Anchors are crucial for any boat regardless of the boat size. So, it requires a mindful selection. What type of anchor you need for your boat will depend on the type of the bottom you are boating in. We will now see some of the common bottom types and some suitable anchors for each bottom type.
| Bottom Type | Type of anchor that set well in that bottom | Examples |
| Sand bottom | Fluke, CQR, Delta, Bruce, Modern | Danforth, Fortress, Plough, Delta, Rocna, Mantus, Manson Supreme, Spade, Claw |
| Mud bottom | Fluke, CQR, Delta, Bruce, Modern | Danforth, Fortress, Rocna, Mantus, Manson Supreme, Spade Delta, Claw |
| Clay bottom | Fluke, CQR, Delta, Bruce, Modern | Danforth, Rocna, Mantus, Manson Supreme, Spade, Delta |
| Rocky bottom | Modern, CQR, Delta, Fisherman | Northill CQR, Rocna, Mantus, Manson Supreme, Spade, Delta, |
| Gravel or pebble bottom | Modern, CQR, Delta, Fisherman | Northill CQR, Rocna, Mantus, Manson Supreme, Spade, Delta, |
| Grass bottom | Modern, Delta, CQR | CQR, Rocna, Mantus, Manson Supreme, Spade, Delta |
| Weed bottom | Modern, Delta, CQR | Spade, Plough, Mantus, Manson Supreme |
| Silt bottom | Fluke, CQR, Delta, Bruce, Modern | Danforth or fortress, Plough, Delta, Rocna, Mantus, Manson Supreme, Spade, Claw |
Those are some of the most common bottom types and the suitable anchors for that bottom types. We will now see the benefits of each of those models in a detailed way.
From that table, you can clearly tell that, for each bottom type, there are several options to choose from. If you often go boating in different places, it’s highly recommended to take an anchor that suits all those places. So, on the anchor will set well for multiple bottoms, and if you choose one that sets well for multiple bottoms, it benefits you a lot.
Before checking the recommended anchors, check my article on Choosing a perfect anchor for your boat (link opens in a new tab) to know all those bottom types and anchor types in a detailed way.
1. Fluke or Danforth anchor
Fluke or Danforth anchors are the most popular anchors. Many boaters will use these anchors in their boats. We will now see for which type of bottom types we will use these Danforth or fluke anchors.
Fluke or Danforth anchors are used in the bottoms like sand, mud, clay, and silt. In hard clay bottoms, Fluke or Danforth anchors won’t set as nicely as it sets in normal bottoms. Still, it is a good option for clay bottoms. Fluke anchors are not suitable for rock, gravel, weed, and grass bottoms.
Image is linked to Amazon
Fluke or Danforth anchor (linked to Amazon). Check the price in amazon, and it is worth buying a fluke anchor for sand, mud, clay, and silt bottom.
| Fluke anchors | Setting ability (for 5 points) | Resetting ability (for 5 points) | Holding power (for 5 points) | Robust (for 5 points) |
| Mud | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Sand | 4 | 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Grass | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Weed | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Rock | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Gravel | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Silt | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| Clay | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
Due to its fluke design, it will penetrate well in the sand or mud. These anchors are very light in weight. The stock is hinged so the flukes can penetrate toward the bottom. For some designs, you can adjust the optimal angle depending on the bottom type.
These anchors penetrate well at the bottom. Once, if it sets well at the bottom, then it can develop high resistance. Its lightweight and compact flat design make it easy to retrieve and relatively easy to stow. There is another type of Danforth anchor.
The other type of Danforth anchor is Fortress anchor. The Fortress is an American aluminum alloy Danforth variant. It can be disassembled for storage, and it features an adjustable 32° and 45° shank/fluke angle to improve holding capability in bottoms such as hard sand and soft mud.
