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The right anchor for your boat

The anchor must hold securely! Regardless of whether you are anchoring in the Baltic Sea, the North Sea or in the strong current of the Elbe. A well-designed anchor in the right size for the boat is a prerequisite for safe and relaxed anchoring. Of course, a small boat or a dinghy needs different anchors than a large sailing yacht or a traditional ship.

The anchorage ground plays a significant role when anchoring. In the past, weighted anchors were often used, which held the boat mainly due to their weight. Today, patented anchors are often used, which achieve their holding power primarily through their shape. Anchors have two ways of fixing themselves: In the case of rubble or rock, they hook on; in the case of silt, mud, clay and sand, they dig in.
All components of the anchor harness - anchor, chain and chain leader, anchor-chain connector and the riding weight - must be well coordinated. Our equipment recommendation, which we have compiled based on the recommendations of Germanischer Lloyd, will help you to put together the right anchor gear for your ship.

Which anchor is the right one?

Ship owners should clarify the following questions before buying an anchor:

Where and when do I want to anchor?

What anchoring ground do I expect? Am I sailing in a tidal area with a strong current and muddy bottom or do I want to anchor in sand or weed in the Baltic Sea?

What is the weight and characteristics of my boat?

The weight and shape of the anchor must be matched to the weight of the boat. The behavior of the boat in the wind and current also plays a role. A small, light regatta yacht naturally behaves completely differently to a heavy traditional boat.

Where should the anchor be stowed or driven?

On yachts over ten meters in length, the anchor is usually stowed at the front in a bow roller or in an anchor locker. This means that the anchor can also be one size larger. If you want to spend the night at anchor, you will sleep much more relaxed. On smaller dinghies or boats, it is important that the anchor fits into the forecastle box to save space.

1. Plate Anchors with flukes / Danforth Anchors

Plate anchors, also called Danforth anchors after their inventor, have two lances or lugs, the shaft is movable. By burying the flat flukes in the ground and thanks to the long shaft, these anchors achieve a good holding force with low weight. Even when the current or wind changes, clip-on anchors (such as D'HONE anchors), BRIC or FAST anchors hold securely in the ground.
This type of anchor is popular on dinghies and small keelboats as it is easy to stow. On larger keelboats, a Danforth anchor can be carried as a second anchor for anchoring for short periods in calm conditions or as a good alternative for sandy bottoms.
Plate Anchors hold well in:
  • Sand
  • Silt
  • Clay
  • Tidal waters
Advantages of the Plate Anchor
  • Low weight in relation to holding force
  • Some anchors can be folded or taken apart. They are ideal for smaller boats because they can be stored in a box or in the anchor locker
  • Easy to break out of the bottom
Disadvantages of the Plate Anchor
  • The pointed flukes can cause problems when stowing away
  • n rocky ground, the flukes can get caught so that the anchor cannot be released easily
  • Not suitable for herbaceous ground with seaweed

Plate Anchors with flukes / Danforth Anchors

Anchor
Robust welded construction in hot-dip galvanized design, similar in form and dimensions to D'Hone anchors.Well suited for hawse holes.

From €114.00 *
FAST anchor
Preiswerter Leichtgewichtsanker mit guter Haltekraft.Der breite Stock mit Endkugeln verhindert das Verkanten und sorgt für sicheres Eingraben der Flunken.Feuerverzinkte Schweißkonstruktion.

From €59.80 *
BRIC anchor
An inexpensive replica of the well-known BRITANY anchors.Unites all of the benefits of danforth anchors in its complex construction:Best holding on all bottoms for its light weight.Welded construction, hot-dip galvanized.

From €22.00 *
Hot-dip galvanised patent anchor
A classic and also handy sized patent anchor for open motor launches and dinghies made from malleable iron.The anchor can easily be split into two parts by sliding out the shaft and fits into any locker seat.Alternatively it can be carried in the hawse pipe.

From €54.50 *
HALL anchor, hot dipped steel
Traditional weight anchor which nicely fits in the hawsehole.Beautiful shape, massive shaft.Made from cast steel.Up to 75kg, hot-dip galvanized; 100kg and up, only available in black.Dimensions and weight may vary based on manufacturing conditions.Other sizes available on request.

From €169.00 *

2. Ploughshare Anchor

Ploughshare anchors, often called CQR anchors, are modeled on a plow in shape and operation. Ploughshare anchors are an all-rounder for larger boats and yachts over 9 meters in length. They are heavier than plate anchors and are usually used with a bow roller. They dig into weak grounds particularly well, but seaweed or rubble & stones hardly cause them any problems either. The ploughshare anchors include the M anchor, the Delta anchor, the Cobra anchor and the Bruce anchor.

M anchors, also called Bruce anchors, are shaped like a shovel or even a claw. They have no joint between the shank and the plow. These anchors are easy to handle and therefore widely used. M anchors are ideal for center-mounted bow rollers because they conform to the shape of the bow.

Delta anchors are a further development of the plow anchor. They usually have no joint between plow and shank. The LEWMAR Delta Anchor is registered in Lloyds Register as a high performance anchor due to its unique shank profile, is up-certified for commercial use on ships and has a lifetime breakage guarantee.

