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The right way to use an anchor is probably one of the

least understood areas of boating. If you are new to

boating, you may be thinking - how hard can it be? You

simply throw the anchor in the water, wait until it

hits the bottom, then tie it off, correct?

Anyone who is experienced with boating has probably

seen the types of problems that type of attitude can

cause. Just like everything else in boating, anchoring

requires the right equipment, careful thought, and a

lot of practice.

The starting point is selecting the right ground

tackle (the proper term for the anchor, line, chain,

shackles and swivels) for your boat and your style

of boating. There is no single anchor that will do

everything perfectly. Each style has its own unique

benefits and drawbacks, and each one performs best

under its given conditions.

The Danforth anchor

The Danforth anchor is one of the most popular,

being easily identified by its two long, sharp

pivoting flukes and long shank. The Danforth is

also a great choice for small to medium sized boats

as well. The anchor is light and easy to store,

digs well into sand and mud, and releases easy when

pulled from different directions.

The flukes on the Danforth pivot so that the shank

can be pulled at a more vertical angle. It's ideal

for fishing, which requires quick release and moving

around to different locations. If you fish overnight

a lot or travel to different areas of water you may

want to consider a different anchor, which will

hold better in changing conditions.

The plow anchor

The CQR, or plow anchor, features a single shaped

fluke that pivots at the end of the shank. This

design works well on many bottoms. The plow shank

pivots from side to side, while remaining parallel

to the fluke. This design also makes releasing a

snap when the anchor is pulled vertically.

The Bruce anchor

This anchor was originally created for offshore gas

and drilling rigs. The more scaled down version

of this anchor is popular with boaters. The anchor

holds fast, yet it will still come loose when

pulled vertically.

Always make sure to select an anchor system that

matches the length of your boat, displacement, and

the windage. If your looking for strength, elasticity

and durability, you should use only top quality

braided nylon anchor line.

It's very important that the size and length of

your anchor line is appropriate for your boat and

it's requirements. Small or medium boats should use

a section of galvanized steel chain between the

line and the anchor.

If you are new to boating, anchoring is something

you should become familiar with. As you use your

boat more, you'll pick up the proper anchoring

techniques. Or, if you prefer, you can always take

classes and learn everything you need to know about

anchoring from a qualified professional.