The anchor is one of the most critical pieces of equipment to have in tip-top shape before you leave the dock, and for a good reason. It helps you with keeping your boat right where you want it when stopped. In many situations, including in emergencies, a sturdy anchor can make the difference between a disaster and no big deal.
Since there are so many styles and materials used to create anchors, it can be hard to find the right one without a bit of research. In this review, we’ve dug through ten of the best boat anchors available. We also have a buyer’s guide to help give you context.
We’ll start with the Best Boat Anchor, the Norestar Brue/Claw series of stainless steel boat anchors.
Best Boat Anchor Comparison Table
Note: some of these anchors are available in multiple sizes. We’ve tried to keep the sizing reasonably consistent for comparison purposes.
Our Top Pick: Norestar Stainless Steel Bruce/Claw Boat Anchor
Key Points at a Glance
- 316 Stainless Steel Construction
- Easy anchor to place and recover
- Sits easily on your bow roller
- Suitable for boats up to 25’ in length
The Details
If you’re looking for a beautiful and highly-functional anchor for your boat, then be sure to check out the Norestar Stainless Steel Bruce/Claw Boat Anchor. This anchor is known for its durable construction as it is made out of 316 stainless steel. It looks incredible, polished to a mirror finish, and is known for its long record of service capability.
It is sure to look absoutely stunning positioned on your bow!
The curved wingtips help the anchor use the optimal orientation when resetting or setting. The anchor keeps its high holding power throughout 360 degrees of boat movement. This claw anchor is versatile enough to work on bottom conditions that weaker anchors cannot, such as coral or rock.
It comes equipped with three-pronged points, that are used to grab onto ledges easily. The Norestar shown here 11lb, and is strong enough to work on boats as long as 25 feet. However, there are several different sizes available, with weights that go up to 176lbs for very large boats.
Each anchor comes with a small tripline placed at the back of the anchor. While this isn’t used by most boaters, it has an option to use a secondary line for the anchor if there is an emergency.
If there any issues present, it is backed by a lifetime warranty.
The Norestar Stainless Steel anchor is the best anchor available. And it’s absolutely beautiful! Pick the size that’s right for your boat, and you’ll be secure in style.
- Constructed of highly polished 316 Stainless Steel
- Excellent holding power in nearly all bottoms...
- One of the easiest anchors to both set and recover
- Stows easily on your bow roller
- Lifetime warranty against breakage
Our Runner Up: Fortress Marine Anchors – Fortress FX
Key Points at a Glance
- Rustproof aluminum-magnesium alloy anchor
- Strong holding power for 16’-27 feet boats
- 20 independent tests worldwide
- Product tested by the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard
- Precision matched for performance and sharpness
The Details
Next up on our list is the Fortress FX Series of Marine Anchors. This line benefits from years of Fortress’ research and development, leading to an outstanding economical option for durability, performance, and quality. The anchor benefits from Fortress’ manufacturing precision and is made from aluminum-magnesium alloy.
The particular anchor we’ve highlighted (the FX-7) is appropriate for For boats sized at 16-27’ feet. However, Foretress makes a large array of anchor sizes depending on your needs. See this chart to find the right anchor for your boat.
The Fortress FX Anchors have strong holding power with compact sizing. They can be easily assembled and disassembled for storage, if needed.
The Fortress FX-7 shines when used on large lakes. This is due to the anchor’s dual setting, which can be used on both soft and hard surfaces. It’s also pretty easy to extract this anchor when it’s time to leave, which is a big help in many cases.
Watch out for the wind when using this anchor. While the anchor is durable, it won’t be able to hold up to strong, substantive wind. Check the sizing of your boat before using this anchor to ensure that you’re getting the most support when placing it on the docks.
This is our runner up choice among the best boat anchors.
- The Fortress Anchor Advantage: A hardened...
- For boats of 16-27’ feet, Fortress FX-7 Anchor...
- Highest rating in over 20 independent tests...
- FORTRESS ANCHORS: offers a 100% Hassle-Free...
