Anchors

Matching an anchor to your windlass and seabed

An anchor has to suit both the windlass gypsy fitted and the chain gauge already aboard, since a mismatched shank profile will not seat correctly in the gypsy and can jam under load. Check the anchor's specified chain size and type against what is currently run through your windlass before ordering, rather than assuming a given anchor weight will simply fit.

Anchor style also matters for holding: a plough or similar self-launching design generally resets more readily after a wind or tide shift than older fluke-style designs, which is worth weighing against typical holding ground in your usual anchorages, whether soft mud, sand or weed. Weight should be matched to vessel displacement and expected conditions rather than minimum manufacturer guidance alone, since an undersized anchor is one of the more common causes of dragging overnight.

Contact us if you would like help checking an anchor against your existing windlass and chain.