The Ultimate Guide to Boat Anchor Types

When you're choosing an anchor for your boat, there are many things to consider. The size of your boat, as well as what type of water you will be sailing in, all make a difference. Even the type of seabed is important to anchor design! In this ultimate guide to boat anchor types, we detail what each of the different anchor styles are and what scenarios they work best in. Follow along on our deep dive into types of boat anchors to find the right sized anchor for your vessel!

If you've found yourself wondering which anchor is a good choice for most recreational boats, look no further. Fluke anchors, sometimes referred to as a Danforth™ anchor, are a popular type of boat anchor. With two pointed flukes at the end of each anchor arm, you’re sure to get a proper set each time, no matter how you throw them. Out of all the different common anchor types, fluke anchors are a top performer for muddy and sandy bottoms. Compatible with a wide range of boat types and relatively inexpensive, fluke style is the best anchor for recreational boats.

Smaller boats under 28 ft.

Sandy and muddy seabeds

Vastly deep waters, coral and rocky bottoms, windy conditions

Next on our list of boat anchor types is the claw anchor, sometimes called a Bruce™ anchor. The name says it all with this one! Designed for use in windy conditions, claw anchors have three claws on the bottom that dig into the seabed to set the anchor quickly and firmly in many bottom conditions, including coral, rock and sand. The versatility of the claw design and durable galvanized steel construction make it wildly popular among recreational boaters. However, there is one drawback. Claw anchors tend to have lower holding power. This means you’ll need a larger, heavier anchor than you would with other anchor types. 

Boats up to 60 ft.

Large open waters with sandy, muddy, coral and rocky bottoms, windy conditions

Hard clay seabeds

Arguably the most common anchor on the market, delta anchors have a winged plow design that's the standard among most boat manufacturers. Delta anchors set quickly, which is essential when the current catches you. The unique design allows it to reset easily if the wind or tide changes direction. Delta anchors are well suited for soft bottoms, weeds and grass. This type of anchor boasts a high holding power, making it ideal for windy conditions on open water. From sailboats to pontoon boats, stainless steel delta anchors are the way to go.

Boats up to 70 ft.

Large open waters with sandy, muddy and grassy bottoms, windy conditions

Rocky seabeds

If you plan to paddle in thin-hulled small boats such as kayaks or canoes, the mushroom anchor is your best bet. This anchor design features a large circular disc at the base of its shaft, which will help prevent your boat from being damaged by the sharp edges of other anchor types. Best for soft seabeds, the design works based on suction. One of the best anchor types for small boats, the mushroom anchor falls short in the holding power category, making it a bad choice for larger boats. However, this anchor type makes a perfect lunch hook.

Smaller boats, Kayaks, canoes

Brief breaks on water with mud and sand bottoms

Rocky seabeds, large boats

Coming in as the only electric anchor on the list, shallow water anchors are designed to secure boats in water depths up to eight feet. Shallow water anchors feature a long arm that extends down into the water from the boat's stern. At the end of the arm, there is a spike that is electrically driven into the bottom sediment, providing a secure hold. Specifically designed to provide swift and silent anchoring with the push of a button, this type of boat anchor is one of the best anchors for sandy bottoms, ideal for anglers looking to secure a coveted spot where the fish are biting.

Powerboats under 26 ft.

Shallow waters with sand, mud or clay seabeds

Seabeds with dense vegetation or large rocks, deep water

The kedge anchor, a staple among boat anchor types, is not only a secondary anchor on yachts but also a key player in a technique called "kedging." Kedging involves using the kedge anchor to haul a vessel out of a tight spot or to pivot it around a fixed point, enabling precise maneuvering in challenging conditions. While the primary anchor secures the yacht for extended periods, the kedge anchor offers flexibility and agility, particularly in confined spaces or when quick adjustments are necessary. Yacht owners rely on the kedge anchor's versatility when navigating narrow channels, entering congested harbors or simply fine-tuning their position for optimal mooring. Its compact size and ease of deployment make it a valuable asset in the sailor's toolkit, enhancing the vessel’s maneuverability and ensuring safe navigation in diverse maritime environments. 

Yachts, commercial fishing boats, sailboats over 35 ft. 

Secondary anchoring in narrow channels and congested harbors with sand or mud seabeds 

Primary anchoring, hard clay and rocky seabeds 

This quick reference chart highlights different types of anchors for boats and their uses. Each anchor is designed to effectively anchor a boat under various conditions, ensuring optimal stability and security.

Now that our boat anchor guide has helped you determine the type of boat anchor that’s right for you, you’re probably wondering how to determine what size to buy. Unfortunately, there isn’t a straightforward answer. Factors such as boat size, holding power, bottom conditions and weather conditions all play a part when determining which size anchor to use. A good rule of thumb for recreational boaters is to have one pound of anchor for every one foot of boat. Thankfully, most manufacturers have sizing charts like the one featured below for the Lewmar Delta Anchor to help you make the right choice.

A blog post about boat anchor types wouldn’t be complete without the mention of anchor accessories. Just as important as the anchor itself are the anchor rodes, winches, windlasses and bow rollers. Anchor rodes, aka your anchor line or cable, connect the anchor to the boat itself, absorbing any movement from wave or wind action. Bow rollers protect your boat’s hull during deployment, while both winches and windlasses are used to make anchoring safer and easier. The windlass is used to create tension, and the winch is used to loosen the tension. The best way to determine what anchor accessories you need for your specific anchor type, is to consult with your anchor manufacturers recommendations.