There are many anchor options for boats of all shapes and sizes that will enable you to have the stopping and staying power you seek.

Anchors are a critical part of boat safety and can help to make your adventure on the water a more relaxing one regardless if it is for a couple hours or multiple days. Your local dockside marine services can help you choose an anchor and install it if needed.

The two primary considerations for what type of anchor you need is the boat size and the conditions of the water’s floor. The size of your boat will determine how heavy or big the anchor needs to be. The bottom of the water’s floor will affect what style of an anchor will be most appropriate.

There are many types of anchors to choose from, and each one has its own purpose and benefits.

Claw Anchor

This type of anchor is designed with multiple curved wedges attached to a shank. A claw anchor needs a bow roller to use for deployment and storage because of its bulk and weight.

This type of anchor is best to be used in a rocky environment as its many hooks provide the best opportunity to find a hold.

Fisherman’s Anchor

This type of anchor is one of the most commonly seen anchors in symbols and tattoos related to boating and fishing. It has a shank with a barbed hook on either side. These anchors are not very common anymore as they require a significant weight to secure a boat. However, when used, they can work in sand, mud or rocks.

Nowadays the fisherman’s anchor is more commonly used for decoration.

Fluke Anchor

A fluke anchor is best when the bottom floor is mud or sand. They have a shank and two or more hinged spades. The spades also referred to as flukes, are hinged, so they enable the anchor shank to rise while they remain dug into the bottom.

Fluke anchors also have the benefit that they can hold a heavier boat while staying light and are able to stow flat for more accessible storage.

Mushroom Anchor

If you have an inflatable boat or otherwise small boat out on a day trip, a mushroom anchor may be the best choice for you. With no sharp points, this anchor is incredibly easy to use and store away. They mainly work well in mud and sand. They look like an upsidedown mushroom that has a lip around the mushroom cap. They can also come vinyl coated which means they are less likely to damage your boat if they get knocked around a bit.

If you opt for a mushroom anchor, ensure it also has drain holes to make it easier to retrieve from mud.

Plow Anchor

These anchors consist of a single metal wedge attached to a shank. The anchor looks like a large hook and is best used when anchoring in dense grass, rocks or mud.

Like claw anchors, plow anchors are incredibly heavy and large, most requiring a roller to be moved or tied down when not being used.

Whatever anchor option you choose, it should be one that makes your time on the water an enjoyable experience with little stress. It’s important to pick an anchor that you can deploy and then forget about, especially if you are planning an overnight adventure.

Discuss your anchor needs with an experienced marine services company or your nearby dockside marine services in Michigan to help find the perfect anchor for your needs.