The Ultimate Ski Boat Anchor Guide

When it comes to choosing the best anchor for a ski boat, there are several factors to consider. The type of bottom—mud, grass, sand or rock—will dictate different choices of anchors, as will the size and windage of the boat, the wind conditions and the sea state. Most boating experts agree that, for the greatest anchoring security, you should carry two anchors of different styles.

The most popular type of anchor is the fluke anchor, also called the Lightweight or Danforth. It is light and easy to weigh, stows flat and holds well in mud or sand. Its excellent holding power-to-weight ratio means you can use a lighter anchor compared to other types, but it doesn’t hold well in grassy or rocky surfaces.

Plow and Scoop anchors—the “single point” style represented by the Manson Supreme, Rocna, CQR, Delta and Claw—have the best all-around holding ability in varying bottom conditions. They generally reset themselves easily if the wind or current changes direction.

Claw anchors are also a great choice as they set easily and perform well in most conditions. They set easily in most bottom types but struggle with hard bottoms like clay or in heavy grass.

Mushroom anchors are also a popular choice for smaller boats and personal watercraft. Their small size makes them easy to stow and many are PVC coated making them easy to clean as well.

Fluke anchors: the most popular type, they hold well in mud or sand but not in grass or rocks

Fluke anchors, also known as Danforth anchors, are the most popular type of anchor for smaller boats. They are lightweight and easy to handle, which makes them effective in different types of seabeds. They are particularly good in muddy or sandy seabeds, where their sharp flukes can penetrate the loose sediment and create a secure hold.

Fluke anchors are made up of two triangular flukes, which are attached to a stock, and a shank that connects the anchor to the anchor line or chain. The flukes have sharp, pointed tips that dig into the seabed when the anchor is set. The stock provides stability and helps the anchor orient itself correctly. The anchor's design allows it to bury itself deeper as the boat pulls on the rode, increasing its holding power and stability in changing tidal or wind conditions.

Fluke anchors are widely used by small to medium-sized boats, and they are favoured for their high holding power-to-weight ratio and their ability to reset themselves if they break free due to changing conditions. They are also easy to stow, as they fold flat.

However, fluke anchors do not perform well in grassy or rocky surfaces. Their flukes can foul on rocks, and they are not recommended for slick, grassy bottoms. Loose mud or clay can also foul the flukes and prevent bottom penetration.

Plow/scoop anchors: these have the best all-around holding ability in varying conditions and are often used as primary anchors

Plow/scoop anchors are a great choice for your ski boat as they have the best all-around holding ability in varying conditions and are often used as primary anchors. They are also known as CQR/Plow or Delta/Wing anchors.

The CQR/Plow anchor is one of the oldest styles, dating back to the 1930s, and remains one of the most popular anchors among blue-water cruisers. It has a hinged design, making it more responsive to wind and tide changes compared to other anchors. However, it has relatively low holding power and is rarely found under 25 lbs, which can make it challenging to store.

On the other hand, the Delta/Wing anchor is the most popular anchor on boats today and is the standard choice for most boat manufacturers. It has a good holding power per pound, about 50% more than the Bruce anchor. Both the CQR and Delta perform well in most conditions but struggle the most in rocky bottoms.

Plow/scoop anchors are ideal for heavier boats like powerboats and cruising sailboats. They are well-suited for rocky bottoms, weeds, and grass but are not recommended for soft bottoms. Their curved shanks make them easier to launch using a bow roller, and they are a common choice for remote-control operation with a windlass.

When choosing an anchor, it's important to consider the type of bottom you'll be anchoring in, as well as the size and windage of your boat, and the wind conditions you'll be facing. For greater security, many boating experts recommend carrying two anchors of different styles, such as one Danforth and one plow/scoop anchor.

Plow/scoop anchors are an excellent choice for your ski boat, offering versatility, reliability, and ease of use in various conditions.

Claw anchors: they set easily and perform well in most conditions but struggle with hard bottoms like clay

Claw anchors are a great choice for ski boats as they set easily and perform well in most conditions. They are ideal for windy, open-water conditions and will hold no matter how much the boat swings around on the hook. Claw anchors are also known as "Bruce anchors", named after their inventor, the Bruce Anchor Group, and remain one of the most popular anchors among recreational boaters in North America.

The three-claw design of the Bruce anchor sets more easily than other anchors and also resets easily if it is ever broken loose. It performs well in most seabeds, including mud, sand, rock and coral. It does, however, struggle to penetrate harder surfaces such as clay and bottoms with heavy grass. It also has a lower holding power per pound than other anchors, meaning a larger anchor may be required.

Claw anchors are available in a range of materials, including stainless steel, galvanized steel, and aluminium. When choosing an anchor, it is important to consider the size and windage of the boat, the wind conditions, and the sea state. It is also worth noting that the weight of the anchor is important, but what you are really looking for is holding power, which may have little relation to the anchor's size and weight.

In addition to the claw anchor, other popular types of anchors include the fluke anchor, the plow/scoop anchor, and the mushroom anchor.

Mushroom anchors: a popular choice for smaller boats and personal watercraft, they are easy to stow and clean

Mushroom anchors are a popular choice for small boats and personal watercraft like jet skis, wave runners, and sea-doos. They are also ideal for canoes, kayaks, and jon boats. Their small size makes them easy to stow, and their PVC coating makes them easy to clean.

Mushroom anchors are best suited for soft bottoms, where they create penetration based on suction. They are not recommended as a primary anchor but can be useful as a secondary or "lunch hook" anchor for short anchorages in calm waters. Mushroom anchors are typically made of cast iron and feature a black vinyl or PVC coating that protects against corrosion and boat damage. They are available in various weights and colours, with options ranging from 8 to 15 lbs and finishes in red, blue, or black.

When choosing a mushroom anchor, it is important to consider the size of your boat and the conditions in which you will be anchoring. For example, if you have a 15-foot boat and plan to anchor in sandy, muddy, or weedy bottoms, a 10-lb mushroom anchor would be suitable. However, if you have a larger boat or anticipate anchoring in stronger winds or currents, you may need a heavier anchor.

In addition to the anchor itself, you will also need an appropriate anchor line or rope. It is recommended to use a ratio of 7:1, or 7 feet of line for every foot of anticipated water depth. For example, if you plan to anchor in 10 feet of water, you would need 70 feet of anchor line. It is also important to choose a line made of suitable material, such as three-strand twisted nylon, that can withstand the constant tugging of the anchor line.

Grappling anchors: compact and good for storage in small spaces, they are commonly used on jon boats, canoes, kayaks and aluminium skiffs

Grappling anchors are ideal for small boats like jon boats, canoes, kayaks, and aluminium skiffs. They are compact, folding up for storage in small spaces. They are also lightweight yet powerful, and can be made of galvanized iron. They are perfect for holding small boats in place, even in strong currents and tidal waters, as well as sandy, muddy, and weedy bottoms.

Grappling anchors are easy to use and can be quickly folded and unfolded in seconds. They are also versatile, suitable for a range of small watercraft like kayaks, inflatables, jet skis, and canoes. They are a good value option for both novice and experienced boaters.

However, grappling anchors may not be suitable for all conditions. They are not recommended for use in rocky bottoms, as they are designed to hook onto objects like rocks rather than penetrate the seabed. They may also not be suitable for permanent mooring.

Frequently asked questions