The anchoring system on your boat is not a place to cut corners. Your choice of anchor relies on your boat’s size and type and weather and anchoring conditions. Heavy displacement boats and superstructures require heavier gear. Similarly, cruising boats must contend with various weather and may need to anchor in open waters.
Larger will be better than a lightweight anchor to keep you in position, yet you still need the right type. No anchor works in all situations; therefore, carry two, preferably of different types. Many carry a lunch-hook and a larger working or storm anchor.
The lunch-hook is used in calm weather and when under anchor monitoring. If there is any crew sleeping, or the storm anchors are required to deal with strong winds exceeding 30 mph. Any equipment you use to anchor a boat is known as your “ground tackle” and comprises anchor, chain, line, and connecting pieces. Combine all this, and you have what they call the rode.
In our guide, you can use lots of information on our boat anchor size chart. Bt the end, no matter the anchor you have, you’ll be able to find the spade anchor sizing, or check a plow anchor size chart to determine the best options for keep your boat or fishing vessels safe. (Read Marine Battery Sizes Chart)
How Do You Size An Anchor?
Your boat’s anchoring system is not a place to cut corners. The size and kind of your boat and the weather and anchoring conditions all influence your anchor selection.
Heavier gear is needed for boats and superstructures. Similarly, cruising vessels must deal with a wide range of weather and may be forced to anchor in open waters.
Because no anchor will work in every situation, bring two, preferably of different types. Many people carry a lunch hook and a primary or storm anchor.
Ground tackle refers to the equipment used to anchor a boat. Connecting components, anchor, chain, and line The chain is included in the ride.
What Size Anchor Is Needed For A 22 Foot Boat?
The ability of an anchor to hold a given weight is measured by its “holding power.” Keep in mind that a 10,000-pound boat may only require a few hundred pounds of holding power on a quiet day, but in storm conditions, 1,000 pounds or more may be required.
Boat anchor size guidelines are for vessels of average windage and proportions in 30 knots of average windage, medium bottom conditions, and minimal protection from open seas.
Remember that in 42 knots of wind, the loads are twice as great as in 30 knots.
Unlike those of other manufacturers, our anchor sizing recommendations produce an anchor adequate for most all conditions.
Estimations are based on a wind speed of 50 knots with associated surge and poor holding bottoms.
Example: The Rocna 150
Rocna 110 (243 lb) is the suggested size for larger vessels. However, the factors involved are becoming more complex. Also, classification society or legislative constraints may determine primary anchor sizes for certain vessels. (Watch the 6 Best Fishing Shows On Hulu)
Rocna anchors weighing 110 kg or more may be sized according to the classification society’s SHHP anchor rules. It can be 33 percent lighter than HHP or 50% lighter than “standard stockless” kinds.
- 7 lb anchor: Designed for moderate circumstances with little current, such as day cruises on small bodies of water. It can be used as a stern anchor to avoid the rear swing on boats of 27 feet in length. Note: drop an anchor from the stern as your primary anchor facing the wind; you’ll take on water.
- 10-pound anchor: Used on vessels up to 19 feet long in winds up to 30 miles per hour. Because bow storage spaces for this size range are small, storing in a different compartment may be needed.
- 14-pound anchor: Made for 20-27 foot vessels in winds up to 30 mph. The boat anchor lockers are generally larger but may still be narrow.
- 18-pound anchor: Made for a vessel up to 28-34 feet and 30 miles per hour wind. Large anchor lockers are common, or the anchors are fixed to the bow using an anchor windlass, anchor roller, electric anchor winch, or other.
- 22-pound anchor: made to cater to 35-42 foot boat length in winds up to 30 mph The anchors are installed on the bow with an anchor windlass, anchor roller, or manual roller.
Anchor Rode Guide
| Chain (dia.-inch) | Nylon (dia. -inch) | Length (ft.) |
|---|---|---|
| 3/16 | 7/16 | 90 |
| 1/4 | 7/16 | 135 |
| 5/16 | 1/2 | 190 |
| 3/8 | 9/16 | 225 |
| 7/16 | 5/8 | 240 |
| 1/2 | 11/16 | 315 |
| 9/16 | 3/4 | 360 |
What Are The 4 Different Types Of Anchors?
There are many different types of anchors, and you should choose one based on the characteristics of the bottom in the areas where you will anchor the most. Then choose a size based on the size and weight of your boat.
1. Lightweight or “Danforth” Anchors
Lightweight anchor with two long pivoting “flukes”; designed to reduce mud and grass clogging; varies in weight from 2.5 to over 200 pounds, and are typically constructed of cast galvanized metal; however, some variants are machined from a light-weight aluminum composite.
When the anchor is dropped, the flukes dig it into the bottom, burying the anchor and part of the anchor line.
They are widely used on small recreational boats since they are incredibly lightweight for the amount of holding power they produce when compared to other anchors. Flukes also thrive in hard sand or mud, where they may easily dig into the soil.
Not for very soft or loose mud, which balls around the flukes, or on rocks where the anchor flukes can’t penetrate. If you have a heavier boat, a larger anchor that is heavier will be required.
If the wind shifts, you can find your vessel drifts across the anchor to pull moorings free.
2. Kedge or Navy Anchors
In a more traditional style, an anchor with arks, flukes, and stock. Flukes can’t dig into mud or loose sand, thus they’re worthless in places where one arm can enter a crevice, such as dense foliage, weeds, rocky bottoms, or rough sand. (Find the Best Depth Finder For Pontoon Boat)
It differs from previous anchors in that one arm lowers into the bottom while the other remains exposed since it is not a burying anchor.
