The type of anchor you use can vary a lot, depending on the size and type of boat, the location of the boat, and the type of bottom material you’ll be anchoring into. Generally, it’s best to have a boat anchor on hand that will be effective in the widest variety of environments you’re likely to be encountering. But it some cases, you may want to have multiple anchors on board that can be used in different circumstances.

In this article, we’ll look at the various types of anchors, and zoom in on which ones are most effective in which environments and use cases.

What is an Anchor?

An anchor is a device attached to boats with a chain or rope to help the vessel stay in place. Almost universally made of metal, anchors vary in their design depending on the type of boat you have and the area you plan to use it in.

Types of Surfaces an Anchor Works With

When selecting an anchor to use, it’s important to consider the surface you plan to secure it in.

Mud

Mud tends to be very thin which can pose a problem if you don’t use the right anchor. A mud anchor usually needs to be tilted to a 32-degree angle in order to fully secure itself to the ground.

Sand

Sand is one of the most common surfaces an anchor needs to work with. Because it’s so soft, it’s easy for anchors to secure themselves into it.

Rocks

Rocks can hold an anchor well, but it’s important to have a sharp anchor that can dig in between them. A plow-shape anchor is best for a rocky surface as it quickly pokes into the rocks.

Grass

Grass is a challenging surface to use an anchor in. This is because the anchor might twist itself into roots rather than into the ground. Because of this, it is important to use an anchor that can cut through roots and grass.

Clay

Some surfaces might be made of clay. Clay is very difficult for some anchors to attach to because it’s so compact. Due to this, there are special anchors designed specifically to be used in clay and feature extremely sharp tines that pierce through the ground.

Coral

Coral is a pretty similar material to anchor into as rock. For the most part, anchors that work well in rock will work well in coral.

Types of Anchors

Danforth Anchor

Also known as a fluke anchor, the Danforth anchor features two flat triangular grooves on the edge of it. This anchor is very lightweight and works well in mud and sand. The two fluke prongs attach quite well in muddy and sandy bottoms — which are by far the most commonly encountered types of ground. The Danforth is easy to work with, and easy to stow, making it a great general purpose anchor.

However, it functions poorly in rocky, grassy, or coral conditions

If you only want to have a single anchor on your boat that will work in a wide variety of circumstances, the Danforth fluke anchor is probably the one you’re looking for.

Stockless Anchor

The stockless anchor was one of the first anchor designs in the world. It’s known for its strong grip and doesn’t tend to be as heavy as other models. A stockless anchor features two flukes curving off its sides and a socket in the middle which helps it to sink. On the bottom of this socket are small palms which help the anchor to secure itself to the ground.

Mushroom Anchor

This type of anchor is designed to be used in sand or very fine surfaces. A mushroom anchor looks like a mushroom as it has a long rod connected to a circular bottom. This circular bottom works as a suction cup which helps the anchor to stay secure wherever it is placed. Eventually, sand can cover the top of the mushroom mooring anchor helping to keep it fastened to the ground even more.

These work great for small boats as a “lunch anchor”. They’re not designed for strong holding but will keep a small craft in place for a time in calm winds. They’re super convenient, compact, and easy to work with. They’re commonly sold with a vinyl coating.

When you’re not at the dock, you’ll need an anchor to secure your craft. These devices are crucial to have on hand for any boat. They help to keep the vessel secure and prevent it from floating away, and are especially important in hazardous conditions.