Best Boat Anchors For Sand: Digging Deep

Anchors are an essential safety tool for sailors, and choosing the right one is crucial for safety and peace of mind. The best type of anchor for sand is a pivoting-fluke anchor, plow, or non-hinged scoop anchor. These types of anchors are specifically designed to penetrate and hold in sand. The most popular brands of these styles are Delta, Danforth, and of course, spade anchors like the Rocna.

The Delta anchor is a plow-type anchor that has been designed to penetrate and hold in sand. It works by digging its flukes into the sand and then pivoting and locking into place, providing a very strong hold. It is made from high-quality, hot-forged steel and is galvanized for added corrosion resistance.

The Danforth anchor is another excellent choice for anchoring in sand. It is a non-hinged, scoop-type anchor that works by digging its flukes into the sand and then pivoting and locking into place. Like the Delta anchor, it is made from high-quality, hot-forged steel and is galvanized for added corrosion resistance.

The Rocna anchor is a hinged, plow-type anchor that has been designed to penetrate and hold in sand. It works similarly to the Delta anchor by digging its flukes into the sand. The biggest difference is the roll bar on top of the Rocna, which means that if the anchor becomes unset, it is very likely to reset itself.

The best anchors for sand

Anchors are an essential safety tool for sailors. The best type of anchor to use in sand is a pivoting-fluke anchor, plow, or non-hinged scoop anchor. These types of anchors are specifically designed to penetrate and hold in sand.

Delta Anchor (plow)

The Delta anchor is a plow-type anchor that has been designed to penetrate and hold in sand. The anchor's flukes dig into the sand as it is pulled along the bottom, and then pivot and lock into place, providing a strong hold. It is made from high-quality, hot-forged steel and is galvanized for added corrosion resistance. The Delta anchor comes in a range of sizes, from 16kg (35lb) to 45kg (100lb), making it suitable for boats of all sizes.

Pros:

• Easy to set, especially in sand
• Very strong hold, making it perfect for boats in exposed anchoring situations
• The galvanized steel construction makes it highly corrosion-resistant

Cons:

• The flukes can make the anchor difficult to retrieve if it becomes buried in the sand or stuck under a rock
• It is a plow anchor, meaning it is designed to pull through the ground as it digs in, and may keep ploughing if there isn't enough time to sink
• If the Delta unsets, it may not reset on its own

Danforth Anchor (fluke)

The Danforth anchor is another excellent choice for anchoring in sand. It is a non-hinged, scoop-type anchor with flukes that dig into the sand and then pivot and lock into place, providing a strong hold. The Danforth is also made from high-quality, hot-forged steel and is galvanized for added corrosion resistance. It comes in a range of sizes, from 16kg (35lb) to 45kg (100lb), making it suitable for boats of all sizes.

Pros:

• The flukes are designed to pivot, which helps the anchor grab onto the sand and penetrate the bottom
• Incredibly lightweight, making it easy to handle and store
• Very affordable, making it a great option for budget-minded sailors

Cons:

• Can be difficult to retrieve from the bottom if they become embedded
• Has a smaller surface area than some other types of anchors, which can make it less effective in strong winds
• Unlikely to reset itself if it fails to set

Rocna Anchor (scoop)

The Rocna anchor is a hinged, plow-type anchor that has been designed to penetrate and hold in sand. It works similarly to the Delta anchor, with flukes that dig into the sand. However, the Rocna has a roll bar on top, which means that if the anchor becomes unset, it is very likely to reset itself. This feature has made it a firm favourite among the cruising community. The Rocna is made from high-quality, hot-forged steel and is galvanized for added corrosion resistance. It comes in a range of sizes, from 16kg (35lb) to 45kg (100lb), making it suitable for boats of all sizes.

Pros:

• Very strong hold, making it perfect for boats in exposed anchoring situations
• It should reset itself
• The galvanized steel construction makes it highly corrosion-resistant

Cons:

• Relatively heavy, making it unsuitable for smaller boats
• The roll bar means this anchor may not sit at the bow of certain sailboats

SandShark Sport Anchor

The SandShark Sport Anchor is a stake-style anchor that is lightweight, compact, and durable. It has an innovative screw auger that drills into sandy bottoms to create a rock-solid grip. The anchor is made of engineering-grade, high-strength plastic and has interlocking pieces, making it four feet tall when fully assembled. It also has a bright colour for easy visibility and a T-shaped handle for easy grabbing. This anchor is a great option for small boats due to its space-efficient design.

