In order to stabilise itself in a certain place, a boat needs a floating or fixing anchor. It is therefore important to find the right model to ensure that the boat is firmly anchored. But before you choose, you need to understand how this accessory works. In this article we will explain how a boat anchor works.
The working principle of a boat anchor
A boat anchor allows the boat to be held in a specific place. To do this, this equipment works by opposing the force exerted by the vessel. To play its role, a boat anchor offers you 2 options:
- Either by burying itself in the seabed due to its heavy weight
- Or by penetrating and hooking into the seabed
It is the waves that are responsible for the forces exerted on the anchor. This remains the case for a floating anchor and the other types.
Modern anchors are in most cases composed of a central bar, also known as a “rod”, and a flat surface. The structure of these has been specifically designed to penetrate the seabed easily and to be fixed under a rock. Some models may even have a ballast at the tip.
The different types of boat anchors
There are many different types of boat anchors, depending on their use. Firstly, there is the flat anchor, which is characterised by the double plate at the back. The main purpose of this plate is to provide a certain angle of penetration for the 2 large shovels with the flat shape.
In addition, there is the plough anchor, which is known for its versatility in being fixed to all types of bottom. Also, there is the mushroom anchor which is to be chosen for the sea bed in mud or fine sand. As for the grapple anchor, this one has the capacity to be planted in all positions once it has been placed on the sea bed.
Mooring technique
In order to ensure that your anchor holds well, there are a number of points that must be respected. The correct anchoring technique depends on the type of anchor. Thus, start with a good preparation. To do this, thefloating anchor should be taken out of the anchor well. Then install it in the davit. In order for this accessory to be able to slow the boat down properly, it is of great importance that it can properly resist the drift of the surface. Therefore, it is important to take into account the wind direction and the current direction.
In case of strong wind, it is particularly advisable to feather or feather your anchors in order to avoid any risk of skidding. To do this, you need to choose a shackle.
To successfully set up your floating anchor, it is essential to choose the right anchoring area. For proper use, it is strongly recommended that you refer to the equipment’s instructions for use. The help of an expert in the field is a necessity.