Danforth anchors reset well and the fortress anchor will not reset like a Danforth anchor. A Danforth will not usually penetrate or hold in gravel or weed or rock bottoms. In the below table, I listed the Fluke or Danforth anchor size based on the boat size (source). The values may vary a little bit if the boat weight is heavy or very light.
| Anchor Weight (in lbs.) | Boat Length (in feet) | Holding Power (in lbs.) |
| 3.5 lbs. | < 10 feet | 160 lbs. |
| 5 lbs. | 10-17 feet | 300 lbs. |
| 9 lbs. | 17-27 feet | 600 lbs. |
| 14 lbs. | 27-31 feet | 920 lbs. |
| 16 lbs. | 31-36 feet | 1300 lbs. |
| 25 lbs. | 36-40 feet | 1600 lbs. |
| 43 lbs. | 40-45 feet | 2000 lbs. |
| 70 lbs. | 45-55 feet | 3000 lbs. |
| 100 lbs. | 55-60 | 3500 lbs. |
The advantages of Fluke or Danforth anchor and Fortress anchor
- Fluke anchors are excellent in normal sand, silt, mud, and clay bottom types.
- Fluke anchors are very light in weight.
- Fluke anchors can be stowed well in the boat.
- Fluke anchors can be disassemblable.
- Fluke anchors are inexpensive compared to other style anchors.
- Fluke anchors will be the right choice for small boats because fluke anchors are lightweight type anchors.
The disadvantages of Fluke or Danforth anchor and Fortress anchor
- Fluke anchors are not suitable for rock, gravel, weed, and grass bottom types.
- Fluke anchors have less holding power than other anchors.
- Fluke anchors will not reset easily if the wind or current shifts.
- Fluke anchors are not the right choice for big boats because these are lightweight anchors and may not work well for big boats.
- The anchor flukes might bend if you use fluke anchor in rock or gravel bottoms.
2. CQR or Plow anchor
CQR or Plow anchors are also known as hinged anchors, and one of the good ones for anchoring. Many big boaters will use these anchors in their boats. We will now see for which type of bottom types we will use these CQR or Plow anchors.
CQR or Plow anchors are used in the bottoms like rock, gravel, sand, grass, clay, weed, mud, and silt. But in grass, weed, and very soft bottoms, CQR anchors won’t set as nicely as it sets in normal bottoms. Still, CQR anchors are okay for grass, weed, and very soft bottom types.
Image is linked to Amazon
CQR or plow anchors (linked to Amazon). Check the price in amazon, and it is worth buying a CQR or plow anchor for rock, gravel, clay, sand, mud, grass, weed, and silt bottom (sometimes, may not work well in grass, weed, and very soft bottoms). But, the problem with CQR anchors is the hinge, the anchor may roll sideways if the wind or current changes. Consider that point while buying a delta anchor.
| CQR anchors | Setting ability (for 5 points) | Resetting ability (for 5 points) | Holding power (for 5 points) | Robustness (for 5 points) |
| Mud | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Sand | 4 | 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Grass | 3 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Weed | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Rock | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Gravel | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Silt | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Clay | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
CQR or Plow anchors can be stowed conveniently in a roller at the bow, and have been popular with cruising sailors and private boaters. CQR or Plow anchors are generally good in all types of bottoms, except soft bottoms.
The only problem with CQR or Plow anchors is that it won’t set properly. Generally, it takes time to set due to the hinge. And another problem with CQR or Plow anchors is it will roll down if the wind or current changes. So, it might be an issue for many boaters.
This anchor is a big one, and due to its hinged design, it is more difficult to stow it in the boat than the Fluke anchor. This is why most people purchase the Fluke anchor over the Plow anchor as long as the Fluke anchor will meet all their needs.
You need to consider those things while buying a CQR or Plow type anchors. To prevent those problems, they invented non-hinged types of anchors known as Delta or Wing anchors. Many modern anchors are also designed similarly to a Plow style anchor. Some of them are Rocna, Manson Supreme, Mantus, Spade anchors.
