Boat anchors are essential to any watercraft – they serve to keep a boat in place while out on the open water and help to properly secure the vessel when docked.
There are different kinds of anchors, depending on how it is used and what kind of boat it is going to be used for. In the past, anchors would usually look like a large twisted piece of heavy metal, sometimes designed like a trident. This is actually one of the most ubiquitous symbols of seafaring. However, modern anchors found in stores selling dock supplies and other sailing gear do not resemble this classic image.
Most modern anchors are called flukes, hooks, ploughs or drogues. The first three types rely on hooking the vessel to the seabed or to heavy rocks or coral to set the boat in place. A drogue, on the other hand, relies on pulling the boat back by gathering a large amount of water to make it heavier, countering the boat’s forward movement. Stores selling marine and boating supplies often have these four major types of anchors in different sizes, weights and recommended chain size. They are often made of tensile metals that are lightweight but strong enough to clamp on the seabed.
Good boat fenders and dock steps can also be beneficial for when the boat is docked or anchored. While anchors weight down and secure the vessel while it is docked, there is still a tendency for boats to crash against each other when the tide comes in or if there is a storm approaching. Having the right fenders installed can make these crashes less damaging to the boat. They are made of rubber or plastic that is filled with air or foam which soften the crashes, making them less damaging to the boat. Think of it as protecting padding to keep your boat dent and scratch-free.
Here at Boatersland, we carry a wide selection of boat anchors, dock supplies, boat fenders and dock steps for your vessel. View our online catalog or call 866-828-1033 to speak to one of our knowledgeable sales associates.