- FORTRESS ANCHORS: provides a product tested and...
Best Budget: Extreme Max BoatTector Vinyl-Coated Navy Anchor
Key Points at a Glance
- 28lb Navy Anchor
- Durable vinyl coating
- Suitable for fresh and saltwater applications
- Designed with reverse action
- Suitable for boats up to 26’ in length
The Details
The Extreme series of Vinyl Coated Navy Anchors is the best anchor for boaters on a budget. The particular anchor we’re looking at is a 28-pound navy anchor that’s designed to hold a boat up to 26′ in hard sand, heavy grass, weeds, and rocks.
That said, there are four sizes available, so pick the approporiate one for your boat. You’ll be getting an anchor that’s built to last and work on virtually any terrain.
Another important feature is its durable vinyl coating. This allows the boat to stay protected from corrosive elements. It has heavy-duty flukes that have a reverse flank action for simple release, and is known for better holding than many Danforth style anchors.
If you have a ⅜ shackle, it is wide enough to fit within the hole for the anchor rope. Make sure to measure your boat and shackle to ensure that this anchor will work correctly.
Tired of having to fiddle with anchors that loosen unexpectedly? Then the Extreme Max BoatTector is a great choice. It can be easily stored away and can prevent your boat from going anywhere you don’t want it to. So grab this anchor if you’re in need of something that’s cheap yet effective.
This is our budget pick for the best boat anchor.
- 28 lb. navy anchor designed for excellent hold in...
- Designed with reverse action for quick, easy shank...
- Anchor weight, flukes, and swivel action combine...
- Suitable for use in fresh or salt water...
- Durable vinyl coating protects boat and anchor
Best Anchor Kit: WindRider 8.5lb Boat Anchor Kit
Key Points at a Glance
- Good holding power
- Galvanized Construction
- Complete kit with rope, shackles, chain, etc.
- Max boat size: 24′
- Can be used on salt and freshwater
The Details
Fourth on our list is the WindRider 8.5lb Boat Anchor Kit. This set comes with a fluke style anchor, which is capable of holding a boat in size between 15′-24′. It’s outstanding for mud or sand bottoms. The flukes are able to articulate and dig close to the bottom of the sea surface, which allows the anchors to stay in place. Make sure you give the anchor the opportunity to be buried in the ground for it to work.
Another benefit to this kit is its easy installation. The anchor comes ready to launch, and users don’t have to worry about buying a line then splicing the line to a chain. You can simply order this anchor, and it will be ready to go.
This hot-dipped galvanized anchor is built for performance. It’s durable enough to be used in saltwater. This ensures that your boat will remain in good standing and prevents it from getting affected by corrosion.
This is a fantastic kit, and has everything you need to get started. Just note that there is only one size for this anchor, so if it isn’t appropriate for your boat size, you’ll need to find a different anchor.
- READY TO LAUNCH KIT - For smaller boats (15-24ft)...
- SUPERB HOLDING POWER - Fluke style anchors are...
- PREDRILLED RECOVERY HOLE THEN GALVANIZED:...
- WHAT'S INCLUDED: 75ft of 3/8in triple strand nylon...
- FROM A MINNESOTA BOAT MAKER - WindRider is a...
Best for Small Boats: Lewmar Claw Anchor
Key Points at a Glance
- Works on most sea surfaces
- Solid construction
- Easy installation
- Good for boats up to 26’ long
The Details
Because of its simple construction, the Lewmar Claw Anchor is reasonably priced for its holding power. Since it’s designed with the shape of an open claw, the anchor is able to tip in any direction once it reaches the bottom and can be set properly.
It is very similar in design to the top-ranked Norestar, but is significantly less expensive, due to its non-polished finish. If you don’t care about how the anchor looks, but rather only want to focus on strength and simplicity, the Lewmar line of Claw Anchors is an excellent choice.
The one we’ve chosen to highlight today is the 22lb anchor, which is designed for boats up to around 26′. Lewmar have several different size options available, so if that’s not appropriate for your craft, you can find the right size for your needs.
