Choosing the Right Anchor for Your Boat: A Seasoned Boater’s Guide
Malena R.
As any experienced boater knows, your anchor is more than just a piece of gear, it’s your lifeline when you need to stay put. Whether you’re anchoring overnight, holding position in a strong current, or just stopping for a quick swim, having the right type of anchor for your boat and the seabed conditions is critical.
With so many anchor styles available, choosing the best one can feel overwhelming. In this guide, I’ll break down the most common anchor types, their strengths, weaknesses, and best applications, so you can make an informed decision for your vessel.
Key Factors in Choosing an Anchor
Before diving into specific anchor types, consider these factors when selecting the right anchor for your boat:
- Bottom Conditions – Different anchors perform better in sand, mud, rock, or grassy seabeds.
- Boat Size & Weight – A heavier boat requires a stronger holding anchor.
- Anchor Storage – Some anchors are more compact and easier to store than others.
- Holding Power & Resetting Ability – A good anchor should bite quickly and reset if dragged.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the most popular anchor types and when to use them.
Common Types of Anchors and Their Uses
1. Delta (Plow) Anchor
✔ Best For: Sand, mud, and grassy bottoms
✔ Strengths: Great holding power, self-setting, works on various bottoms
✖ Weaknesses: Less effective on rock and coral
The Delta anchor (a modern plow-style anchor) is a favorite among cruising sailors and powerboaters because of its high holding power and ability to reset itself if the boat shifts due to wind or current changes. Its sharp tip digs deep into sand and mud, making it one of the most reliable all-around anchor choices.
Popular for boats that require a dependable primary anchor, the Delta anchor stows well on bow rollers, making it easy to deploy and retrieve.
2. Fluke Anchor (Danforth Anchor)
✔ Best For: Soft sand and mud
✔ Strengths: Lightweight, excellent holding in soft bottoms, easy to store
✖ Weaknesses: Poor performance on rocky or grassy seabeds
The Danforth (or fluke) anchor is widely used due to its high holding power-to-weight ratio. It has two large, flat flukes that dig into soft seabeds, making it ideal for smaller boats, dinghies, and backup anchors.
However, it struggles in rocky or weedy areas where the flukes can't penetrate effectively. If you anchor primarily in sand or mud, this is a great option.
3. Bruce (Claw) Anchor
✔ Best For: Mud, sand, and rocky bottoms
✔ Strengths: Easy to set, works well in many bottom types
✖ Weaknesses: Lower holding power compared to other plow anchors
Originally designed for offshore oil rigs, the Bruce anchor (or claw anchor) is a solid choice for boaters anchoring in mixed seabeds. It’s known for setting easily and staying put, even if the wind or tide shifts.
The downside? It’s not the strongest anchor per weight compared to a Delta or Danforth. But for general-purpose use, especially for powerboats and cruising sailboats, it’s a reliable option.
4. Grapnel Anchor
✔ Best For: Rocky or coral seabeds
✔ Strengths: Compact, great for small boats and kayaks
✖ Weaknesses: Poor holding in sand or mud, can be difficult to retrieve
A grapnel anchor is popular for small boats, dinghies, jet skis, and kayaks because of its lightweight, folding design. It works best when it can hook onto rocks or crevices. However, in mud or sand, it won’t provide much holding power.
If you're anchoring in rocky waters, a grapnel is a great choice, but be prepared to deal with retrieval challenges if it gets wedged in a crevice.
5. Mushroom Anchor
✔ Best For: Mud, silt, and long-term mooring
✔ Strengths: Great for permanent moorings, holds well in soft bottoms
✖ Weaknesses: Not suitable for most temporary anchoring needs
The mushroom anchor gets its name from its shape, a large, rounded head that buries itself in soft mud or silt over time. It’s commonly used for mooring buoys and permanent anchoring setups rather than everyday boating.
For boaters who need a short-term anchoring solution, a mushroom anchor isn't ideal since it takes time to develop its holding power.
6. Hinged Plow Anchor (CQR Anchor)
✔ Best For: Sand, mud, and grassy bottoms
✔ Strengths: Good holding power, effective in shifting conditions
✖ Weaknesses: Heavier and harder to store than newer plow anchors
The CQR (hinged plow) anchor has been a staple for offshore and cruising sailors for decades. Its hinged design allows it to pivot, helping it stay set in changing tides and currents.
While still effective, modern plow anchors like the Delta tend to perform better and are easier to store.
Which Anchor Should You Choose?
| Anchor Type | Best For | Boat Type | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delta (Plow) | Sand, mud, grass | Cruisers, powerboats | Bow roller |
| Danforth (Fluke) | Sand, mud | Small boats, backups | Compact, easy to store |
| Bruce (Claw) | Mud, sand, rock | Powerboats, cruisers | Bow roller |
| Grapnel | Rocks, coral | Small boats, kayaks, jet skis | Foldable, compact |
| Mushroom | Mud, long-term mooring | Mooring setups | Not for daily use |
| Hinged Plow (CQR) | Sand, mud, grass | Offshore cruisers | Bow roller |
If you need a dependable, all-around anchor, a Delta (plow) or Bruce (claw) anchor is a great choice. If you boat mostly in sand or mud, a Danforth anchor will serve you well.
For small boats, a grapnel anchor works well in rocky areas, while a mushroom anchor is best for moorings.
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all anchor, the best choice depends on where and how you boat. Many seasoned boaters carry at least two different anchors to be prepared for various bottom conditions.
If you're unsure, invest in a high-quality primary anchor (such as a Delta or Bruce) and keep a backup Danforth or grapnel onboard. A good anchor gives you peace of mind, knowing your boat will stay put when you need it to.
Happy boating, and anchor safely!
