With so many anchor options out there, how do we know which ground tackle is best? Usually, anchor manufacturer recommendations are based on a boat’s length or tonnage. Performance testing data of different anchor styles in various bottom types can be a good starting point to determine which type of anchor is appropriate for your boat. Tables for minimum anchor size and holding power performance are available online. But most importantly, do you have the right anchor for your sea bottom type?
What you’re looking for when buying an anchor is holding power, how it burrows into the seabed. Most cruising boats face varying conditions and opt for two (or more) anchors to ensure the right anchor is available for different bottom types. Well-prepared cruising boats also carry a large storm anchor and/or an anchor specifically for kedging off in emergencies. Dayboats, or local cruisers that encounter the same local bottom types, match anchor selection
