Danforth Anchor

A Danforth Anchor is a lightweight, flat, fluke-style boat anchor with two broad pivoting flukes and a stock that helps it land correctly on the seabed. It is designed to bury quickly in sand, mud, and fine gravel, giving high holding power for its weight, but it is less reliable in weed, rock, or hard-packed bottoms.

For boaters, a Danforth is often a practical primary or kedge anchor because it is easy to handle, stows flat, and sets well when given adequate Anchor Rode and Anchoring Scope. Its holding depends on the Fluke digging in cleanly, so always back down gently, check the set, and allow for wind shifts, tide, and swinging room.

Before choosing an anchorage, compare forecast wind, gusts, waves, and tidal flow in PredictWind, especially where a reversing stream may unsettle a light anchor. A Danforth is part of your wider Ground Tackle strategy, alongside chain, shackles, and retrieval equipment.