BOATsmart! Base de connaissances du Canada
Module 02 - Boating Rules, Regulations and Equipment
Anchor / Anchor Types
An anchor can be used during an engine failure emergency or during bad weather to keep you from drifting towards obstacles. If operating a boat 9 m in length or longer you are required to carry an anchor. The Small Vessel Regulations also require that an anchor be fitted with at least 15, 30 or 50 m of cable, rope or chain in any combination (the length depends on your boat).
anchor types
‘Fisherman’ anchors are a non-burying type with one arm that penetrates the bottom (they are best used for rocky bottoms)
‘Fluke’ anchors (or ‘Danforth’ anchors) have pointed flukes that dig into the ground (they are best used for grass and mud)
‘Plough’ anchors function like a farmer’s plough and can be harder to set (they are best used with rocky bottoms)
'Bruce’ or ‘Claw’ anchors are popular for small boats because they set easily and tend to maintain their hold during changes in wind and Tide (they are best used in most waterway bottoms)
Choosing the right anchor depends on the size and weight of your boat and the characteristics of the waterway bottom (i.e. sand, rock or mud). Larger anchors are recommended for adverse conditions and those equipped with a shackle pin should have a locking device.
Remember to securely fasten the end of your Anchor Line to the bow of your boat and to securely attach the outboard end of the anchor line to the anchor!