Pros:

• Interlocking pieces allow for portability and space efficiency
• High-strength auger does not easily pull out of the sand
• Bright colour for easy visibility
• Comes with a 100% money-back guarantee

Cons:

Plastic construction holds only small boats

LewMar Claw Anchor

The LewMar Claw Anchor is a good choice for versatility, performing well on sandy bottoms as well as other surfaces like mud or rock. It withstands various wind and tide conditions, stabilising the boat in its position. The LewMar Claw is made from high-grade steel with a galvanized finish to protect against rust and corrosion. It is available in different weight variations, from 11 to 44 pounds, so you can choose the right size for your boat.

Pros:

• Designed for different bottoms or sea beds
• Withstands different wind and tide conditions
• High-grade one-piece construction with a galvanized finish to ensure durability
• Available in different weight variations to suit your needs

Cons:

Small hole for breakaway attachment

How to set an anchor in sand

Setting an anchor in sand requires a few key considerations and steps to ensure it holds. Here is a detailed guide on how to set an anchor in sand:

Firstly, it is important to ensure you have the right type of anchor. The best types of anchors for sand are pivoting-fluke anchors, plows, or non-hinged scoop anchors. Popular brands include Delta, Danforth, and Rocna. These anchors are specifically designed to penetrate and hold in sand. When choosing an anchor, consider the size and weight, which will depend on your boat size and the wind and current conditions you anticipate encountering.

Now, onto the steps for setting an anchor in sand:

• Find a suitable spot to set your anchor. Look for an area free of debris and other anchored boats. Keep in mind that your boat will drift downwind or downcurrent from this point once your anchor line is fully let out.
• Stop your boat and lower the anchor over the bow to the bottom.
• Slowly reverse your boat downwind or downcurrent, letting out enough rope or chain. The general rule of thumb is to let out seven to ten times as much rope or chain as the water depth. This is known as your scope.
• Once your line is out, slowly reverse back on your anchor to set it in the sand. The slower you go, the better, as it gives the anchor time to dig into the sand and find a grip.
• Monitor the anchor's holding power by taking transits as you reverse. If you have a crew member, they can watch the chain for any signs of slipping, which will be indicated by jerks in the chain.
• Check that the anchor is set securely by diving down to inspect it. If the water is shallow and clear, you may be able to snorkel and check from the surface.
• Regularly monitor the anchor, especially if conditions are changing, to ensure it is holding and there is no danger of dragging.

By following these steps and choosing the right type of anchor for sand, you can effectively and safely set an anchor in sand.

Pros and cons of different anchor types

Anchors are an essential safety tool for sailors. There are several types of anchors, each with its own pros and cons. Here is an overview of some of the most common types:

Danforth/Fluke Anchor

The Danforth, or Fluke, anchor is a very popular choice for boats. It performs well in sand and mud, potentially the best of any anchor style. The downside is that outside of these conditions, it does not perform well. It is also not suitable for use as a primary anchor in rocky bottoms or in heavy grass. The flukes can make it difficult to retrieve if it becomes embedded, and it has a smaller surface area than some other types of anchors, making it less effective in strong winds.

Bruce/Claw Anchor

The Bruce, or Claw, anchor is another popular choice, especially among recreational boaters in North America. It performs well in most conditions, including mud, sand, rock and coral. It has a harder time penetrating harder surfaces such as clay and heavy grass. It is easy to set and resets easily if it comes loose. However, it has lower holding power per pound than other anchors, so you may need a larger anchor. It also has an awkward one-piece design, which can make stowage difficult.

CQR/Plow & Delta/Wing Anchor

The CQR and Delta anchors are plow-style anchors. The main difference is that the CQR has a hinged design, while the Delta is a one-piece design. They perform well in most conditions but struggle in rocky bottoms. The Delta has good holding power per pound and is the standard anchor choice for many boat manufacturers. The CQR, on the other hand, has relatively low holding power and struggles in independent tests.

Grapnel Anchor

A Grapnel anchor is generally used for small boats such as kayaks, dinghies and canoes. It folds up compactly and is easy to stow. Its holding power comes from hooking onto objects such as rocks, which can make retrieving the anchor difficult. It is not suitable for non-temporary anchorage.

Mushroom Anchor

Mushroom anchors are often used for permanent mooring buoys. They can provide extreme holding power as silt builds up over them. Smaller versions of these anchors are good for use in small boats for anchoring while fishing or in soft bottoms. However, they are not suitable for non-permanent moorings.

Fortress Anchor

The Fortress Anchor is made of anodized aluminium and magnesium, which makes it lighter and more corrosion-resistant than similar galvanized steel anchors. It has very sharp flukes that dig into sand. It has been shown to have incredible holding power, even in mud.

Slide Anchor Spike

The Slide Anchor Spike is a good choice for anchoring a boat on a sandbar. It uses a heavy sliding handle to hammer the spike into the sand, providing a solid anchoring point. It is also highly visible for safety.

