Choosing the right anchor. Here is the complete guide so you don’t go wrong!

The choice of anchor(s) to have on board depends on several factors that change from boat to boat. Type of bottom, weight and length of the boat, and length and weight of the cable or chain are the main aspects to consider. But what are the best anchors to keep on board and how do you go about choosing the right one? SVB Marine explains it to us with a special guide.

Guide to choosing an anchor

What and how must the anchor on board be to be safe? First of all, it should be emphasized that on a medium-sized boat it is essential to have one always ready for use–called a mail anchor–and a second emergency one–called a respect or hope anchor–on board. The anchors on board, if more than one as is recommended, should be of different types so as to be ready to anchor in different terrain and carry out, if necessary, anchoring or plugging.

It can be anchored on a variety of soil types, from sand to silt and rock to gravel and clay, or a mix of all of them. There is a better anchor for each soil type, which we can basically summarize into four types: sand, silt/mud, rock, and algae/vegetation.

1. Sandy bottom

On sandy bottoms most anchors are quite functional; articulated or Danforth, spoon or Bruce, or grapple models, for example, are fine. They all have high holding power and can dig the bottom well.

Here you can find suitable anchors for sandy bottom on svb-marine-it

2. Silty bottom

The silty bottom prefers a plowshare (or plow, or CQR) or articulated flukes anchor, which can dig the bottom very well. Usually under the first layer of silt or mud, especially in some territories, there is a state of different composition. Anchors of this type also manage to grip very well on these bottoms.

Here you can find suitable anchors for silty bottom on svb-marine-it

3. Rocky bottom

On rocky or stony bottom it is very difficult to find an anchor that can dig in. The best solution, therefore, is an anchor that can stand firm between the boulders. The recommended types are stump (or Admiralty) and plowshare anchors.

Here you can find suitable anchors for rock bottom on svb-marine-it

4. Algose bottom

Algae and vegetation represent a very difficult bottom for anchoring. Not only is it often difficult to dig, but it is likely that the anchor, chain, or part of both will become stuck and entangled during anchoring. Aplow or stumpanchor is the best choice.

Here you can find suitable anchors for seagrass bottom on svb-marine-it

What else do I need to know to choose the right anchor?

SVB Marine ‘s guide to buying an anchor also clarifies some details you need to know to find the right anchor. Weight is not to be underestimated, there are recommended “minimums” but attention should also be paid to too much weight. Anchor and chain can in fact compromise the trim of the boat by going too heavy in the forepeak, not to mention that an anchor+chain combination that is too heavy forces us to mount a windlass windlass. Usually for a boat between 6 and 9 meters, an anchor weighing between between 6 and 12 kg, while between 10 and 16 meters it is useful to consider one from 14-20 kg.

Speaking of material, anchors can be produced with different solutions. Galvanized steel is the one used for the cheaper models; it is fine in warm and salt water but the layer resists abrasion less on some bottoms and can promote corrosion. For cold water, stainlesssteel is better, but it suffers more from rust in warm water. If the boat is light and/or small, one can also opt for an aluminum-magnesium alloy.

To choose the right anchor (and even have it shipped directly to your port) pop inside the shop
svb-marine.co.uk
. You will find a wide range of anchors and dedicated SVB customer support to help you make the best choice.