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Boat anchor : How to choose your boat anchor

 

Guide Ancre Marine

How to choose the right boat anchor ?

A is a piece of boat equipment used to stabilize a ship at sea at the desired location. An anchor is a heavy, metallic piece of equipment that guarantees the anchoring of a boat on any bottom, depending on the model. A boat anchor allows you to immobilize a boat on all rocky, muddy and sandy sea beds. Depending on the anchor at your disposal, it will be possible to make temporary or permanent anchors.

At sea, a successful anchoring allows you to keep your boat stationary with an anchor, and to remain stable in all situations. Using a suitable anchor is the best way for you to be safe while anchoring. Thus, boat anchors represent a real safety element that will allow you to navigate in complete serenity.

A good anchorage requires the use of a good anchor line and the choice of a boat anchor adapted to different elements such as the type of bottom, the weight of the anchor, the length of the boat, etc. Choosing an anchor according to the type of navigation you practice and the boat you own is therefore very important. There are different types of anchors on the market that are perfectly suited to your needs.

How to choose the type of marine anchor that suits you?

Flat anchor

The flat anchor is used for occasional anchoring and is effective on sandy and muddy bottoms. This anchor is equipped with remote legs and is lighter. The flat anchor has an excellent hold thanks to its legs and is very easy to use with a chain length that is on average 3 times the height of the water under the boat. Despite its good holding power, it has a tendency to stall and its two points rarely hook together. Consequently, this type of anchor is not recommended on rocks or seaweed.

  • The advantages: not very bulky, very good holding power on sandy bottoms, attractive price
  • The - : not very versatile, sometimes unstable, can stall

Plow anchor

The plow anchor is used for classic or emergency anchoring and is very effective on all types of ground (soft, rock, algae...). This very versatile anchor has an important advantage: it can be easily replaced if it becomes unstuck. Indeed, thanks to its unique design, the plow anchor is perfectly blocked in mud or sand. They are particularly long and are usually raised with a bow roller. Finally, there are several models of plow anchors: CQR, Kobra, Rock, Delta. The latter can have specific characteristics such as the articulated rod.

  • The advantages: efficient on all types of soil, does not stall.
  • The - : bulky, high price

Grapple anchor

The grapple anchor is mainly used as a tender anchor for fishing. Very efficient on seaweed covered bottoms, grapples are not designed for a classic anchor and are very practical to find a mooring line.

  • The + : not cumbersome, light, quick to use
  • The - : poor holding power

Floating anchor

The floating anchor is not really considered as an anchor, but rather as a safety device. It is used to stabilize a boat in bad weather or to stabilize an uncertain anchorage.

What weight anchor for your boat?

Table of anchors according to the size of the boat

Type of boat (m)

Anchor weight (kg)

Up to 4 m

3.5 kg

5.50 m

6 kg

6.50 m

8 kg

7.85 m

10 kg

9 m

12 kg

10.50 m

14 kg

12.50 m

16 kg

16 m

20 kg

18 m

24 kg

20 m

34 kg

25 m

40 kg

+ more than 25 m

60 kg

Choosing your anchor

First of all, it is important to note that there is no such thing as a universal anchor. The most suitable anchor always depends on the type of boat and the nature of the seabed on which you will anchor. To help you make your choice, try to determine the type of bottom where you anchor most often. If you sail in waters where the bottom may differ from anchorage to anchorage, you should consider purchasing an additional anchor.

Our selection of marine anchors on Nautisports

At Nautisports, we offer a wide selection of boat anchors. Do not hesitate to consult the online product sheets of each anchor to know the details in terms of stock and delivery time. For any question or additional information, please contact our customer service by mail or by phone at 04 78 41 79 31.

Anchor boat guide