Grapnel Anchor

A grapnel anchor is a compact anchor with several curved arms or flukes that hook onto the seabed or underwater structure. It is most commonly used on dinghies, tenders, kayaks, personal watercraft and small boats, especially where space and weight are limited.

Its main value is quick, temporary holding in rocky, weedy or uneven ground where the prongs can catch, but it has limited holding power in sand or mud and is not suitable for overnight anchoring or heavy weather. Boaters should match it with a suitable Anchor Rode, allow enough Scope, and treat it as light-duty Ground Tackle rather than a primary storm anchor.

Before relying on a grapnel anchor, check forecast wind, gusts, tide and current so the load remains within its modest capacity. PredictWind forecasts, wave maps and tidal information help identify sheltered stops and avoid exposed lee shores where a small anchor may drag.