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Anchoring accessories Below are some manufacturers that have products that aid anchoring.
Anchor
buddy
Auto Anchor Remote chain counter telling you how much you have let out. The counter will work for either chain and rope/chain Rhodes. AA150 is Freeman K. Pittman award winner 2006.
Anchor Alert. This alarm triggers when the anchor moves not the boat. Anchor Alert includes of an accelerometer, like those used to trigger air bags, and a wireless transponder. Both are built into a watertight capsule, housed inside a specially designed aluminum bronze alloy casing, which is easily shackled between the anchor and the anchor chain.
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BOAT ANCHORS & ANCHORING
Anchor Equipment, Anchor types, Anchor Sizes, & Anchoring Tests
Discover and learn about the latest Boat anchoring and anchors for today's boater. This newsletter features some of the best boat and yacht anchors old and new. If you are asking which is the best anchor for my boat we can help. Some of the newer marine anchors on the market are pretty weird looking, so how do they stack up against the traditional anchors?Modern anchor designs for boats are variations on the traditional types, the fisherman, Claw, Plow, and Fluke. This is your boat anchor guide to see how each type works. A boats anchor and the anchoring equipment are an important part of a boats equipment, accessories, and safety equipment. Article overview and quick links
Anchor Tests by respected media such as Yachting Monthly, Sail magazine and Practical-Sailor, West Marine and US Sailing. Yachting Monthly/Sail magazines tested 14 different designs including traditional and modern designs. Picking the correct Anchor sizes American Boat & Yacht Council.Then we go to the conclusion & other reading. To get an idea of how each anchor type works we must know
each of its parts.
The crown connects the various parts of the modern anchor. Also know as the hinge in the case of the CQR The stock turns the anchor into an attitude that enables the flukes to dig into the sea bed. Fortress, Danforth and Fisherman anchors are examples of anchors with a stock to help guide the points into the seabed.The tripping ring is used for the optional tripping line: by pulling the tripping line, the anchor will break out. The flukes will be buried into the seabed. The very tip of a fluke is sometimes called the bill. There are 6 main types of anchor. They are the
Fisherman, the Claw or Bruce, the Plow or Plough, The Fluke, the Grapnel
and Mushroom For example
Fisherman Anchor
The major weakness of the anchor design is its ability to foul the cable over changing tides. One of the Fishermans arms can catch the anchor Rhode or cable and accidentally trip the anchor. It is difficult to handle and bring aboard without scarring the topsides and does not stow well in an anchor roller. Recommended for Bottom surface types Rocks, and kelp, but not good holding in sand or mud. Other anchors designs bury themselves in mud, but cannot do so with rocks and kelp. The Fisherman with the old sailing ship look has the arm which lodges itself in a rock bed, or as in grass and kelp, the arms allow the anchor to penetrate through the kelp. Examples of fisherman type anchors
Luke did not do well in US Sailing tests which were manly on sandy bottoms. The US sailing tests were the only ones to include a fisherman type anchor. However world travelers Steve Dashew confirm that in rocky bottoms, the Luke is one to consider. They recommend a Rocna type with weighted points or a Fisherman for rocks and kelp.
Bruce/Claw
The shape of the claws, is designed to help the anchor keep digging in when the direction of the pull is changed, such as when a wind change occurs. Claw types boat anchors have difficulty penetrating weedy bottoms and grass. They offer a fairly low holding power to weight ratio and generally have to be over-sized to compete with other types. On the other hand they perform relatively well with low rode scopes and set fairly reliably. Recommended for Bottom surface types Mainly sand and muddy bottoms where the design can dig in. The design may float over weed and kelp rather than dig in. Examples of Claw type anchors ; Lewmar Claw, Bruce, and modern versions like the Spade, Rocna and Supreme. The traditional Claw Bruce anchor has rounded flukes. The Claw Anchor had a poor performance in the Yachting Monthly/Sail magazine tests, which was attributed to the anchor failing to dig in, due to the rounded flukes. The Rocna Spade and Supreme anchors faired much better and in the Yachting Monthly tests rated to a 5,000 load on the anchor Rhode. The Rocna Spade and Supreme anchors and are among a new breed of anchor with roll bars and/or pointed tips. Yachting Monthly/Sail magazine Anchor Tests December 2006 has the Rocna Spade and Manson tests.
