Choose The Best Anchor

The most important aspect of choosing an anchor is to cover all your bases. This means not only finding the right anchor for your boat, but also the right anchor for the conditions.

Not only must you consider the length, weight and windage of your boat, it's also important to remember that different anchors perform differently depending on wind conditions, the sea state and the make up of the sea or lake bed.

Talk to one of our staff or chat to us online for advice about the weight of anchor you need, because this will change depending not only on your boat’s size, but also where you use it.

Types of anchor

Grapnel

These are ideal for smaller craft such as jet skis, dinghies, kayaks and small yachts in inshore conditions, or for securing nets. They come in a range of materials, sizes and styles, some of which fold for storage. They are perfect for rocky areas or reefs as they can hook into tight spaces.

Danforth

The Danforth style – also known as a fluke or lightweight anchor – is the most popular version because it has a superior holding power to weight ratio. As a result, it's easier to store than larger versions and stows flat because of the way the 'flukes' are designed to swivel on the crossbar. The Danforth holds well on mud or sand but doesn’t work as well on grassy or rocky bottoms where its flukes are more likely to foul.

Scoop/Plough

These styles are typified by the Manson and Rocna ranges and work with a single point to create the best hold on a variety of bottoms – although they work best in grass, mud and sand. This makes them the go-to anchor for heavier powerboats, launches and cruising sailboats which can be fitted with bow-rollers for ease of storage. Their design means they are good at resetting themselves when the wind or current changes, and some are fitted with roll-bars which mean they always land the right way up. The Manson Supreme features a sliding shackle, which will lift from the front when you drive over it to help free it if it becomes stuck. The Rocna Fisherman has two options, (a shackle rail or secure mode) depending on whether you need to re-anchor frequently or need a secure hold for overnight.

Note: Remember when anchored you must take the load off your anchor winch to prevent damage, so cleat the anchor rope off. If using all chain use a chain snubber tied off on the cleat.