

jaschmidt | Jan 4, 2010 |

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The anchor is an essential part of a boat. Buying the right anchor is even more essential. Anyone can toss an anchor into the water and hope it holds the boat where necessary however it takes the right anchor and buying the right anchor to keep your boat in good shape and also prevent you from having to replace anchors all the time.

Just because you're a new boater doesn't mean you're exempt from buying the right anchor. If you're really serious about boating you need to learn the correct ground tackle, know the difference between each type of anchor and what to do when buying the right anchor.

Ground Tackle

The ground tackle is the nautical term for the swivels, shackles, chains, lines and the actual anchor. Before even buying the right anchor you should know what kind of ground tackle you need. The ground tackle is not a one size fits all deal. You'll need to find the right length and size of everything regarding your ground tackle.

The Different Anchors

There are three main anchor types to look at for your boat when buying the right anchor. If none of these fit your boat's needs then you're going to want to discuss the proper anchor with your sales representative. Buying the right anchor includes doing some research.

-Danforth Anchor

Probably the most common of anchors is the Danforth. It's recognized by the two long sharp flukes that pivot at the tips and the long shank down the middle. The Danforth works for a smaller to a medium sized boat because the anchor is lighter and easier to store. Danforth anchors do well to dig in sand and mud to help your boat slow and stop. They are also easy to release when pulled from any direction.

-Plow Anchor

This is a single fluke that has a pivoting shank to catch on any type of underwater surface. The shank pivots to each side but will also remain parallel with the fluke. With such a design it's also easier to release the plow anchor by pulling vertically.

-Bruce Anchor

The Bruce anchor had actually been designed to hold offshore rigs that were out on the water drilling. Obviously you're not going to need that large of an anchor but you can get one scaled down to fit the needs of your boat. The Bruce anchor catches quickly but is also easy to release when pulled vertically.

Length of Line, Your Boat and Everything Else

When buying the right anchor you need to also figure in how long your boat is, the displacement and the sort of winds you'll likely encounter. All of these are important to factor in when buying the right anchor. The type of line is even important when you're buying the right anchor. Sometimes a braided nylon line will work while other times you'll need a tougher material. Consult the sales associate or do more research online for your specific type of boat, length and conditions you may be boating in.

Buying the right anchor is important if you want your boat and anchor to last a long time. For those who are newer to boating you should consider getting some practice in anchoring or even taking a course about how to properly cast your anchor.