All aboard, me hearties! Today, we're setting sail on a voyage through the wonderful world of anchors and anchor rodes, including the often overlooked sea anchors. Anchors, those unsung heroes of the high seas, come in many shapes and sizes, each with its own benefits. So, batten down the hatches as we navigate the choppy waters of anchors and anchor rodes!
Anchor Types
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The Plow Anchor:
3. The Claw Anchor: 
Enter the claw anchor, or as it's known by some as, the Bruce anchor. Picture a crab claw reaching down into the depths, ready to grab hold of anything in its path. It's like your own version of a 3-toed bear claw trying to hold your boat for dear life! The 3 claws allow this anchor to set fast. This anchor works extremely well in grass, rock, mud and sand. It can have a hard to penetrating hard flat bottoms like in hard clay.
Now, let's not forget the oddball of the anchor family—the mushroom anchor! Resembling a giant upside down underwater fungus, it's the go-to anchor for when you want to give your boat that "enchanted mushroom forest" vibe. Just watch out for any curious seagulls mistaking it for their next snack! This anchor is often used in inland lakes where a strong holding power is not necessary. Large versions are used to stationary anchors like on a mooring where the anchor an slowly settle into the bottom and spend nearly the rest of its life there.
Remember, once you select your anchor, follow the anchor manufacturer's sizing recommendations for your vessel's size and type.
Anchor Rodes
Understanding Anchor Rodes: First things first, what exactly is an anchor rode? Simply put, it's the connection between your anchor and your vessel, also called the anchor rode-chain. Anchor rodes typically consist of two main components: the anchor line (also known as the rode) and the chain. The anchor line is usually made of nylon or a similar synthetic material, prized for its elasticity and resistance to abrasion. On the other hand, the chain serves to add weight and helps to keep the anchor firmly planted on the seabed. For certain conditions, like in inland lakes where a strong hold might not be necessary, not all anchor rodes will include a chain or, possibly just a short chain.
The Chain: Let's start with the chain, this is a heavy-duty link in the anchor rode chain. Often made of galvanized steel to resist corrosion, the chain plays a crucial role in ensuring the anchor maintains its grip on the ocean floor. Its weight helps to keep the anchor lying flat, helping to prevent it from dragging along the seabed. Additionally, the chain provides essential chafe protection for the anchor line, especially in rough conditions where abrasion is a constant threat. An added benefit of the chain is that as your vessel bobs up and down the rode will pull up on the end of the chain and the chain helps to add like a shock absorber and keeps the rode from pulling up on the anchor.
The Anchor Line: Now, let's talk about the anchor line—the unsung hero of the anchor rode duo. Typically made of nylon or a similar synthetic material, the anchor line boasts impressive elasticity, allowing it to absorb shock loads and prevent sudden jerks that could dislodge the anchor. This elasticity is particularly crucial in stormy weather when the vessel experiences erratic movements. Additionally, the anchor line's flexibility makes it easier to handle and stow compared to rigid chain.
Choosing the Right Rode: When it comes to selecting the right anchor rode for your vessel, several factors come into play. These include the size and weight of your vessel, and the depth of water you plan to use your anchor in. In selecting the rode diameter a good rule of thumb is to have 1/8" of rode diameter for each 9ft of boat length. That being said, anchor rodes smaller than 3/8" might not feel the best in your hands when you are hauling an anchor back on board. As for the anchor chain, it is typically, recommended that you have a foot of anchor chain for every foot of boat length. Below is a guide for chain diameters
Boat Length Chain Diameter
<26 ft 3/16"
26-30ft 1/4"
30 - 35ft 5/16"
36 - 40ft 3/8"
When considering your chain-rode length think about the depths of waters you plan to be in. In most conditions it is usually recommended to have an anchor scope of 7:1 meaning you should put out 7ft of anchor rode-chain for every ft of water depth. If you are "hanging out" with little wind or current, you can put out less anchor line. Likewise, if you are anchoring in a storm, you should consider a longer scope than 7:1.
With the benefits of the chain, should you consider all chain? - Think again. In most conditions the chain does pull down on the rode-chain assembly and can act as a shock absorber. However, if you have all chain the opposite happens in rough conditions. When the wind, waves and current increase your all chain line straightens out and no longer has the play it does when the conditions are more calm and your vessel bobbing up and down causes sharp impacts which can slowly work your anchor loose. However, a nylon rode is rather elastic and can absorb those impacts as your boat bobs up and down in rough seas.
Conclusion: Ah, anchors, chains and rodes, those trusty companions of the seven seas. Whether they're plowing through the waves, fluking around in the sand, clawing onto rocks, mushrooming their way to the ocean floor, or acting as a makeshift brake in stormy weather, each anchor type has its own benefits. When selecting an anchor rode-chain, be sure to select the appropriate size. Next time you're heading out on the water, take a moment to appreciate all these underwater wonders have to offer. Anchors aweigh!!!
Have a look at our anchor lines here