This anchor has a reputation for not breaking out or becoming damaged during tide/wind changes. As a result, sailors can use the Lewmar claw anchor even in inclement weather and still be able to be tethered safely.
If you’re looking for something with durability in mind, this is a great choice.
- Sets effortlessly, holds in a variety of seabeds
- Stows easily on the bow roller
- High-grade steel cast in a single piece.
- Ideal for twin-stacked installations.
- Full range from 2. 2 lbs. to 176 lbs.
Boat Anchor Buyer’s Guide
Who Should Buy a Boat Anchor
Anchors are critical pieces of boat safety equipment. Sometimes you need to hold your boat reasonably in place, and on those occasions, you want a strong, easy to use anchor. Without it, your boat may become subject to the combined forces of wind, currents, and tides.
When buying an anchor, make sure that it’s designed to fit the dimensions of your boat. Keeping an anchor will ensure that your boat will stay in place and ready for you when it’s time to move where you want.
Important Features to Consider
Material
Boat anchors have a variety of types, the most common being aluminum, high tensile steel, stainless steel, and mid steel.
Most traditional steel anchors tend to use high tensile or mild steel. High tensile or mid steel are indistinguishable based on their appearance. However, high tensile steel has 2-3x the holding power as mild steel.
Both the high tensile and mild steel anchors are not corrosion proof and need to become galvanized to prevent it from attracting mold, rust, or other corrosion. Galvanization tends to wear down over time, but any anchor can be re-galvanized.
Types of Anchor
In this section, we’ll look at a few of types of anchors we’ve discussed today. If you want to take a deeper dive, see this list of the types of anchors, and what conditions they’re best for.
Bruce/Claw Anchor
The claw anchor is the most popular anchor amongst recreational boaters in the U.S. It’s a great all-around anchor because it performs well in most sea conditions, including mud, sand, rock, coral, and grass.
Because of its three claw design, the Claw anchor can be set down easier than others. However, it doesn’t always have strong holding power in certain circumstances, so you may want to pick up a backup like a Danforth/Fluke anchor.
Delta/Plow Anchor
The Delta/Wing and CQR/Plow are both plow style anchors. The only difference is that the Delta/Wing styled anchor has a one-piece design while the CQR/Plow anchor has a hinged design. Both work well under most sea conditions.
The hinged style of the CQR/Plow makes it more responsive to wind than other anchors. It’s rare to find a CQR/Plow anchor that’s under 25 lbs, so its increased weight makes it more durable than other anchors.
Danforth/Fluke Anchor
The Danforth/Fluke Anchor is one of the most popular types of anchor, and it is known to perform reasonably well in most bottom environments, but doesn’t necessarily excel at any. It’s an all-around anchor, and good to have on hand in any environment.
Whether or not its to be used as a primary anchor, the Danforth/Fluke Anchor makes a great secondary anchor on your ship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use a chain with your anchor?
On most anchors, no chain is needed. Instead, you can directly connect the anchor to a suitable line. Some anchors work better with a few feet of chain, though.
Other Products We Looked At:
Extreme Max BoatTector Grapnel
The Extreme Max BoatTector is a great anchor to use on kayaks, SUPs, small inflatable boats, and canoes. It includes a 25-foot rope, marker buoy, a nylon storage bag, and a steel snap hook. This is the ideal anchor for those interested in short term anchoring, as its 3.5lbs is durable enough to keep your boat in place.
Superb convenience and performance quality are evident in the BoatTector’s grapnel anchor. It is able to fold itself for storage for even the smallest crannies. The fluke starts to lock securely when in both the open and folded positions easily through twisting the central locking device, allowing it to fold and unfold within seconds.
And it comes with a Hollow Braided Anchor Line. This anchor is designed to keep the boat secure while the anchor grabs. And the buoy and line is both mildew and mold resistant. As a result, you’ll have a reliable anchor that lasts for years due to its functionality.