The Rocna anchor designed by world cruiser Peter Smith originally for his own use, is meant for serious application in demanding environments, and is winning a following from some of boating’s authorities, such as guru Steve Dashew. Rocna Anchor videoFrom a report in Yachting Monthly December 06 anchor test, "The Rocna rolls sets and holds instantly". The test surface was fine sand on top of harder sand. Prices at West; $1,080 for the 40kg, $658 for the 20kg Rocna steel hot dipped galvanized anchor.
 Manson
Supreme Anchor
One
of the obvious visual aspects of the Supreme and Rocna anchors is the
use of a roll bar. This part of the design is intended to help the
anchor dig in if the anchor settles on the bottom capsized. The roll bar
allows the anchor to settle right side up.
Supreme sizing is governed by weight and boat size. For a 35 ft mono-hull and smaller, the 25 lb Supreme anchor is recommended. Supreme anchor pricing starts at $167.95 Retail and $250 for the galvanized 25lb Supreme anchor.
The spade anchor made in Tunisia and rated for boats up to 65 feet is notable in its design by the pointed tip and angled shape. The Spade anchor has half of its weight in its angled sharp ballasted chamber, the sharp point which is specially designed to allow the anchor to dig in deep and hold. The hollow anchor section is filled with ballast to get the weight over the point. The cost of the spade anchor is reflected in the higher production cost of producing an anchor with ballast. Spade Anchor models range from the smaller model 40 then 60, 80, 100, 140 and 200. The models are available in Galvanized, Aluminum and Stainless versions. The model numbers are based on the surface area of the anchor. If you choose the aluminum Sade anchor it will be lighter than its steel equivalents but have the same holding power. Hence the S80 weighs 33lb in its galvanized form and costs £399. In its aluminum form the S80 weighs 15lb and costs £419. Both are rated for 35 foot mono-hulls and less. This is a case of the new Anchor technology improving performance over the traditional Design. Links to many anchors and anchoring equipment
CQR/Plow/Plough
This anchor type has either a fixed (Delta style) or a pivoting (CQR) shank. Many manufacturers produce a plough-style design, all based on or direct copies of the original (CQR) the Coastal Quick Release , CQR's are generally good in all bottoms, but not exceptional. The CQR design has a hinged shank, allowing the anchor to turn with direction changes rather than breaking out, and also arranged to force the point of the plough into the bottom if the anchor lands on its side. The more recent Delta uses an unhinged shank and a plough with specific angles to develop slightly superior performance. Owing to the use of lead or other dedicated tip-weight, the plough is heavier than average for the amount of resistance developed, and may take a slightly longer pull to set thoroughly. Recommended for bottom surface Works well on many bottom surface types. Examples of CQR type anchors; CQR, Delta, Plow, The traditional CQR failed to deliver in the Yachting Monthly/Sail Magazine tests but the Delta did. The testers refer to the CQR like a farm plow it plows and does not dig in, the CQR does not have a weighted tip. Delta was well documented in the Yachting Monthly/Sail magazine report
 Delta
AnchorDelta Plow Galvanized Marine Anchors are made of high-grade manganese steel. Unique shank profile and ballasted tip. Self Launching. Low center of gravity self-righting geometry ensure an immediate set. Consistent and reliable in performance, the Delta anchor has Lloyd's Register Type Approval as a High Holding Power anchor and is specified as the primary anchor used by numerous National Lifeboat organizations . From the yachting Monthly/Sail magazine test "at the second location at 5:1 scope it set quickly and held at 5,000lbs in slightly more loosely packed sand. It did not perform so well at 3:1 scope where it averaged around 1,200lbs. The Delta was one of the better more consistent performers".
