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Anchors are a necessity for any boat. Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images Whether you own a small fishing boat or a luxury yacht, boat anchors are a necessity to have on board every vessel. The type of anchor to use depends on several factors, including type and size of boat, where you are anchoring the boat and the storage equipment the boat has for an anchor.
Danforth
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Danforth anchors, with weights ranging from 2 to 200 lbs, are generally used for smaller boats. The "flukes" that stick out from the side of the anchor dig into the ground. Danforth anchors are best suited for sandy or muddy floors. The anchor weight-to-boat length ratio for Danforth anchors should be 1/2 lb to 1 ft.
Plow/Claw
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The plow comes with either a pivoting -- CQR -- or fixed -- Delta -- shank and is best suited for cruising boats. Plow anchors land on their side and then dig into the ground as the boat starts to pull it. You should use a ratio of 1 lb of anchor weight for every foot of the boat when using a plow anchor. Claw anchors are similar in shape and function, but often are lighter and used on slightly smaller boats.
Kedge/Navy
- Navy-style anchor anchor image by michael langley from Fotolia.com
A kedge anchor, sometimes called a Navy-style anchor, is best used for larger boats. The sheer weight of the anchor holds the boat in place, rather than solely on prongs or flukes. One side of the kedge anchor digs into the floor, whether it is made up of weeds, hard sand or rocks, while the other side is exposed.
Lightweight Anchors
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Grapnels and mushroom anchors are less expensive, lighter in weight and have less holding power. Ideal for a canoe or small boat, grapnels use four flukes in an "X" shape to hold the boat in place; a mushroom anchor uses its rounded shape to create a suction with a soft floor.
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