How to choose the right anchor for your boat

Choosing the right anchor for your boat is essential for safety and peace of mind. Anchors come in a variety of styles, materials, and sizes, so it's important to select one that suits your specific needs. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right anchor for your boat:

Type of Bottom

The type of bottom you'll be anchoring in is a crucial factor in choosing the right anchor. Different anchors perform better in certain conditions. For example:

• Sand: Pivoting-fluke anchors, plow anchors, and non-hinged scoop anchors are ideal for sand. The Rocna, Delta, and Danforth anchors are popular choices.
• Mud: Anchors with a broader shank/fluke angle and greater fluke area are better suited for mud, as they can penetrate deeper. The Fortress anchor performs well in mud.
• Rocky bottoms: Plow-shaped or grapnel-type anchors are recommended for rocky bottoms as they have high structural strength. Options include the Claw, CQR, Delta, Rocna, and Supreme anchors.
• Grass, shale, or clay bottoms: In these conditions, the weight of the anchor is often more important than its design. Anchors like the CQR, Delta, Rocna, and Supreme are good choices due to their ability to penetrate vegetation.

Boat Size and Weight

Select an anchor that is appropriately sized for your boat and takes into account the locations and weather conditions where you'll be anchoring. Larger boats will require heavier and larger anchors, while smaller boats may opt for more compact and lightweight options.

Holding Power

Holding power refers to the anchor's ability to resist the force of wind and waves. Look for anchors with high holding power relative to their weight. Modern anchors can have holding power up to 200 times their weight.

Ease of Use and Storage

Consider how easy the anchor is to deploy and retrieve, especially if you'll be doing so manually. Also, think about how the anchor will be stored on your boat. Fluke anchors, for instance, stow flat and are popular for smaller boats, while plow and scoop anchors can be more awkward to store.

Materials

Anchors are typically made from galvanized steel, Grade 316 stainless steel, or lightweight aluminum/magnesium. Galvanized steel is a popular choice for its cost and tensile strength, while stainless steel offers corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal. Aluminum/magnesium anchors, like the Fortress, are lightweight and ideal for those concerned about weight.

Cost

Anchors can vary significantly in price, depending on the material, brand, and features. Consider your budget when making your selection, but remember that investing in a quality anchor is worth it for your safety and peace of mind.

The best anchors for sand, ranked

Anchors are an essential safety tool for sailors. They are designed to keep the boat and its passengers safe, away from shallow waters and rocks. The best type of anchor to use in sand is a pivoting-fluke anchor, plow, or non-hinged scoop anchor. Here are some of the best anchors for sand, ranked and explained:

Bruce Anchor

The Bruce Anchor is a popular choice among recreational boaters in North America. It was developed in the 1970s and has a trademarked name, with the generic name being Claw Anchor. It performs well in most sea bottoms, including mud, sand, rock, and coral. It has three claws that allow for easy setting and a strong grip. The Bruce Anchor is also good at resetting if it ever breaks loose. However, it has lower holding power per pound than other anchors, so a larger size may be needed.

Plow Anchor

The Plow Anchor, also known as the CQR, is one of the oldest styles, dating back to the 1930s. It remains popular among blue-water cruisers and performs well in most bottoms except rock. It has a hinged design, making it more responsive to wind and tide changes. The Plow Anchor has relatively low holding power and struggles in independent tests. It is also rare to find a Plow Anchor under 25 lbs.

Delta Anchor

The Delta Anchor is a modern plow-style anchor that is very popular, with many boat manufacturers using it as their standard. It has good holding power per pound, about 50% more than the Bruce Anchor. The Delta Anchor works well in most bottoms except rock. It is made of high-quality, hot-forged steel and is galvanized for added corrosion resistance. It comes in a range of sizes, making it suitable for boats of all sizes.

Danforth Anchor

The Danforth Anchor, also known as the Fluke Anchor, is a very popular choice. It performs well in mud and sand and is easy to stow on most bow rollers. However, it does not perform well outside of mud and sand. The Danforth Anchor is made of high-quality, hot-forged steel and is galvanized for corrosion resistance. It also comes in a range of sizes, suitable for boats of all sizes.

Rocna Anchor

The Rocna Anchor is a hinged, plow-type anchor that has been designed to penetrate and hold in sand. It has sharp flukes that allow for quick bottom penetration. The Rocna Anchor also includes a roll bar that helps to orient the anchor upright when setting. It is made of high-quality, hot-forged steel and is galvanized for added corrosion resistance. It comes in a range of sizes, suitable for boats of all sizes.

When choosing an anchor for sand, it is important to consider the size and weight of your boat, as well as the wind and water conditions you will be facing. It is also recommended to carry two anchors of different styles to ensure greater anchoring security.

Frequently asked questions