7 anchor types and when to use them

Choosing the right anchor type can be confusing, especially when there are so many options to select from.

In this guide, we'll look at seven different anchor types and when to use them, so you can work out which design is best for you and your sailboat.

How do anchors work?

An anchor is used to secure a boat or ship to the seabed and prevents it from drifting due to wind, waves, or current. Anchors can work by digging into the seabed, using weight to resist movement, or hooking onto rocks or other structures. The main parts of an anchor are its:

• Shank: A long central bar
• Flukes: Flat or curved parts that dig into the seabed
• Crown: Where flukes join the shank
• Stock: A crossbar that helps orient the anchor for digging and is found on some designs
• Roll-bar: Typically found on modern anchors, and helps move the anchor into the correct position

How many types of anchors are there?

There are many different types of anchors, and the one best suited to you depends on the size of your boat and the type of material you need it to dig into – for example, sand, mud, rocks, gravel, or weeds. While older anchors are well-built and reliable, modern anchors have features that can make them a more desirable option.

What are the different types of anchors for sailing?

As mentioned, numerous anchor types can be used for sailing. From traditional anchors that have been used for centuries to those that have only been around for the last couple of decades, choosing the right anchor for your sailboat can be tricky. Here, we share seven popular anchor types, when to use them, and their main advantages and disadvantages.

1. Fisherman anchor

A fisherman anchor is one of the oldest, most recognisable types of anchors. Known for its classic shape, this anchor holds well where others struggle, such as in rocks, gravel, and weeds. The fisherman anchor's simple design consists of a vertical bar, a crossbar at the top, and two pointed arms which dig into the seabed. While this design isn't technical, it is extremely reliable. Fisherman anchors do have some disadvantages when compared to other options. For example, they're difficult to store due to their shape, size, and weight, and don't work very well in sand or mud.

2. Plough anchor

A plough anchor is designed to dig into the seabed like a farmer's plough. This type of anchor boasts strong holding power in a wide range of conditions, including sand, mud, gravel, and weeds. As its name suggests, a plough anchor is shaped like a plough and works by digging into the seabed when tension is applied, and it will dig in again should your boat move or change direction. Popular plough anchors include CQR and Delta.

3. Flat anchor

A flat anchor is an anchor with a large, flat surface area and sharp fluke tips – they are typically used for their ability to dig quickly into a variety of seabeds. Flat anchors aren't a specific anchor type, but are a term used to describe anchors like Danforth or Britany anchors, which have wide, flat flukes. These anchors are lightweight and easy to store and have high holding power when they're properly set. However, they're not particularly effective in weed or rock and can drag with shifts in wind or current.

4. Claw anchor

A claw anchor looks like an open claw, has no moving parts, and has been designed to roll into the correct position before digging in quickly. The original claw anchor is the Bruce anchor, which was created in the 1970s for offshore oil rigs. Although 'Bruce' is a brand name, many modern anchors of the same shape are referred to as 'Bruce-type anchors'. Claw anchors are easy to deploy, hold well in a range of conditions, and are extremely durable. They're also a more affordable option than other types of anchors.

5. New generation anchor

New generation anchors are typically those that were developed between the early 2000s and the present day. They tend to outperform traditional anchors when it comes to holding power, setting speed, and reliability, and work well in a variety of seabed conditions. Features of new generation anchors include a concave-shaped fluke, a weighted or sharp tip, and the ability to self-right. Popular examples are the Rocna, Bügel, and Spade.

6. Folding anchor

A folding anchor is a compact, portable type of anchor designed with foldable flukes or arms that make it easy to store and carry. This anchor type is perfect for small boats, dinghies, kayaks, and canoes, and can also be a good backup anchor. Folding anchors have a simple design and are lightweight, quick to deploy and retrieve, and affordable. However, they have low holding power, especially in sand and mud, as their design really only allows them to hook onto things. They're also not particularly durable and can bend easily.

7. Copies

Copies are anchors that are imitations of popular designs and mean the shape, style, or working concept has been copied from a well-known model rather than being genuine. They're often made using cheap materials, which makes them less durable, don't include the original features that make them work effectively, and haven't usually been properly tested. Copies are typically cheaper than original designs, but they're rarely useful. Investing in a genuine, reliable, safety-tested anchor is a far better option.

What is the oldest type of anchor?

While the fisherman anchor is probably the first type of anchor that comes to mind when thinking about the oldest design, stone anchors actually came centuries before these. Used by Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Phoenicians, these original anchors were made from large rocks with holes for attaching ropes. They couldn't dig in like modern anchors and simply held boats in place due to their weight.

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