Anchor

An anchor is a weighted or shaped piece of ground tackle deployed from a vessel to grip the seabed and hold the boat in position. It resists the forces of wind, waves and current through its design, weight, and the pull angle created by the rode.

Reliable anchoring is essential for safe overnight stops, waiting for weather, fishing, swimming, or emergency repairs. Holding depends on matching the anchor to the seabed, setting it firmly, and using enough Anchor Chain or Anchor Rode. Correct Anchoring Scope reduces the upward load that can break the anchor out.

Before anchoring, check depth, swing room, charted hazards, forecast wind shifts, waves, and tide. PredictWind forecasts, wave maps and tidal tools help assess whether an anchorage will remain protected, especially where a changing Tidal Current could alter the boat’s pull on the anchor.