Anchoring Guide

The Ultimate Guide to Boat Anchors: Types, Uses, and Top Products

This comprehensive guide helps you understand the many types of anchors available and how to choose the best one for your boat. Anchors differ in design, materials, and ideal usage conditions. Here, we break down 9 popular types of anchors and their features and showcase product examples from top marine brands, including Attwood, Fortress, Greenfield, Lewmar, Seachoice, and Tie Down Engineering.

Choosing the right anchor is critical to safe and effective boating. Each anchor type has distinct features and excels in certain seabeds and conditions.

Claw Anchors

Claw anchors are known for their strong holding power and ability to reset quickly if they get dislodged. They are ideal for rocky bottoms, sand, and coral, and are popular for offshore and cruising vessels.

Brand Model Weight Recommended Boat Size Bottom Type
Lewmar Claw Anchor 11 lb 11 lb Up to 20 ft Sand, Rock
Lewmar Claw Anchor 22 lb 22 lb 20–30 ft Sand, Mud
Lewmar Claw Anchor 33 lb 33 lb 30–40 ft Sand, Coral
Lewmar Claw Anchor 44 lb 44 lb 40–50 ft Mud, Rock
Lewmar Claw Anchor 66 lb 66 lb 50+ ft Sand, Mud, Rock
Seachoice Claw Anchor 11 lb 11 lb Up to 18 ft Sand, Mud
Seachoice Claw Anchor 16.5 lb 16.5 lb 18–25 ft Mud, Rock
Seachoice Claw Anchor 22 lb 22 lb 25–32 ft Sand, Coral
Seachoice Claw Anchor 33 lb 33 lb 32–38 ft Rock, Mud
Seachoice Claw Anchor 44 lb 44 lb 38–45 ft All Types

Fluke Anchors

Fluke anchors, also known as Danforth anchors, are lightweight and provide excellent holding power in sand and mud. They are ideal for small to medium boats and often serve as a secondary or backup anchor due to their compact and flat design.

Brand Model Weight Recommended Boat Size Bottom Type
Fortress FX-7 4 lb Up to 27 ft Sand, Mud
Fortress FX-11 7 lb 28 to 32 ft Sand, Mud
Fortress FX-16 10 lb 33 to 38 ft Sand
Fortress FX-23 15 lb 39 to 45 ft Mud
Fortress FX-37 21 lb 46 to 51 ft Sand, Mud
Seachoice Fluke Anchor 4S 4 lb 12 to 16 ft Sand
Seachoice Fluke Anchor 8S 8 lb 17 to 24 ft Mud
Seachoice Fluke Anchor 13S 13 lb 25 to 30 ft Sand, Mud
Seachoice Fluke Anchor 18S 18 lb 31 to 34 ft Sand, Mud
Seachoice Fluke Anchor 22S 22 lb 35 to 38 ft Sand, Mud
Seachoice Fluke Anchor 43S 43 lb 39 to 45 ft Sand, Mud
Tie Down Fluke Anchor #13 13 lb 24 to 30 ft Sand, Mud

Folding Anchors

Folding anchors, also known as grapnel anchors, are compact and easy to stow, making them ideal for small boats, kayaks, canoes, and dinghies. They work best in rocky or coral bottoms where the prongs can hook securely.

Brand Model Weight Recommended Boat Size Bottom Type
Seachoice Grapnel Anchor 1.5 lb 1.5 lb Up to 10 ft Rock
Seachoice Grapnel Anchor 3.5 lb 3.5 lb 10–15 ft Coral, Rock
Seachoice Grapnel Anchor 5.5 lb 5.5 lb 15–20 ft Rock
Seachoice Grapnel Anchor 7 lb 7 lb 20–25 ft Coral
Attwood Folding Anchor Kit 3 lb 3 lb Kayaks, Canoes Rock, Coral
Attwood Folding Anchor Kit 5 lb 5 lb Up to 16 ft Rock
Tie Down Grapnel Anchor 6 lb 6 lb Up to 18 ft Rock, Coral
Tie Down Grapnel Anchor 8 lb 8 lb 18–22 ft Rock
Greenfield Folding Anchor 3 lb 3 lb Small Craft Rock
Greenfield Folding Anchor 5 lb 5 lb Small Boats Coral

Mushroom Anchors

Mushroom anchors are designed for long-term moorings rather than frequent anchoring. Their shape allows them to bury themselves in soft bottom types like mud or silt, and they gain more holding power over time. They are best suited for small boats, moorings, or buoys.

