Choose the right anchor for your boat

Anchors are an essential accessory and differ in shape, weight and material; therefore, you should choose the most appropriate one for the type of sailing you are used to.

10 anchors from which to choose the best one for your boat

A quality anchor is always able to position itself correctly, whatever the conditions of the seabed and anchorage. Also important to consider are the type of construction and material used, which determine the weight and shape of the anchor.

The DELTA, patented by Lewmar, is manufactured from galvanised steel or polished stainless steel, with a high percentage of manganese alloy to ensure high tensile strength. In addition, it is made in one piece, for the benefit of sealing. This model is perfect for sandy, muddy and even rocky bottoms, a little less so in the case of algae. Patented and registered by Lloyds, it is very reliable on both sand and rock, and is also excellent with algae if it is well cast. It is made of galvanised steel with a high percentage of manganese. Thanks to its special shape it is self-aligning when hoisted into the boat.

The CQR, also known as the ploughshare anchor, is very similar in shape to the Delta, but has a joint between the spindle and the ploughshare to better adapt to the bed. Tests have shown that it is less able to regain its position once ploughed than the Delta; on the contrary, when the blade is at full grip on the bed, the test result was positive. The CQR performs well with mud and sand, less so with algae. It is one of the most popular and reliable blades, and with its large, pointed ploughshare it guarantees excellent holding qualities. A joint allows it to be adapted to the seabed even when the anchor line is rotated.

The BRUCE is another popular model, often supplied as standard because of its ease of adapting to bow snouts. Although it is made in one piece, it does not shine for its holding capacity: compared to previous models, it holds half the load.

When you buy a boat, it often comes as standard. Unfortunately, it doesn’t excel in terms of sealing on the rocky seabed. Quite heavy.

The DANFORTH is a flat sea anchor with a large surface area. The large flukes ensure a good hold, especially on muddy and sandy bottoms; on the contrary, being jointed, it is less suitable for rocks. Made of forged and galvanised steel, it is now distributed under the name Danforth Super Hooker. The progenitor of the adjustable anchors, once it has taken it is among the best anchors around.

The FORTRESS is a model that is very similar in shape to the Danforth. The most famous and versatile detachable anchor. In all tests it has given excellent grip results. It is made of anodised magnesium aluminium. Its main characteristic is the possibility of adjusting the angle of inclination of the flukes and of being practically demountable, which makes it easier to stow. Not recommended for large, very heavy boats.

Abroad, models such as the SPADE and BRAKE are very popular.

The former is used on boats of considerable size, at least over 50 feet, and achieves excellent holding qualities.

The second is characterised by its shape; it is reminiscent of the Delta but has a ploughshare perpendicular to the flukes and two “wings” at the ends that increase its hold.

Along the same lines as the Fortress, the BRITANY has no articulation cage, but still has swivelling flukes. It is made of high-strength galvanised steel.

The HALL is an anchor with a rather squat but very solid spindle and fluke, and it is no coincidence that it relies on its weight for its hold. Its compactness and movable flukes also make it easy to stow.

The KOBRA is a ploughshare model with an adjustable spindle. It combines grip capacity with a convenient storage solution. Just unscrew two bolts. The weights are angled for transverse grip.