CHOOSING THE CORRECT ANCHOR

SELECTING THE RIGHT ANCHOR

When choosing an anchor it is paramount to consider both the length of boat, weight and weather conditions in your area.

RULE OF THUMB IS: 1 pound of anchor per foot or 1 kilo per meter (rounding up to the nearest size)

The table below illustrates recommended weights based on an average boat in average conditions.

Whitsunday Discount Marine always advises to select an anchor in the highest weight/length category for your boat. This will give you peace of mind when the conditions turn nasty and for an overnight.

The anchor style is dependent on bottom type and personal preference.

Folding grapnel anchors are ideal connected to anchoring rope using at least 1 meter of chain:

  • As a second or emergency anchor
  • For RIB"s, inflatables and jet skis

Reef anchors are ideal for coral reefs and sandy bottoms for easy retrieval from small boats. Remember to use at least 1 meter of chain of every meter of boat length for maximum hold.

Danforth anchors are ideal for sandy bottoms or anchoring on a beach due to their triangular shaped flukes which bury into the sand. Remember to use at least 1 meter of chain of every meter of boat length for maximum hold.

Claw or Bruce anchors are easy set in most bottoms especially mud and sand. They are self aligning and always roll upright. They perform relatively well with low rode scopes. Remember to use at least 1 metre of chain of every metre of boat length for maximum hold.

Articulated shank plough anchors have a shank profile and ballasted tip. They can drag and till the seabed like a plough. They have been superseded by the fixed head plough. They are suitable for sand, weed and mud. Remember to use at least 1 meter of chain of every meter of boat length for maximum hold.

Fixed head plough anchors (Lloyds rating HHP - High Holding Power) have a shank profile and ballasted tip facilitate self-launching with immediate set. They are suitable and recommended for sand, rock, weed, mud and coral. Remember to use at least 1 meter of chain of every meter of boat length for maximum hold.

Spade with roll bar anchors (Lloyds rating SHHP - Super High Holding Power) designed to be the highest holding, fastest setting fixed shank anchor in the world. The anchor be used effectively across all seabed types. Manson and ROCNA are the primary brands. They are patented and as such come with a high price tag. 

Remember to use at least 1 meter of chain of every meter of boat length for maximum hold.

Anchor Weight to Boat Length Table

Kilos Boat Length*
5 For boats 4 to 5 meters in length
6 For boats 5 to 7 meters in length
10 For boats 7 to 11 meters in length
15 For boats 8.5 to 12 meters in length
20 For boats 11 to 14 meters in length
25 For boats 11.5 to 15.5 meters in length
32 For boats 15.5 to 20 meters in length