Brand Model Weight Recommended Boat Size Bottom Type
Greenfield Mushroom Anchor 8 lb 8 lb Up to 12 ft Mud, Silt
Greenfield Mushroom Anchor 15 lb 15 lb 12–16 ft Mud
Greenfield Mushroom Anchor 20 lb 20 lb 16–20 ft Silt
Greenfield Mushroom Anchor 30 lb 30 lb 20–25 ft Mud, Silt
Seachoice Mushroom Anchor 10 lb 10 lb Up to 14 ft Mud
Seachoice Mushroom Anchor 15 lb 15 lb 14–18 ft Mud
Seachoice Mushroom Anchor 25 lb 25 lb 18–24 ft Silt
Tie Down Mushroom Anchor 10 lb 10 lb Up to 14 ft Mud
Tie Down Mushroom Anchor 20 lb 20 lb 14–20 ft Silt
Tie Down Mushroom Anchor 30 lb 30 lb 20–26 ft Mud, Silt

Navy Anchors

Navy anchors are traditional in design and well-suited for grassy, rocky, or weedy bottoms. They provide decent holding power but are heavier and less compact than modern designs. Often used on larger boats and for decorative or emergency use, they rely on weight and flukes to dig in.

Brand Model Weight Recommended Boat Size Bottom Type
Seachoice Navy Anchor 8 lb 8 lb Up to 16 ft Grassy, Rocky
Seachoice Navy Anchor 12 lb 12 lb 16–20 ft Rock, Weed
Seachoice Navy Anchor 15 lb 15 lb 20–24 ft Rock
Tie Down Navy Anchor 10 lb 10 lb Up to 18 ft Weed, Rock
Tie Down Navy Anchor 20 lb 20 lb 18–22 ft Rock, Grass
Attwood Navy Anchor 15 lb 15 lb 20–26 ft Rock, Weed
Attwood Navy Anchor 20 lb 20 lb 26–30 ft Rock
Greenfield Navy Anchor 25 lb 25 lb 30–36 ft Weed, Rock
Greenfield Navy Anchor 35 lb 35 lb 36–42 ft Rock
Greenfield Navy Anchor 50 lb 50 lb 42+ ft Rock, Weed

Plow Anchors

Plow anchors are excellent for a wide range of bottom types and are known for their ability to reset themselves if the wind or current shifts. They provide strong holding power and are ideal for cruising boats and liveaboards.

Brand Model Weight Recommended Boat Size Bottom Type
Lewmar Delta Anchor 14 lb 14 lb Up to 22 ft Sand, Mud
Lewmar Delta Anchor 22 lb 22 lb 22–28 ft All Types
Lewmar Delta Anchor 35 lb 35 lb 28–34 ft Sand, Mud, Grass
Lewmar Delta Anchor 44 lb 44 lb 34–40 ft Mud, Rock
Seachoice Plow Anchor 16.5 lb 16.5 lb Up to 24 ft Sand, Mud
Seachoice Plow Anchor 26.5 lb 26.5 lb 24–30 ft Mud, Grass
Seachoice Plow Anchor 35 lb 35 lb 30–36 ft Rock, Sand
Tie Down Plow Anchor 25 lb 25 lb 24–30 ft All Types
Tie Down Plow Anchor 35 lb 35 lb 30–36 ft Mud, Rock
Tie Down Plow Anchor 45 lb 45 lb 36–42 ft Sand, Grass

Richter Anchors

Richter anchors combine the benefits of fluke, grapnel, and plow anchors to offer exceptional holding power in rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. They are especially effective in rocky or weedy bottoms and are often favored by anglers and small boat operators for their quick setting ability.