Bow anchors, such as the ROCNA anchor, are equipped with a roll bar that allows the anchor to straighten out on the seabed, i.e. to always point the fluke towards the bottom, thus it manages to dig through weeds and seaweed as well. When retrieving, it cannot adapt to the boat hull due to its rigid construction and is therefore not suitable for all boat types or must be stored in the anchor locker or in the locker box.

Ploughshare Anchors hold well in
  • weak grounds
  • seaweed
  • stony ground and gravel

Advantages of the Ploughshare Anchors

  • The all-rounder digs firmly through the plow even in difficult ground.
  • Suitable for using in the bow roll (also in combination with an anchor winch).
  • Due to the high weight also suitable for heavy ships.

Disadvantages of the Ploughshare Anchors

  • High weight.
  • Not as suitable for mud as the Danforth anchors.

Ploughshare Anchor

M-anchor galvanized
The M-anchor is a replica of the well-known BRUCE anchor, combined with the advantages of plow and danforth anchors.The basic design is based on the anchors employed to secure the oil platforms in the North Sea.This anchor sets quickly and deeply and holds well, even in swells.M-anchors work well in bow rollers.Cast as a single piece, hot-dip galvanized cast steel.

From €39.90 *
M-anchor stainless steel
The M-anchor is a replica of the well-known BRUCE anchor, combined with the advantages of plow and danforth anchors.The basic design is based on the anchors employed to secure the oil platforms in the North Sea.This anchor sets quickly and deeply and holds well, even in swells.M-anchors work well in bow rollers.Cast as a single piece, industrial polished stainless steel (AISI 316).

From €156.00 *
ROCNA anchor
An invention from New Zealand: The ROCNA anchor stands out for its exceptional holding strength in all bottom types. This "super high holding power" (SHHP) anchor is hand-made from high-strength steel and hot-dip galvanized. The strong bail brings the anchor to the optimal angle for setting every time, the chisel-shaped concave blade with integrated kink combines high holding power with optimal grabbing charateristics that are supported by exceptional weight and holding-surface distribution. The anchor is compact and fits in most common anchor lockers and bow rollers. Other sizes on request.

From €199.00 *
VULCAN anchor by ROCNA
The galvanized VULCAN anchor is an evolution of the ROCNA anchor.It has the same quality characteristics (high holding power as well as fast and reliable digging in), but it is more compact and the special profile of the anchor shaft, as well as the omission of a roll-bar (since not necessary with this construction), make an advantageous design for anchor holders on the stem head or the bathing platform. In addition to the use of high tensile steel, shank strength is optimised by a unique "I + V profile" shank design, granting improved resistance to bending courtesy of a computer optimised I-beam geometry. This visually elegant innovation also improves setting performance, with the lower "V" edge cutting into the seabed and minimizing resistance to a deep and secure digging in. Breaking from the ROCNA design, the VULCAN features an unique combination of shank and fluke geometry - including an innovative "roll-palm" which self-rights the anchor on the seabed without the use of a roll-bar. This is assisted by the "V-bulb" which extends fluke ballast downward to gain maximum leverage and efficiency. The concave fluke is similar in design to the ROCNA anchor, directly equating to more holding power and security. There are fixing eyes for safety and rescue lines, as well as for a tandem anchor.

From €399.00 *
Bow Anchor
Proven universal anchor without moving parts, approved as HHP anchor (high holding force anchor) according to GL. Welded construction made of St37 steel hot-dip galvanized. Suitable as main anchor for all anchor grounds, fast and safe tie-in of the anchor due to the roll bar.Developed by the inventor Rolf Kaczirek and optimized together with the DGzRS (a german rescue society). After patent expiration only a replica from China is available. The dimensions may vary.

From €87.00 *
LEWMAR C-Q-R NEW STYLE plough anchor hot-dip galvanised
The trusted C-Q-R anchor has been completely reworked and optimised by LEWMAR.With reinforced stock and a stronger hinge the anchor now is weight optimised with a larger sized fluke made as a pure welded construction from steel (material number 1.0143).The new C-Q-R anchor NEW STYLE is certified by Lloyds as an anchor with high holding power (HHP) also.The very good corrosion protection is achieved through the use of a sound hot galvanisation.The anchor has a shackle with large eye for a tripping line (weighting line) welded-on.

From €283.00 *
Plough anchor
Cast-iron shaft and middle of the plow. Welded leaves. All hot-dip galvanized.Slight dimension deviations are possible.

From €69.00 *
ULTRA MARINE Anchor stainless steel
The ULTRA-anchor, made from DUPLEX High-strength stainless steel (AISI 316L) stands out through high strength and optimal holding power on every seabed. The special design, the hollow shank and a lead filled tip amount to perfect weight distribution, and ensure fast and easy penetration into the ground. The hand polished surface protects from corrosion and prevents sand and mud from sticking to the anchor. Every anchor is handmade in europe. Classified as a SHHP-anchor (Super High Holding Power).