There are different brands available out there, and you can’t find all types of sizes in only one brand. In the below table, I listed the CQR or Plow anchor size based on the boat size (source). The values may vary a little bit if the boat weight is heavy or very light.
| Anchor Weight (in lbs.) | Boat Length (in feet) |
| 15 lbs. | up to 20 feet |
| 20 lbs. | 20-30 feet |
| 25 lbs. | 22-26 feet |
| 35 lbs. | 26-45 feet |
| 45 lbs. | 32-58 feet |
| 60 lbs. | 45-65 feet |
| 75 lbs. | 52-72 feet |
| 105 lbs. | 70-90 feet |
The advantages of CQR or Plow anchor
- CQR anchors are excellent in rock, gravel, sand, grass, clay, mud, weed, and silt bottoms (sometimes, may not work well in grass, weed, and very soft bottoms).
- CQR anchors can be stowed conveniently in a roller at the bow.
- CQR anchors penetrate deep into the bottom and have good holding power.
- CQR anchors will be the right choice for big boats because these anchors are heavy anchors.
The disadvantages of CQR or Plow anchor
- Sometimes, CQR anchors will not set properly or holds less in the grass, weed, and very soft bottoms.
- CQR anchors roll over to the side easily than other anchors.
- CQR anchors take more space, and can’t be stowed easily in the boat due to its hinge design.
- CQR anchors take time to set at the bottom.
3. Delta or Wing anchor or Non-hinged anchor
Delta or Wing anchors are also known as non-hinged anchors, and one of the good anchors. Delta or Wing anchors are many ways similar to CQR or Plow anchors. We will now see for which type of bottom types we will use the Delta or Wing anchors.
The Delta or Wing anchors are used in the bottoms like rock, gravel, grass, clay, sand, mud, weed, and silt. But in the grass, weed, and very soft bottoms, Delta or Wing anchors won’t set as nicely as it sets in normal bottoms. Still, they are okay for weed, grass, and very soft bottom types.
“Delta anchor is almost the same as CQR anchor (performance-wise).”
Image is linked to Amazon
Delta or wing anchor (linked to Amazon). Check the price in amazon, and it is worth buying a Delta or wing anchor for rocks, gravel, clay, sand, mud, grass, and silt bottom. But if you are thinking of purchasing a delta anchor, then you should know that sometimes in weed, grass, and very soft bottoms, the delta anchor may not set well at the bottom. Consider that point while buying a delta anchor.
| Delta anchors | Setting ability (for 5 points) | Resetting ability (for 5 points) | Holding power (for 5 points) | Robustness (for 5 points) |
| Mud | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| Sand | 4 | 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Grass | 4 | 3 | 4 | 2 |
| Weed | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 |
| Rock | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Gravel | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Silt | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Clay | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
Delta or Wing anchors can be stowed conveniently in a roller at the bow, and have been popular with cruising sailors and private boaters. Delta or Wing anchors are generally good in all types of bottoms, except soft bottoms.
But, Delta or Wing anchor cannot be stowed inside the boat properly because we can’t dismantle a delta anchor. You need to consider all these things while buying a Delta or Wing type anchor.
In the below table, I listed the Delta or Wing anchor size based on the boat size (source). The values may vary a little bit if the boat weight is heavy or very light.
| Anchor Weight (in lbs.) | Boat Length (in feet) |
| 13 lbs. | 17-29 feet |
| 22 lbs. | 30-40 feet |
| 33 lbs. | 40-49 feet |
| 44 lbs. | 47-57 feet |
| 55 lbs. | 53-63 feet |
| 66 lbs. | 57-70 feet |
The advantages of Delta or Wing anchors
- Delta anchors are excellent in rock, gravel, sand, mud, clay, grass, weed and silt bottoms (sometimes, may not work well in weed, grass, and very soft bottoms).
- Delta anchors can be stowed conveniently in a roller at the bow.
- Delta anchors penetrate deep into the bottom and have good holding power.
- Delta anchors will be the right choice for big boats because these are heavy anchors.
The disadvantages of Delta or Wing anchors
- Sometimes, Delta anchors will not set properly or holds less in the weed, grass, and very soft bottoms.
- Delta anchors can’t be stowed easily in the boat due to its hinge design.
- Delta anchors take time to set at the bottom.