The Delta 14kb anchor also performed well in the West marine Tests
Fluke
The fluke anchor has difficulty penetrating kelp and weed-covered bottoms, as well as rocky and particularly hard sand or clay bottoms. If there is much current or the vessel is moving while dropping the anchor it may "kite" or "skate" over the bottom due to the large fluke area acting as a sail or wing. Once set, the anchor tends to break out and reset when the direction of force changes dramatically, such as with the changing tide, and on some occasions it might not reset but instead drag.
Recommended for Bottom surface types sand and muddy bottom surface. Examples of Danforth Boat Anchor types Fluke, Fortress, Guardian, and Danforth boat anchors
I have always looked at the Fortress marine anchor as a boats backup anchor due to the folding and storing capability. However due to the many tests plus the endorsements the fortress gets its may be one of the best on the market. The design is based on the Fluke Danforth model. The shaft is independently swiveled off the main bar. The two blades swivel off the main bar and can dig into sand and mud even when the shaft is at a more vertical angle. In the Yachting Monthly/Sail magazine Anchor tests the 22lb fortress held 5,000 lbs.
US Coast Guard chooses Fortress Fortress Anchors has revealed that the US Coast Guard has chosen its
anchor model FX-37 for use on its new 13.7m (45ft) aluminum-hulled boat,
which is due to enter production in September.
The newly designed vessel is called the Response Boat-Medium, or RB-M, and
will replace the US Coast Guard's current 12.5m (41ft) utility boat. A total
of 180 are planned for production at a cost of around US$2 million each. Other Danforth & Fluke designs include; Guardian, West marine performance 20
Mushroom Anchors are used for
small boats to use as a lunch hook, but not practical for larger boats.
Mushroom anchors work best in soft muddy bottoms, where they can create
suction which can be difficult to break.
Grapnel
A grapnel is often quite light, and used aboard smaller boats where its weight makes it relatively easy to bring aboard. Grapnels rarely have enough fluke area to develop much hold in sand,
clay, or mud. It is not unknown for the anchor to foul on its own rode
like the fisherman, or
to foul the tines with refuse from the bottom, preventing it from digging
in. It is quite possible for this anchor to find such a good hook that,
without a trip line, it is impossible to retrieve.
Links to anchors and anchoring equipment
Here are 4 independent marine anchor tests, which will help you understand which anchors are best. The tests are carried out mainly in sand and mud bottoms, so there are no results for other surface type like kelp, weed, or rocks etc. Its confusing reading through these tests, as one team had difficulty in setting one anchor while another team said it set perfectly. One team used a 5:1 scope while another used 7:1 and maybe this was one possible reason for the differences. The moral here is that one anchor may be better than another but in different conditions it may not be the best. Many cruisers have more than one choice i.e. multiple anchors. The Yachting monthly test in conjunction with Sail magazine reviewed 14 anchors. The models were the Fortress FX 37, the Delta anchor, The Claw or Bruce anchor, The CQR, Oceane, Spade, Rocna, Bugel, Performance 20, Manson Supreme, Sarca Anchoright, Bulwagga, XYZ and the Hydrobubble. The Yachting Monthly/Sail magazine tests were conducted in a sandy to sandy/clay bottom surface. The scope was 5:1 and the towing vessel was a large fishing boat to provide plenty of dragging power. The best anchors according the YM/Sail tests are the delta, Manson, Rocna, Spade and the fortress. The Delta is a fixed CQR type, the Rocna and spade are Claw types and The fortress a Fluke type. Practical sailor also conducted Anchor tests in mud. Practical-Sailor (subscription required), but you can read it on the XYZ anchors site The Practical sailor tests were slightly different as they chose a muddy bottom and 3:1 scope. During the Practical-Sailor tests, the anchors taking part were the Anchor Right Sarca, the Bulwagga, Danforth Deep Set II, Davis Talon XT, Fortress FX-23, Hydrobubble, Kingston Plow, Spade A80, Super Max, Rocna 15, & the XYZ. US sailing looks at Sailboat anchors. The results are broken down by area tested. The sites had been initially selected based upon Washington State, Corps of