One of the most essential parts of a sailboat and any boat is the anchor. The anchor is a fundamental piece in navigation without which, for example, it would be impossible for a sailboat to anchor.
So that you can enjoy your sailing trips much more and learn first-hand about the importance of this marine tool, in this article we are going to try to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about anchoring.
In addition to this, we will also show you the different types of anchors that exist and, in the event that you have your own boat, you will be much clearer about what type of anchor to choose.
What is an anchor
The anchor, also known as an anchor, is a very heavy moving object whose construction characteristics allow the boat to fix its position at sea by grip.
As we will see later, there are different types of anchors, but mainly these usually have several hooks that are responsible for the anchor holding on well to the seabed, preventing the boat from drifting.
The anchor is connected to the boats by a chain and thanks to the grip of the anchor on the ground, the boat remains still without being dragged away by currents.
Parts of an anchor
Although there are a wide variety of types of anchors and that they can be made of different materials such as iron, aluminum or steel, anchors usually have some parts in common that cover all the basic needs that a boat may have. These are the parts of an anchor.
- Cane: The rod is one of the main parts of the anchor, as it is the one that provides the necessary force so that it can be better hooked on the seabed.
- Arm: The arms are the two parts that extend from the withers and end on the map or nails. This is the part of the anchor that is driven into the seabed and that serves, mainly, to keep the boat in place.
- Cross: This part of the anchor is the one that joins the rod with the arms. The withers are very important and serve to distribute the weight of the anchor and also to keep it in a vertical position.
- Trap: The clamp is the top of the anchor at which the arms meet. This part of the anchor helps it to keep it in an upright position and, in addition, serves to prevent it from tangling.
- Map: This part of the anchor is also known as the nails. These are sharp points that come out of the anchor arms and are used to dig into the seabed. The nails should always be well sharpened as they are responsible for being able to penetrate the seabed to get the grip.
- Arganeo: The arganeo is the ring that sits at the top of the anchor and is where the chain or rope is attached. It is very important that the arganeo is strong enough to be able to support the entire weight of the boat.
Type of anchors
There are several types of anchors. These anchors differ mainly by the designs they have and also by the way they work. Plow anchors are the most popular in recent years and these types of anchors have been differentiated from each other depending on the brand or patent that has registered them. Let’s look at the most famous ones.
- Danforth: This type of anchor has two flat nails that are attached to each other by a hinge to the rod. Thanks to this union, a much larger and light anchor is achieved, which serves to work perfectly on sand, mud or mud bottoms. To avoid tipping over, it has a sidebar and, to use this anchor, it is important to release it in parallel so that it does not glide and can reach the bottom.
- Bruce: Designed in the 70s, this anchor has a nail design that offers great penetration on sand and muddy bottoms, as well as a good grip on rocky bottoms.
- CQR: CQR anchors are characterized by having two symmetrical nails in the shape of an inverted V. This design is specially designed so that the weight falls on the tip and is better nailed. This anchor works especially well on clay or sand clotheslines.
- Rocna: Finally, the Rocna anchor is one of the most modern that also has very good reviews. This anchor has been designed to be positioned immediately. It features a roll bar and works especially well when the ground is hard or has a lot of algae.
Most commonly used types of anchors
Any of the above anchors are among the most commonly used anchors. In addition to the models mentioned above, there are also some variations that are especially interesting.
One of these variations is the Delta anchor, a variant of the CQR anchor that is better nailed thanks to the additional weight it has at the tip. This anchor has a unique arrangement creating a triangular structure with which it achieves a much more solid grip in the most complicated conditions, hence its popularity.
Another famous type of anchor is the Grapnel anchor, an ideal type for shallower waters and small boats. This type of anchor performs particularly well in crevices and rocks, providing a very secure hold.
Which anchor should I use
With so many different types of anchors the same question always arises, which anchor should I use? From here we recommend that you use a modern anchor that has a good design.
The anchor is one of the most important parts of your boat and, if you want to anchor with peace of mind, it is best that you can blindly trust your anchor. New generation anchors such as the Rocna work very well and offer the safety you need on your boat.
How to Choose an Anchor
Of course, a modern anchor is the best solution, but what kind of anchor? To choose the anchor that best suits your boat, it is important that you take into account what you expect from your anchor.
As we mentioned before, each type of anchor is designed for a specific terrain. It is very important that you take into account the type of seabed where you plan to anchor, since a sandy or muddy seabed is recommended for a Danforth or CQR anchor among other models, while for a rocky bottom the Grampin is a better option.
Beyond the seabed you will also have to take into account the size of the boat. A large boat will be able to carry a Rocna or Delta anchor without a problem, while small boats tend to make better use of the Danforth or Grampin.
In short, depending on the size of the boat and where you plan to sail, you can choose between one model or another. Do not go into terrain that is not recommended for the anchor you are carrying and so you will not have any problems.
