A good anchor is essential for every water sports enthusiast. It keeps your boat securely in place, whether you're relaxing for an afternoon or spending a night on the open water. But which anchor is right for your boat and sailing area? This guide will help you choose step by step.
Why is a good anchor important?
- Safety: prevents drifting in wind or current.
- Comfort: lie relaxed without having to constantly adjust.
- Emergency solution: in case of engine failure or lee shore, an anchor is your lifesaver.
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What should you pay attention to when choosing an anchor?
- Boat length and weight: Heavier/longer boats require more holding power.
- Windage & build-up: high build-up = more wind pressure = heavier anchor.
- Soil type: sand, clay, silt or rock requires a different design.
- Use: Day trip vs. overnight (maximum safety).
- Storage space: bow roller/anchor locker vs. collapsible model.
Types of anchors and their applications
The overview below provides a clear overview of which anchor is suitable for which type of ground, including pros and cons and typical examples.
| Anchor type | Suitable for | Advantages | Disadvantages | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ploughshare anchor | Sand, clay, silt | Good holding power; grips quickly; self-aligning | Relatively heavy; stowage via bow roller | CQR, Delta, Kobra |
| Claw anchor (Bruce) | Sand, mud, clay | Easy to use; works immediately | Less strong in stone/silt | Bruce, Lewmar |
| Flat anchor | Sand, clay | Light; digs deep | Weak on stone/silt | Britany, Fortress |
| Spade anchor | Widely applicable | Very high holding power; modern shape | Higher price | Spade, Oceane |
| Umbrella anchor | Small boats, dinghies | Foldable; compact | Limited holding power | Talamex, Allpa |
| Weight anchor | Sloops, small boats | Simple; affordable | Little grip in current | Traditional ball anchor |
What size anchor do I need?
General rule of thumb (better a little too big than too small):
- Up to 6 m boat length: 4–6 kg
- 6–9 m: 6–10 kg
- 9–12 m: 10–15 kg
- 12–15 m: 15–20 kg
Always check the size charts provided by the manufacturer of your preferred anchor and, if in doubt, choose a size larger.
Anchor line, anchor chain & windlass
- Length (scope): use at least 3–6× the water depth; for a depth of 5 m use 15–30 m of line/chain.
- Horizontal pull angle: A suitable anchor chain or anchor line with a lead core keeps the pull angle low and helps the anchor to sink.
- Hardware strength: fasteners/fittings at least 3–4× the maximum load.
- Dampening jerks: a slack chain acts as a shock absorber and increases holding power.
- Operation & convenience: with a suitable electric or manual anchor winch you can anchor faster and more safely.
Popular anchors in practice
- Britany (flat): reliable, affordable; ideal as a second anchor.
- CQR (classic): versatile, sturdy; less on stone; often on bow roller.
- Delta (modern ploughshare): strong in sand/silt; easy to use.
- Fortress (lightweight): digs deep; great for sailboats; less so for rock/silt.
- Spade (high-end): very high holding power; perfect for long trips/overnight stays.
- Umbrella anchor: compact and collapsible; ideal for small boats/dinghies.
Conclusion & purchase advice
Small boat/sloop: umbrella or weight anchor.
All-round day trips (NL): Delta or Bruce (claw) perform predictably.
Sailing/motorboat > 9 m or frequent overnight stays: Spade or Fortress for maximum safety.
Second anchor: Britany as a light, inexpensive backup anchor.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Anchors
How many meters of anchor line do I need?
As a guide, use 3–6 times the water depth. At 5 m depth, you'll use 15–30 m of line/chain. More range = more holding power. See also our selection of anchor lines and chain options .
Is a chain better than a leash?
A chain (or line with a lead core) keeps the pull angle low, allowing the anchor to dig in better and absorbing jerk loads. A combination (chain and line) often works best.
Which anchor is suitable for a rubber boat/dinghy?
A small umbrella anchor is lightweight, collapsible, and easy to store. Ideal for short stops and sheltered waters.
Can I get by with just one anchor?
Yes, but a second anchor (different type/weight) is recommended in strong winds, variable bottoms or as a backup.