Boat anchors and their accessories are essential components for safely mooring and securing a boat.
Boat Anchors
Boat anchors are designed to secure a vessel by digging into the seabed, preventing it from drifting due to wind or currents.
There are various types of boat anchors, each suited for different seabeds and boat sizes:
Fluke/Danforth Anchor:
Danforth anchors are lightweight with two flat flukes and are ideal for sandy or muddy bottoms. They’re often used on small boats.
Plow Anchor (CQR or Delta):
As the name suggests, plow anchors resemble a plow and are versatile for different seabeds. They’re commonly used on larger boats.
Claw/Bruce Anchor:
Claw type anchors have a three-pronged design and are excellent for rocky or weedy bottoms.
Grapnel Anchor:
Also known as folding anchors, grapnel anchors are often used for small vessels like kayaks or dinghies, with multiple hooks that enable them to be secured to rocky bottoms.
Anchor Balls
Anchor balls are buoys or flotation devices attached to the anchor line to make it easier to retrieve the anchor. They work as part of an "anchor retrieval system." When pulling in the anchor, the ball slides down the line, helping lift the anchor from the seabed using the buoyancy of the ball. They are useful for larger anchors and deeper anchorages.
Anchor Chain
Anchor chains serve as a critical link between the anchor and the anchor line (rope). They have several benefits, including:
Weight Distribution:
The weight of the chain helps the anchor maintain a horizontal pull, increasing its holding power.
Durability:
Chains are more resistant to abrasion compared to ropes, particularly when dragging along rough seabeds.
Scope:
Chains improve the scope of the anchor, enhancing its effectiveness in holding the boat.
Most boats use a combination of chain and rope, often referred to as a "rode." The chain is typically attached closest to the anchor, while the rope extends from the chain to the boat.
Anchor Chain Counters
Anchor chain counters are electronic devices installed on a boat to measure and display the length of anchor chain (or rope) deployed. These counters are especially useful when anchoring in deep waters or in situations where precise measurements are important. They help the captain ensure the proper scope is achieved (typically 5-7 times the water depth) for secure anchoring. Chain counters can be digital or analog, and some models integrate with the boat’s navigation systems.
Anchor Lines
An anchor line, also known as the "anchor rode," refers to the line (typically rope or a combination of rope and chain) that connects the anchor to the boat.
Key considerations include:
Material:
Nylon is the most common rope material for anchor lines because it is strong, stretchy (which helps absorb shocks from waves), and resistant to abrasion.
Length:
The length of the anchor line should be at least five to seven times the depth of the water (known as the "scope") for good holding power.
Diameter:
The diameter of the rope should be appropriate for the boat size and anchor weight. Larger boats need thicker ropes.
Other anchor accessories
Anchor Windlass:
An anchor windlass is a mechanical device used to raise and lower the anchor with minimal effort. Windlasses are especially helpful for heavy anchors or for use on larger boats.
Swivels:
An anchor swivel can be installed between the anchor and the chain to prevent the chain from twisting, ensuring that the anchor sets correctly.
Shackles:
We stock a leading range of galvanised and stainless shackles that are used to connect the anchor to the chain, and the chain to the rope. They must be corrosion-resistant and sized appropriately for the chain and anchor.
These anchor accessories work together to ensure that a boat can anchor securely in various conditions, enhancing safety and peace of mind while out on the water.