4. Bruce or Claw anchor
Bruce or Claw anchors are another type of famous anchors. It looks like a claw. It has three claws on it, which makes it easy to handle in many types of bottom conditions. We will now see for which type of bottom types we can use the Bruce or Claw anchors.
Bruce or Claw anchors are used in the bottoms like sand, mud, and silt. In rock, gravel, weed, grass, and hard clay bottoms, Bruce anchors won’t set as nicely as it sets in normal bottoms. You can pull the anchor back easily. Bruce anchors are more effective in large sizes than smaller ones.
Image is linked to Amazon
Bruce or claw anchors (linked to Amazon). Check the price in amazon, and it is worth buying a bruce or claw anchor for sand, mud, and silt bottom. But, if you are thinking of purchasing a bruce anchor, then you should know that sometimes in rock, gravel, weed, grass, and hard clay bottoms, the bruce anchor may not set well at the bottom. Consider that point while buying a bruce anchor.
| Bruce anchors | Setting ability (for 5 points) | Resetting ability (for 5 points) | Holding power (for 5 points) | Robustness (for 5 points) |
| Mud | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Sand | 4 | 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Grass | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Weed | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Rock | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 |
| Gravel | 3 | 2 | 4 | 3 |
| Silt | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Clay | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
Bruce or Claw type anchors won’t set quickly in most of the bottoms, but they have the strong ability of not breaking out with tide or wind changes, instead slowly turning in the bottom to align with the force. Sometimes, these anchors may roll down and hold with only one the claw, rather than three claws.
That is the main drawback of Bruce or Claw anchors. These anchors won’t penetrate easily in grass and weed. Bruce or Claw anchors are not good for grass or weed bottoms. Bruce or Claw anchors set well in the low scope. Bruce or Claw anchors are more effective in large sizes than smaller ones.
In the below table, I listed the Bruce or Claw anchor sizes based on the boat size (source). The values may vary a little bit if the boat is heavy or very light.
| Anchor Weight (in lbs.) | Boat Length (in feet) |
| 6 lbs. | 13-22 feet |
| 11 lbs. | 18-25 feet |
| 16 lbs. | 22-34 feet |
| 22 lbs. | 25-35 feet |
| 33 lbs. | 30-40 feet |
| 44 lbs. | 35-50 feet |
| 55 lbs. | 39-55 feet |
| 66 lbs. | 40-60 feet |
The advantages of Bruce or Claw anchors
- Bruce anchors are excellent in sand, mud, and silt bottoms.
- Bruce anchors stow easily on a bow roller.
- Bruce anchors have a strong ability to not breaking out with tide or wind changes.
- Once it sets at the bottom, then it will set or hold well at the bottom.
- Bruce anchors will be the right choice for big boats.
The disadvantages of Bruce or Claw anchors
- Bruce anchors will not set properly or holds less in rock, hard clay, gravel, grass, weed bottoms.
- Bruce anchor rolls over to the side easily, then it may hold with only one claw instead of three claws.
- Bruce anchors take more time to set at the bottom.
- Bruce anchors take more space and can’t be stowed easily in the boat.
5. Modern anchors or New generation anchors
These anchors are a bit expensive. But, these Modern anchors or New generation anchors are the best anchors available in the market. If you have a good amount in the wallet, then go for these types of anchors. We will now see for which type of bottom types we can use these Modern anchors or New generation anchors.
The Modern anchors or New generation anchors can be used for most of the types of bottoms (sand, mud, weed, grass, rocks, silt, clay, and gravel). Some of them are Rocna, Mantus, Manson Supreme, and Spade. These anchors set well in all types of bottom types.
| Modern anchors | Setting ability (for 5 points) | Resetting ability (for 5 points) | Holding power (for 5 points) | Robustness (for 5 points) |
| Mud | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| Sand | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Grass | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| Weed | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Rock | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| Gravel | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| Silt | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Clay | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
You can consider these anchors as a category of non-hinged CQR or Plough anchors OR delta anchors. If you are going for bigger ones, then buy one of these anchors.