From €794.00 *

3. Fischerman Anchor

Fischerman anchors are strong weight anchors that can hold about 10 times their own weight. These anchors are mostly used on older traditional ships. Fisherman anchors have two lateral flukes, at the upper end of the anchor shaft the stick is mounted at a 90° angle. The stick ensures that the anchor always turns at the bottom so that a fluke digs into the ground. Fisherman anchors are ideal for stones, corals, crab bottoms & clayey bottoms.

Fischerman Anchors hold well in

  • clayey ground
  • seagrass
  • stones and gravel

Advantages of the Fischerman Anchor

  • Heavy weight anchor with very high holding force.
  • The anchor always rotates through the stick so that the flukes can drill optimally into the ground.

Disadvantages of the Fischerman Anchor

  • Very heavy anchor.
  • The stick makes the anchor very bulky when hoisting.

Fischerman anchor

Fisherman anchor foldable
Made from hot-dip galvanized cast iron, with foldable flukes and stock.Import quality.Comes with galvanized shackle.The weight may vary by as much as 10 percent.

From €58.00 *
Fisherman anchor hot dip galvanised
The father of all anchors.All-round anchor with fixed flukes and collapsible pole.Neatly welded design, hot-dip galvanised.Dimensions, weight and colour may vary depending on the manufacturer and production process.The 100 kg anchor is painted black.

From €287.00 *

4. Grapnel Anchors

Grapnel anchors have four flukes. There are these anchors to fold, or with fixed arms. The more powerful folding grapnel anchors are suitable for anchoring, while the small net and search draggies are used for anchoring fishing buoys or small light dinghies.

Folding Grapnel anchors are more suitable for small, light boats and dinghies. The four arms fold in, making these anchors easy to stow as well. Folding anchors are popular for use as stern anchors because they can be stowed into a holder on the stern reling.

Net anchors and search anchors are small traditional anchors with fixed flukes. The anchors - also called fishing anchors - are useful as search anchors (grabbel), dinghy anchors, net anchors, buoy anchors or simply for decoration.

Grapnel Anchors hold well in

  • clayey ground
  • sand
  • stones and pebbles
  • seaweed

Advantages of Grapnel Anchors

  • The anchors are very light.
  • Folding anchors can be easily stowed.
  • Suitable for small boats and dinghies.

Disadvantages of the Grapnel Anchor

  • The holding force is limited.

Grapnel Anchors

Galvanized grapnel anchor
Small, practical grapnel.Made from 9 mm round steel, welded and hot-dip galvanized.Solid welded construction.

€10.90 *
Stainless steel grapnel anchor
Small lightweight grapnel hook. Strong welded structure, made from stainless steel. With four-point shaft.

€21.50 *
Galvanized grapnel
Traditional anchor with solid flukes. Forged by hand and galvanized.The anchor - also called fishermens anchor - can be utilised as: anchor for dinghies, nets, buoys or decoration.

From €21.90 *
Grapnel folding anchor
A well-known universal anchor that can be quickly cleared and when folded requires little space.Ideal for dinghies, daysailers and other light boats.These anchors have exceptionally wide flukes and a thickened shaft for better holding.An inexpensive anchor! Hot-dip galvanized.Used primarily with chain leaders.

From €18.90 *
HERRESHOFF dinghy anchor
Small HERRESHOFF anchor made of forged bronze.The anchor can be taken apart in a few simple steps and is then extremely easy to stow.The flukes become wide and sharp at their ends for good holding.Comes in a handmade sailcloth bag.

€105.00 *

5. Rock Anchor

In rocky waters, for example in Sweden, Norway or Croatia, it is common to moor yachts with a stern anchor at the back and with the bow on land at the front. To secure the lines from the bow of the boat to shore, you need rock anchors, which are clamped between the rocks. A rock hammer for hammering in the anchors is an important tool. For softer ground you can also screw a drill anchor into the ground. The shore anchors have a ring at the top through which the mooring lines are pulled.

Rock Anchors / Shore Anchors hold well in

  • crevices of rocks (archipelago anchor)
  • firm clay soil (drill anchor)

Advantages of Rock Anchors / Shore Anchors

  • You can get ashore through the bow.

 

Disadvantages of the Rock Anchors / Shore Anchors

  • The hooks can get wedged, so you have to leave them ashore.
  • A hammer is needed to hammer the archipelago anchors securely into the rock crevices.

Rock Anchor

Mooring pin with ring
Made from galvanized steel.

From €8.95 *
Rock anchor
B (mm): 35 | L (mm): 210 | version: straight
Galvanized flat iron construction with fixed attachment ring. Available in a straight or pronged design.

From €7.80 *
Ground anchor
B (mm): 90 | L1 (mm): 430 | L2 (mm): 230 | M (mm): 9 | weight (kg): 0,30
Made from A4 stainless steel, for boring into the ground.Dinghy size.

€21.90 *
Ground anchor
B (mm): 200 | L1 (mm): 470 | L2 (mm): 400 | M (mm): 12 | weight (kg): 1,75
Stainless-steel, heavy-duty design. 14 mm solid stainless steel.The strong handle also works as a cleat.

€79.00 *