Key Points at a Glance
- Folding Grapnel Anchor
- 3.5 pounds
- Mildew and mold resistant buoy and anchor
SeaSense River Anchor Coated
The SeaSense River Anchor Coated is a black nylon anchor which is known for its durability. Thanks to its plastic coating, the anchor can be easily cleaned. We suggest using this anchor for pontoons and bass boats to ensure its maximum performance.
You don’t want to use this anchor in muddy environments. And there are some consumer reports on the coating, stating that the coating is damaged in multiple places. Keep these small issues in mind as they might affect their overall performance.
This is a 20lb anchor that works better than its competitors because it’s heavier and has wider pedals. When in use, it keeps the boat tied down to a surface without it trailing off. The bottom of the anchor can be used in mud and semi rocky areas, making it a versatile anchor to have on board.
Key Points at a Glance
- Black vinyl coated
- Reduces Drifting
- Good for bass boats and pontoons
Slide Anchor – Box Anchor for Offshore Boat Anchoring
The Slide Anchor Box Anchor allows users to have more control over the boat placement in any situation. This anchor can be used with no lead chain, giving you a lightweight anchor as a result. Regardless of the water conditions, this anchor can set into any bottom condition without needing mechanical power from the boat.
And using the Box Anchor is a breeze for novice fishermen. Simply turn off the engine, toss out the anchor, and the anchor will set approximately 1ft from its landing. It has a solid locking mechanism, allowing you to set and release it when you’re out on the water.
Its compact size is one of the best features for this anchor because it’s able to fold its components for simple and quick storage. Just release the stainless steel arm and then pack it inside the ventilated bag.
Key Points at a Glance
- Compact Storage
- Compatible to sport/offshore boats
- More placement control
SEACHOICE Hot Dipped Galvanized Deluxe Anchor
The SEACHOICE Hot Dipped Galvanized Deluxe Anchor has a 14 ½ fluke length. This gives it the fluke width to be used across most seafloor compositions. Because of its good weight to holding power ratio, it can be used for most watercraft vehicles.
Its low durability can be a nuisance to some experienced fishermen. There are reports of the device breaking within four months of purchase. Watch when setting down this anchor as some fishermen were unable to set it correctly regardless of the number of attempts.
Still, the SEACHOICE Hot Dipped Galvanized Deluxe Anchor is the best secondary anchor to have on board. It can work on 17″ sailboats, inflatable boats, etc. When placed down on the sandier and mild rocky bottoms, it will still hold the ship well. So get this device if you’re in need of a lightweight, yet wide anchor in your next boating adventure.
Key Points at a Glance
- 14 ⅓ Fluke Length
- Used for Boats: 25-30 feet in length
- Wide fluke size helps with setting in multiple sea components.
MarineNow Deluxe Portable 13 lb Fluke Style Anchor Kit
The MarineNow Deluxe Portable 13lb Fluke Style Anchor Kit is great if you need a replacement anchor. Since it is galvanized, it is protected from rust, mold, and other elements that could potentially damage your anchor.
However, the anchor is not as 18” wide as advertised. There were some boaters that did not fit on the anchor holder. So there were a lot of reports on the boat’s entire quality. We suggest that you consider the boat’s size issues and use it after trying it out on your water vessel.
Get the MarineNow Fluke Style Anchor Kit when you’re in need of a useful anchor to use on general sea bottoms. While it won’t perform as well as our top 3 anchors, it still can hold a 27’ tritoon pontoon boat. And with two galvanized shackles, you’ll have something that can last until you get a higher quality anchor.
Key Points at a Glance
- The galvanized coating enhances its protection
- Can fit a 27’ boat
- Heavier than aluminum anchors
Conclusion
Regardless of your experience or skill level as a boater, finding the best anchor for your needs is incredibly important. When the need arises, you want a powerful, easy-to-use anchor at hand.
Get the Norestar Stainless Steel Bruce/Claw Boat Anchor if you want something that can keep your boat grounded in most sea surfaces and looks amazing.
If you want a high-quality anchor based on its price, go for the Fortress Marine Anchors FX series. For the best low budget option, you can grab the Extreme Max BoatTector Vinyl-Coated Navy Anchor.