Engineers and NOAA charts for differing soil conditions and were then surveyed on April 22 by diver Montgomery during a reconnaissance. Additional underwater site checks were conducted during testing to confirm bottom characteristics. The West Marine tests were using a smaller 26 ft powerboat. The bottom was sandy and the depth around 18-24ft with 120 ft anchor line. This indicates a 5:1 scope. Once you have decided which type of anchor is the one for you, the next step is how large. The weight of an anchor you need is dependant on boat size. The American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) have these following recommendations regarding anchor line horizontal loads for vessel size and type. The pull on an anchor is based on wind strength and your boats windage. The suggested horizontal load (chart below) for a lunch hook is based on the pull in 15 knots of wind, the working anchors pull in 30 knots and the storm anchor in 42 knots. Many Anchor manufacturers will list their holding power, so compare the holding power to the horizontal load for your boats size. We can demonstrate this by looking at selecting an anchor for a 30 ft power boat. According to the ABYC guide below. The 30 ft boat has a 700 lb horizontal pull for a working anchor. Using the Fortress anchor selection guide. We see the FX-11 has a working load of 900 lbs and a holding power of 3,600 in the standard configuration. So the FX-11 will fit our 30 ft power boat. This calculation is supported by Fortress who recommends the FX-11 for boats between 28 and 32 ft.
Links to anchors and anchoring equipment
I read somewhere a question from a new boater who asked if they needed an anchor. The answer is yes you do its required by law in many places and it can be one of the first pieces of emergency equipment you'll need. Whether you sail up a river or cross oceans an anchor can an anchor is an essential piece of gear.
When you pick and choose a boat anchor the important factors are reliability to set, holding power, veering and damage/storing.
This article will give you a guide to the various types of anchor old and
new. Which types of anchor work in which bottom surface, is important to
you. The good news is that the newer anchor technology appears to be
working and from the anchor tests we looked at the new designs
outperformed the tradition types.
In part 2 of anchoring, we provide information on Anchor Ground tackle, the parts and equipment to help you stay anchored in challenging conditions.
When dropping anchor make sure the coast is clear
Links to anchors and anchoring equipment
Captains anchoring Quick Guide  What
you need to know about anchoring--fast and easy! Anchoring is a necessary
skill for any boater--power or sail--whether you are planning a picnic
lunch in a secluded cove or an overnight visit in a distant anchorage.
This 16-panel, foldout guide provides you with fast, easy-to-follow
instructions for safe and efficient anchoring. Anchoring is in full color
and is printed on hinged, heavily laminated, waterproof pages, so this
tough resource will hold its own even when you are in rough weather.by Peter Nielsen
The Complete Book of Anchoring and Mooring
Contents
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We take a look at the 
The
fisherman is a traditional design and is often see on the bow of old Sailing
Ships like HMS Victory. The design is a
non-burying type of marine anchor, and grabs rocks with one arm penetrating the seabed and the other
standing proud. It has a good reputation for use in rock, kelp,
and grass, but is unlikely to be any more effective than a good modern
design and its holding power to weight ratio is among the worst of all
anchor types. 
The
Bruce anchor was designed by Peter Bruce back in the 1970's. The
Bruce is known as the "claw". Claw-types set quickly in most
sea beds and although not an
articulated design, they have the reputation of not breaking out with pull
direction, instead slowly turning in the bottom to align with the
force.
The fluke style
anchor, 
The
Fortress Anchor
An
example of a small boat anchor.
The grapnel
anchor is a simple design and build and is another example of a
small boat anchor. The design is a non-burying variety, with one
or more tines digging in and the remainder above the seabed. In coral it
is often able to set quickly by hooking into the structure, but may be
more difficult to retrieve. 
This
book has been cited in a few sites like 
copyright 2007