10 Best Sailing Anchors In 2018

What are the best sailing anchors? That is not usually a question you are asking yourself when you are buying a sailboat for the first time. The boat must come with one, and I don’t need to worry about it. Unfortunately, it is not quite as simple as that. You should not trust that the previous owner knew what they are doing, and you should also be thinking about the type of sailing you are going to do and if it differs from what came before.

A good anchor can make your sailing life a lot easier, and it might even be a lifesaver. Hopefully, it will never come to that, but if you find yourself in a precarious situation with the wrong anchor, then things can start to go badly.

Thankfully, we have done the research so you can make an informed choice about the type of anchor you need.

Here is our list of the 10 best sailing anchors in 2018.

Sailing Anchor Reviews

How To Choose A Sailing Anchor – Buying Guide

Monohull Vs. Multihull

The more you sail, the more you know. As a beginner (or even as an experienced sailor) you may wonder what anchor you need based on your hull type. The truth is that you do not need to choose based on the hull, you need to make a choice based on the size of your craft. The bigger the craft, the more holding power you will need.

Lakes Vs. Coastal Waterways

The type of water you are sailing on will determine how much holding power you need in an anchor. The ocean will need more than a lake or a river. You should determine the most turbulent water you will be in and buy your anchor based on that. The anchor will work on anything calmer.

Choosing The Correct Ancho Weight

If you have bought your sailboat, then you should know the vessel’s length and weight. If you do not know them, the length is pretty easy to get by measuring it yourself. The weight may need some online searching to find the same or similar vessels, with information. Once you know the weight and length of your vessel, you can use the manufacturer’s specifications to determine if an anchor is right for you.

Construction Materials

• ALUMINUM is lightweight and still gives good holding power. The tradeoff for it being lightweight is the cost. They are not as strong as some other materials but offer great holding power in comparison.
• GALVANIZED STEEL gives you strength and a good price-point. It is not shiny, like some of the other materials. Galvanized steel is also corrosive en can wear. Try to find an anchor which has been hot-dipped.
• STAINLESS STEEL looks great. It is resistant to rust and corrosion, but it does have a higher price-point than some other materials on the list.
• HIGH TENSILE STEEL is a lot stronger than regular steel. A great material if your primary focus is strength.
• MANGANESE STEEL is a strong material and lasts great when exposed to impact. Great for rockier terrains.

Seabed Conditions

The terrain under you will take some of the choice from your hands. Different anchor designs work better in different situations. Plow-style works in most conditions, as does scoop-style. Fluke anchors work best in loose conditions, such as sand and mud.

Rocks, Reefs, And Coral

Rocks, reefs, and coral can all claim an anchor. Be careful when navigating with these below, and if you need an anchor for these conditions, then try to find one with slotted shanks.

Mud, Sand, And Grass

Fluke-style anchors are best for these conditions. Sometimes there is sediments, air pockets, or loose materials underneath, so you need an anchor which can penetrate deep and give you the hold you need. Fluke anchors are great for digging down deep to grip and hold your boat.

Weather Conditions

Most of the time on your adventures you will be met with favorable conditions, but even with the most careful research and eye on the weather, you can be caught in quick-turning weather. If you do get caught in a storm, you should make sure that you have an anchor which will hold. Thankfully, most of the modern anchors out there have been tested in just these conditions. If you have an old anchor, then I would recommend replacing it with a newer one.

FAQs

Q: How Do I Anchor A Sailboat?

A: Anchoring a sailboat is not quite as simple as throwing your anchor overboard and waiting for it to hit the bottom. You need to worry about the currents, the terrain, the tide, and your luck. Here are some things to think about before you buy your anchor.

Q: Does It Move With The Current And Tide?

A: When it comes time to set your anchor, you can have all the confidence in the world, and still not be able to set it. Even the most experienced sailors cannot set an anchor on the first try every time. If it does not set, you must be able to try again quickly . If you do not, the anchor may get stuck, and you will have to go into the water after it. Thankfully, there are some great additions to modern anchors:

• HINGED SHANKS are great for waters where the tide changes. If your boat is turned, a hinged shank will turn the anchor with you.
• FIXED SHANKS do not have the same versatility as hinged shanks when it comes to tidal or current changes, but they are great for helping to set in muddy seabeds. Choose the anchor based on where you will be sailing or choose multiple anchors for your sailboat.

Q: How Well Does It Set?

A: If you have an older anchor, then you may find that it takes a few tries to set the anchor correctly and get the hod you need. Most modern anchors come with self-righting mechanisms to ensure setting on the first try. I would recommend making sure that your anchor has one of the following before buying it:

• TIP BALLASTS weight the anchor on one end. When the anchor falls into the water or when it is pulled, the anchor will tip, and the ballast will stand the anchor in the correct position.
• ROLL BARS roll the anchor when it hits the sea floor, making sure that it is in the correct position to set.

Globo Surf Overview

Sailing is what we do to get away from the day to day drudge and realities of life on the land. Casting off and feeling the waves underneath you is a feeling like no other. A food anchor will keep you rooted when you need to be and will release easily when you want to continue on your journey. Anchors are all about safety, but a really great one will become a company aboard your boat.

Sources

1. 1. Sailing Weather, wunderground.com

Have you tried one of our sailing anchors on the list above? Let us know your favorites in the comment section below.