Selecting the perfect boat anchor is crucial for keeping your vessel secure in diverse conditions. As a trusted boat accessories supplier, we break down three popular boat anchor types—Fluke (Danforth), Plow (Delta), and Claw (Bruce) anchors—along with material options like stainless steel and hot-dip galvanized carbon steel. Discover which anchor fits your boat’s size, sailing environment, and budget.
Plow (Delta)– Material options: Stainless Steel 316 & Hot-dip Galvanizing Carbon Steel
The low center of gravity and self-righting geometry of a plow anchor mean it will set nearly immediately. When the current catches the plow, it buries itself for a solid hook. The plow’s shape allows it to reset easily should the wind or tide swing the boat. Plow anchors are well suited for rocky bottoms, weeds and grass, but they are not recommended for soft bottoms. This anchor’s high holding power makes it ideal for windy conditions on open water.
Fluke (Danforth)– Material options: Stainless Steel 316 & Hot-dip Galvanizing Carbon Steel
Danforth, or fluke-style anchors, are the top choice for most recreational boats with overall lengths of 30′ or less. Fluke anchors provide sufficient holding power considering their small size. By design, they fold flat and are easy to stow in storage compartments. The anchor arm, or stock, buries itself after the pointed flukes dig into the bottom. For those reasons, fluke anchors are best in hard sand and mud. The flukes can’t penetrate rocky bottoms and are not recommended for slick, grassy bottoms. Loose mud or clay can foul the flukes and prevent bottom penetration.
Claw (Bruce)– Material options: Stainless Steel 316 & Hot-dip Galvanizing Carbon Steel
Claw anchors have great holding power for their size. Modeled after oil-rig anchors in the turbulent North Sea, the downsized boating version sets effortlessly and holds in a variety of bottoms. Claw anchors are ideal for the windy conditions for which they are designed. They will hold no matter how much the boat swings around on the hook. Claw anchors are the obvious choice for large, open bodies of water.
Stainless Steel vs. Hot-Dip Galvanized Carbon Steel: Which is Better?
316 Stainless Steel Boat Anchors
– Advantages:
– Superior corrosion resistance, perfect for saltwater environments.
– Low maintenance with a polished, long-lasting finish.
– Ideal for luxury boats or harsh marine conditions.
– Drawbacks:
– Higher upfront cost.
– Overkill for occasional freshwater use.
Hot-Dip Galvanized Carbon Steel Boat Anchors
– Advantages:
– Budget-friendly while offering robust strength.
– Zinc coating protects against rust in freshwater.
– Ideal for fishing boats or seasonal boaters.
– Drawbacks:
– Requires periodic recoating to prevent corrosion.
– Not recommended for prolonged saltwater exposure.
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