| The right way to use an anchor is probably one | | | | water you may want to consider a different |
| of the least understood areas of boating. If you | | | | anchor, which will hold better in changing conditions. |
| are new to boating, you may be thinking - how | | | | The CQR, or plow anchor, features a single |
| hard can it be? You simply throw the anchor in | | | | shaped fluke that pivots at the end of the shank. |
| the water, wait until it hits the bottom, then tie it | | | | This design works well on many bottoms. The |
| off, correct? | | | | plow shank pivots from side to side, while |
| Anyone who is experienced with boating has | | | | remaining parallel to the fluke. This design also |
| probably seen the types of problems that type | | | | makes releasing a snap when the anchor is pulled |
| of attitude can cause. Just like everything else in | | | | vertically. |
| boating, anchoring requires the right equipment, | | | | The Bruce anchor. This anchor was originally |
| careful thought, and a lot of practice. | | | | created for offshore gas and drilling rigs. The |
| The starting point is selecting the right ground | | | | more scaled down version of this anchor is |
| tackle (the proper term for the anchor, line, chain, | | | | popular with boaters. The anchor holds fast, yet it |
| shackles and swivels) for your boat and your | | | | will still come loose when pulled vertically. |
| style of boating. There is no single anchor that will | | | | Always make sure to select an anchor system |
| do everything perfectly. Each style has its own | | | | that matches the length of your boat, |
| unique benefits and drawbacks, and each one | | | | displacement, and the windage. If your looking for |
| performs best under its given conditions. | | | | strength, elasticity and durability, you should use |
| The Danforth anchor is one of the most popular, | | | | only top quality braided nylon anchor line. |
| being easily identified by its two long, sharp | | | | It's very important that the size and length of |
| pivoting flukes and long shank. The Danforth is | | | | your anchor line is appropriate for your boat and |
| also a great choice for small to medium sized | | | | it's requirements. Small or medium boats should |
| boats as well. The anchor is light and easy to | | | | use a section of galvanized steel chain between |
| store, digs well into sand and mud, and releases | | | | the line and the anchor. |
| easy when pulled from different directions. | | | | If you are new to boating, anchoring is something |
| The flukes on the Danforth pivot so that the | | | | you should become familiar with. As you use your |
| shank can be pulled at a more vertical angle. It's | | | | boat more, you'll pick up the proper anchoring |
| ideal for fishing, which requires quick release and | | | | techniques. Or, if you prefer, you can always take |
| moving around to different locations. If you fish | | | | classes and learn everything you need to know |
| overnight a lot or travel to different areas of | | | | about anchoring from a qualified professional. |