Heading out on the water should be a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Part of ensuring your peace of mind is knowing your boat is safely secured when you decide to stop and take in the scenery. Choosing the right anchor can feel like a significant decision, but we are here to guide you through the options, helping you feel confident and prepared for your next boating adventure.
This guide will walk you through the different types of anchors and anchoring equipment available, explaining what they are best used for and how they work. We will cover the most common anchors you’ll find in Australia, as well as the ropes and chains that connect them to your vessel. Our goal is to provide clear, gentle guidance so you can make an informed choice that best suits your boat and the waters you plan to explore.
Understanding Different Anchor Types
Selecting the correct anchor depends largely on the type of seabed you’ll be anchoring in—be it sand, mud, or reef. Each anchor is designed with specific features to provide the most secure hold in different conditions. Let’s explore the main types to help you find the perfect match.
Sand Anchor
The sand anchor is one of the most popular choices for boaters in Australia, and for good reason. It is designed to perform exceptionally well in sandy or muddy bottoms.
- How it works: This anchor uses its flukes (the pointed blades) to dig into the sand or mud, creating a strong hold that keeps your boat in place.
- Key features: Most sand anchors are fitted with a retrieval eye. This is a very helpful feature that allows for easier removal if the anchor happens to get snagged on an underwater obstruction. They are also designed to stow flat, which makes them a convenient, space-saving option on board.
- Finish: To ensure a long life and protect against the harsh marine environment, sand anchors are typically finished in hot-dipped galvanizing.
Reef Anchor
If your boating adventures take you to areas with reefs or rocky bottoms, a reef anchor is an ideal tool for temporary anchoring.
- How it works: The prongs, or tines, of a reef anchor are designed to grip onto the rock or reef structure.
- Key features: A crucial safety feature of the reef anchor is that its prongs are designed to straighten out when you apply a strong retrieval load. This means if it becomes firmly snagged, you can pull it free without losing your anchor. For this reason, it is important not to leave your boat unattended when using a reef anchor, as a strong pull from the boat could also dislodge it.
- Finish: Like sand anchors, reef anchors are hot-dipped galvanized for durability and corrosion resistance.
Plough Boat Anchor
For those with heavier vessels, the plough anchor offers a reliable and secure solution, particularly in mud or sand.
- How it works: As its name suggests, the plough anchor is shaped like a farmer’s plough. It is designed to dig deep into the seabed, providing a very strong and dependable hold.
- Key features: The tips of these anchors are often filled with lead, which helps them orient correctly and penetrate the bottom more effectively. They also typically include a retrieval eye, making it easier to free them if they get stuck.
- Finish: Plough anchors are available in either a highly polished stainless steel or a practical, hot-dipped galvanized finish.
Self-Aligning Boat Anchor
The self-aligning anchor is a modern and highly efficient design that provides excellent holding power in mud or sand.
- How it works: This anchor has a unique ability to roll itself upright as soon as it hits the seabed, regardless of how it lands. This ensures it’s always in the correct position to dig in and set firmly.
- Key features: Its design features a single, broad fluke that provides very high holding power for its size. Another benefit is that the force required to retrieve it is generally only about 30% of its holding power, making it easier to weigh anchor.
- Finish: These anchors are often available in premium cast 316-grade stainless steel for a beautiful look and superior corrosion resistance, as well as the standard hot-dipped galvanised finish.
Choosing Your Anchor Rode: Rope vs. Chain
The “rode” is what connects your anchor to your boat. The two main options are rope and chain, or a combination of both. Each has its own set of advantages, and the right choice for you will depend on your boat, your anchoring style, and the conditions you expect to face.
Anchor Rope
Rope is a popular choice for many recreational boaters, offering several key benefits.
- Advantages: Rope is relatively lightweight, making it easier to handle and store. It also has natural elasticity, which allows it to act as a shock absorber, cushioning the jarring effect of waves and wind on your boat and its fittings.
- Common Rope Types in Australia:
- Three-Strand ‘Silver’ (Polyethylene Staple): A common, cost-effective option.
- Three-Strand Nylon: A premium choice known for its excellent recoil and elasticity, making it a superior shock absorber.
- Three-Strand Polyester: Another durable and reliable option.
- Plait Rope: For larger drum-style rope spoolers, an eight or sixteen-plait rope is often used because it resists kinking.
Anchor Chain
Chain is the preferred choice for many boaters, especially for those with larger vessels or those who anchor for longer periods.
- Advantages: The primary advantage of chain is its sheer weight and durability. It lies along the seabed, providing a horizontal pull on the anchor, which helps it set and hold more securely. It is also highly resistant to chafing on rough seabeds where a rope could be damaged. In moderate wind, the weight of the chain provides an excellent shock-absorbing effect.
- Disadvantages: The main drawback is its weight, which can be significant, especially when stored in the bow of the boat. In very strong winds, a chain can become taut, which can increase the jarring on the boat and potentially dislodge the anchor.
- Chain Types:
- Galvanised Chain: This is the most common and practical choice. The galvanised coating offers a high degree of weather and corrosion protection, making it ideal for most boating situations where function is more important than appearance.
- Stainless Steel Chain: With its excellent corrosion resistance and polished look, stainless steel chain is popular for boating and yachting. It is very suitable for day anchoring, but it is not recommended for long-term or overnight anchoring. This is because it can be susceptible to a process called “work-hardening,” which can lead to cracking over time.
Making Your Final Choice
We understand that there is a lot of information to consider when choosing an anchor. We hope this guide has provided you with the clarity and confidence to select the right equipment for your needs. Remember, the goal is to feel safe and secure, allowing you to fully enjoy your time on the water.
If you have any further questions or wish to discuss your unique needs, please know that our supportive team at Boat Hut is here for you. We are dedicated to providing professional advice to help you make the most informed and confident choice for you and your vessel.