Brand Model Weight Recommended Boat Size Bottom Type
Greenfield Richter 18 lb Anchor 18 lb Up to 18 ft Rocks, Weeds
Greenfield Richter 25 lb Anchor 25 lb 18–22 ft Weeds, Mud
Greenfield Richter 30 lb Anchor 30 lb 22–26 ft All Types
Greenfield Richter 35 lb Anchor 35 lb 26–30 ft Rocks
Greenfield Richter 40 lb Anchor 40 lb 30–34 ft Sand, Weeds
Greenfield Richter 45 lb Anchor 45 lb 34–38 ft Weeds, Mud
Greenfield Richter 50 lb Anchor 50 lb 38–42 ft Mud, Rocks
Greenfield Richter 55 lb Anchor 55 lb 42–46 ft Rocks
Greenfield Richter 60 lb Anchor 60 lb 46–50 ft All Types
Greenfield Richter 65 lb Anchor 65 lb 50+ ft Heavy Vegetation

River Anchors

River anchors are specifically designed for use in freshwater environments with moderate to strong currents. Their shape helps them dig into soft, silty riverbeds while still offering enough weight and grip to resist drifting. These anchors are popular with anglers and small recreational boaters.

Brand Model Weight Recommended Boat Size Bottom Type
Greenfield River Anchor 12 lb 12 lb Up to 14 ft Mud, Silt
Greenfield River Anchor 15 lb 15 lb 14–16 ft Silt, Sand
Greenfield River Anchor 20 lb 20 lb 16–18 ft Mud, Gravel
Greenfield River Anchor 25 lb 25 lb 18–20 ft Silt, Rock
Greenfield River Anchor 30 lb 30 lb 20–22 ft Mud, Silt
Greenfield River Anchor 35 lb 35 lb 22–24 ft Silt, Weeds
Greenfield River Anchor 40 lb 40 lb 24–26 ft Sand, Mud
Greenfield River Anchor 45 lb 45 lb 26–28 ft Gravel, Mud
Greenfield River Anchor 50 lb 50 lb 28–30 ft Mud, Sand
Greenfield River Anchor 55 lb 55 lb 30+ ft Silt, Gravel

Spike Anchors

Spike anchors are compact and versatile anchors designed for use in firm bottoms like sand, gravel, or packed mud. They are popular for personal watercraft, small boats, and as secondary anchors. With a simple rod-like design that digs in easily, spike anchors offer good holding power while remaining lightweight and easy to store.

Brand Model Weight Recommended Boat Size Bottom Type
Seachoice Utility Spike Anchor 5 lb 5 lb Up to 12 ft Sand, Gravel
Seachoice Utility Spike Anchor 10 lb 10 lb 12–16 ft Sand, Mud
Seachoice Utility Spike Anchor 15 lb 15 lb 16–20 ft Gravel, Packed Sand
Attwood Spike Anchor 6 lb 6 lb Up to 14 ft Sand
Attwood Spike Anchor 12 lb 12 lb 14–18 ft Firm Mud
Greenfield Spike Anchor 8 lb 8 lb Up to 16 ft Gravel
Greenfield Spike Anchor 14 lb 14 lb 16–20 ft Sand, Gravel
Tie Down Utility Spike Anchor 7 lb 7 lb Up to 15 ft Mud, Sand
Tie Down Utility Spike Anchor 13 lb 13 lb 15–20 ft Sand, Rock
Tie Down Utility Spike Anchor 18 lb 18 lb 20–24 ft Firm Bottom

Choosing the Right Anchor: Summary & Final Tips

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Fluke Anchors: Great all-around anchors for sandy or muddy bottoms.
  • Plow Anchors: Excellent for cruising boats and varied bottom types.
  • Box, Richter & River Anchors: Strong holds in current-heavy or rocky river environments.
  • Mushroom Anchors: Best for permanent mooring or calm inland lakes.
  • Navy Anchors: Traditional style for rocky or weedy conditions.
  • Folding Anchors: Compact and ideal for small craft or kayaks.
  • Shallow Water/Spike Anchors: Designed for beaching, sandbars, and calm shallow areas.

Buying Tips:

  • Always match the anchor size and weight to your boat size.
  • Consider having more than one anchor on board for different conditions.
  • Don't forget anchor accessories: chain, rope/rode, shackles, and storage.
  • Vinyl-coated anchors protect your hull; galvanized models resist corrosion.
  • For areas with high current or wind, heavier or hybrid designs offer superior holding power.

Shop Trusted Marine Anchor Brands

We carry top-quality anchors from brands like Attwood, Fortress, Greenfield, Lewmar, Minn Kota, Seachoice, and Tie Down Engineering — all trusted by boaters for decades.

Whether you're fishing inland, docking offshore, or heading out into coastal waters, we have the right anchor to keep your boat exactly where you want it.

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