It’s normally only used by very large ships because it relies on weight for most of its holding power; it’s not suited for recreational use beyond a lunch hook.
3. Grapnel Anchors
It’s inexpensive, but it’s not very long-lasting. In some cases, the flukes are formed of galvanized metal, while in other cases, the flukes are twisted rebar that folds.
It’s useful for retrieving goods from the seabed or anchoring a wreck reef. Canoes and jon boats are common examples of small boats with this feature.
4. Plow or “CQR/DELTA” Anchors
The plow style’s excellent power on various bottom types makes it a popular choice among cruising boats. In addition, the shank can be fixed (Delta type) or pivoting (CQR style).
When put in water, a plow lands on its side and buries itself when dragged. However, its design makes it simple to reset if the wind or the tide shifts the boat position.
It works well in sand and on rocky bottoms and weeds and grass. Doesn’t work well with soft bottoms. They’re usually constructed of galvanized metal, but stainless steel is also available.
5. Claw or “BRUCE” Anchors
The claw’s unique form allows it to revolve 360 degrees without breaking. At a smaller weight, it performs similarly to plow anchors.
It sets up similarly to a plow, but the claw’s curved flukes make it simpler to right itself no matter how it lands on the bottom or how far the boat is swung about.
6. Mushroom Anchors
Mushroom anchors get their name from their round mushroom form, as you might anticipate. Mushroom anchors, which can weigh several thousand pounds, are widely used for moorings.
The design works best in soft bottoms, where it can create a difficult-to-break suction. It’s okay to use as a lunch hook on tiny boats, but it’s not practical for larger boats.
Both Buoys and Beacons may be equipped with lights and a sound instrument such as a gong, bell, or horn. As a result, both Buoys and Beacons can be called “marks.”
Line and Gear
Depending on the size and kind of your boat and where you plan to anchor, you can use an all-rope anchor rode, a combination of rope and chain, or an all-chain anchor rode.
Nylon Line in Three-Strand Twist
The three-strand line absorbs shock and frequent anchoring tugging significantly better than the braided line or chain alone. Because nylon lines can be cut, a chain can be utilized at anchorages that are mostly rock or coral. (Read What Are Small Flat Bottom Boats Such As Duck Hunting Boats Prone To Do)
A length of chain should be used between the anchor and a longer length of line. The chain adds weight to your anchor without making it too heavy to lift manually and sets it by pulling it horizontally.
As an anchoring line, the nylon three-strand line is the most preferred option. In lay, lines are usually “soft” or “medium.” Soft lines are loosely woven and often have a softer feel to them.
A wax-like finish has been applied to several lines. The ability of the line to resist water and salt absorption is aided by these lines.
Chain
A chain can be used for anchoring in high winds instead of a nylon line. The chain has various advantages, including increased weight, resistance to chafing and wear, and high strength.
It also helps the anchor set more firmly into the bottom by lowering the angle of pull on it.
Chain is often constructed of galvanized steel, but stainless steel and vinyl coated chains are also available, which are supposed to be non-marring to your deck.
The most popular chain type is “Proof Coil,” which is suitable for most marine applications. The links in the “BBB” (“Triple B” or “3B”) chain are thicker and shorter than those in proof chain.
BBB is a slightly more robust version of the proof chain commonly used in windlasses.
Last but not least, the “Hi-Test” chain comprises hardened steel and is both stronger and lighter than proof coil. Therefore, those who want to avoid carrying too much weight prefer the high-test chain.
Combination Nylon Rope and Chains
Anchor-rodes with chain and nylon anchor lines are known as combination anchor-rodes. You can purchase a combination ride or design your own.
One foot of chain is recommended for every foot of boat length, and one pound of chain is recommended for every pound of anchor length. It’s never a bad idea to have more chains than you need, regardless of your method.
Metal Eye
Make sure your anchor and line are correctly connected with the right gear. Some lines have plastic thimbles or eyes, but metal, such as marine-grade stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized steel, is the best option.
Swivels and shackles should be checked for wear to ensure that the connections are secure and effective regularly.
What Size Anchor Do I Need For A 26 Foot Boat?
There is more to anchor size than just boat size. Thus, with an anchor, one size doesn’t fit all.
Boat size recommendations will be for vessels that come with average windage and proportions in 30 knots of wind. Medium bottom conditions, and modest protection from open seas are also considered.
Keep in mind that the loads in 42 knots of wind are double those in 30 knots.
Use a minimum of 5:1 scope, three-strand nylon line, and 6-12 feet chain.
Generally, for every 25 feet of water depth you anchor in, a minimum of 6 feet length of chain should be used.
A good recommendation is generally using an anchor one or two sizes larger in stormy conditions.
Anchor Weight Guide
| Boat Size | Anchor Weight | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length (ft) | Weight (lb.) | Bruce (lb.) | Danforth (lb.) | Fortress (lb.) | Plow (lb.) | Yachtsman (lb.) |
| 20 – 25 | 2,500 | 4.4 | 8-S, 5-H** | 4 | 10 | 15 |
| 26 – 30 | 5,000 | 11 | 13-S, 12-H | 7 | 15 | 25 |
| 31 – 35 | 10,000 | 11/16.5 | 22-S, 12-H | 7/10 | 20 | 35 – 40 |
| 36 – 40 | 15,000 | 16.5 | 22-S, 20-H | 10 | 25 | 50 |
| 41- 45 | 20,000 | 22 | 40-S, 20-H | 15 | 35 | 65 |
| 46 – 50 | 30,000 | 22/44 | 65-S, 35-H | 21 | 45 | 75 |
| 51 – 60 | 50,000 | 44 | 85-S, 60-H | 32 | 60 | 100 |
