Anchors are available in a variety of sizes and styles. Each suited for different boats styles and bottom composition. Please pick an anchor that will fit your boat and also hold your vessel in position during an emergency situation. If you have doubts it usually better to get one size to large than settle for a anchor that is to small. The most common style anchors are the Danforth, Plow or Mushroom. Remember there is no anchor that works best in all conditions. A Danforth might be your best all around choice if the local bottom composition is sand, or mud. A mushroon design works well on mud bottoms but unless its heavy enough will not work on any hard packed bottom. The Plow anchor works well in sand and rock bottoms.

It is also very important to have an adequate length of anchor rope and chain. Remember that anchors hold best when the pull on the anchor is as near to horizontal as possible. The holding power of an anchor increases as the scope ratio increases. A ratio of 5:1 is standard; 10:1 is better in rough water. For example, if boating in100 feet of water and 1000 feet of rope is recommended. Boaters should carry at least two anchors. Of course most recreational boaters do not carry 1000 foot of rope. Many increase their anchors holding power by adding a longer length of chain or by using an oversize anchor. In either case the anchor must be able to hold your vessel in position during emergency situations.

How to Anchor your Boat

Pick a location with room to swing in all directions. Your boat will drift with the current or be blown by the wind (whichever is stronger). Start be driving into the current. This way you can control the boat. If you were heading with the current, when you stopped the boat you would lose control because the boat would continue in the same direction due to current. Once in position drop the anchor and let out line until it hits the bottom. Then let out additional line until proper scope is deployed. Not you should set the anchor. Many boater just let the boat drift back and hope the anchor holds. I like to tug on the rope. Basically digging in the anchor with each tug. Once set let the boat drift back and hopefully it will hold. You should notice the bow change position and point into the current once the anchor sets. You should also take note of land ranges and keep an eye on them through out your stay. This way you will know if the anchor is sliding through and not holding fast.

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