All these anchors will set quickly, and these types of anchors are the best ones for your boat. These anchors will penetrate well in the ground instantly after dropping them. These anchors are heavy and can be used for big boats (above 20 feet in length).
These anchors are very strong and durable. Mostly they can withstand any type of bottoms. These anchors will be a perfect choice for many big boats. These modern or new generation anchors can be divided into two categories. One roll bar and another will not have a roll bar anchor. Now, we will see them.
A roll bar anchor has a circular bar mounted on the back of the anchor, and it is useful for setting the anchor back if the anchor comes out off the bottom due to the wind or currents. Mantus, Manson Supreme, Rocna anchors come under the category of Rollbar.
A non-roll bar anchor doesn’t have any circular bar mounted on the back like a roll bar anchor. Some of the anchors under the non-roll bar category are Spade, delta anchor, etc.
Mantus anchor
Mantus anchor (linked to Amazon) has a 50% weight in a tip to body ratio, it has a very sharp tip and aimed towards the ground, which means the anchor sets very quickly. This has a roll bar, which will give support if the anchor rolls side. This anchor is disassemblable. Mantus sets very well among all the anchors.
Manson Supreme anchor
Manson Supreme anchor (linked to Amazon) has a 23% weight in a tip to body ratio. Manson Supreme shank is solid, thicker, and has broader shank than Mantus shank. The tip of the Manson Supreme anchor is aimed towards the ground. This has a roll bar, which will give support if the anchor rolls side. This is a robust anchor, and good for many boats.
Spade anchor
Spade anchor (linked to Amazon) has 42% weight in a tip to body ratio, it is a very sharp tip and aimed downwards, which means the anchor sets very quickly. Shank is removable. Spade anchors are very best for short scope. This one doesn’t have a roll bar on it. But, it has a fluke in the shape of the concave lens. So, it will reset well.
Rocna anchor
Rocna anchors (linked to Amazon) are one of the most famous anchors. Rocna anchors have a sharp tip, and it is aimed downwards, which means the anchor sets very quickly. These anchors are perfect for many bottom conditions.https://www.youtube.com/embed/asLkFlDxvVM?feature=oembed
The advantages of Modern or New generation anchors
- Modern anchors are the perfect anchors for all types of bottoms.
- Modern anchors have a sharp tip and penetrate well into the bottom.
- Modern anchors set quickly in the bottoms.
- Modern anchors penetrate deeply into the bottoms for better bonding power.
- Modern anchors are easy to stow on the bow roller.
The disadvantages of Modern or New generation anchors
- Modern anchors penetrate deep into the bottom, and it may be hard to retrieve them back.
- Some of the modern anchors cannot be stowed in the boat.
- Modern anchors are expensive.
- Some of these designs have more shank weight. If the anchor has more shank weight, it might bend in the long run. But, don’t worry about that, it won’t bend that easily.
6. Mushroom anchor
Mushroom anchors (linked to Amazon) are another popular type of anchor mostly used for small boats. These anchors look like a mushroom. We will now see the for which type of bottom types we can use these mushroom anchors.
The mushroom anchors are used in the bottoms like mud, silt, and for any soft bottoms. Generally, these anchors are recommended only for small boats like canoes, kayaks, and small dinghies. Don’t use these types of anchors as a primary anchor for a big boat.
The holding power of this anchor is at best about twice its weight until it becomes buried when it can be as much as ten times its weight. They are available in sizes from about 5 kg up to several tons.
7. Grapnel anchor
Grapnel anchors (linked to Amazon) are another type of anchor mostly used for small boats. We will now see the for which type of bottom types we can use these grapnel anchors.
The Grapnel anchors are used in the bottoms like coral or rock bottoms. Generally, these anchors are recommended only for small boats like canoes, kayaks, and small dinghies. Don’t use these types of anchors as a primary anchor for a big boat.
Conclusion
The bottom type is the crucial thing to check while selecting an anchor for your boat. If you go boating in 2 or 3 different places, then better go for modern anchors because they will set well in most of the bottom types, which gives you an additional assurance that your anchor will work in most of the bottom types.
