Anchors & Accessories
How do I anchor correctly?
Useful tips for safe anchoring, the suitable anchor and the right anchor chain can be found here. If you have questions regarding anchor gear, contact our water sports team.
Useful tips for safe anchoring, the suitable anchor and the right anchor chain can be found here. If you have questions regarding anchor gear, contact our water sports team.
The anchor is a symbol of loyalty and hope. Primarily, the anchor is a device with which a vessel is moored in order to be not driven off by the wind, current, waves, or other forces.
An anchor is not "thrown", but dropped, the command is: "drop anchor". There are many different shapes, sizes and weights of anchors available.
Depending on the type and texture of the anchoring ground, different anchors are suitable in some situations, while others are not:
• Mud: Was formerly entirely unsuitable for anchorage (no adhesion for stock anchors)
• Silt: Has very bad ashesion and was formerly unsuitable for prolonged anchoring (stock anchors sank too deeply)
• Gravel and stones: Considered difficult to ideal, depending on the particle size of the stones and the texture of the anchor
• Large stones: Problematic due to the difficulty of wedging the anchor successfully
• Clay: Good anchorage, since it's composed of uniformly sized particles and it's very porous
• Sand: Provides the best anchorage
The texture of the sea floor is given on marine charts. In cruising guidebooks, suitable anchorages are described together with indications of the weather conditions (wind directions) that are suitable for mooring.
Folding Grapnel Anchor - Galvanized Steel
Folding Grapnel Anchor - Stainless Steel
DIN or ISO? Find out now which anchor chain is the right one for your windlass. Our customers need our help very frequently, when it comes to the normalization of chains. As a part of the EU harmonization, many anchor chains are supplied in accordance with ISO standard. Particularly in other European countries where this standard has been available for a long time.
At 6.8 and 13 mm, the dimension chains DIN ISO 766 and 818 are the same. The 10 mm chains -t- partition is different. According to DIN 766, the pitch is only 28 mm, ISO 818 it is 30 millimeters. With finely crafted chain nuts these different sizes can lead to problems (the first 5-6 links are still running well, but then the chain begins to jam). Our Lofrans winches are supplied as standard with DIN 766 chain nuts (with the exception of the windlass Progress II). On request, ISO sprockets are available. We also have 10, 12 and 14 mm ISO-chains in our product range. High-strength chains and test certificates are available upon request. Talk to our SVB technical specialists, we're here to help!
High strength anchor chain / galvanized
High strength anchor chain / galvanized
16.95
EUR
from €16.95
Combined Anchor Rope with Chain Forerunner
Combined Anchor Rope with Chain Forerunner
Anchors & Accessories
1. Length of the anchor chain
Look for a sufficiently dimensioned anchor chain and anchor line. The length should be at least 5-6 times the amount of the water depth plus the freeboard height. A doubling of the chain length brings about a doubling of the holding force with it. At a chain length of about 1:3, the holding force of the anchor is affected greatly. Therefore, pay attention to length when choosing your anchor chain. In our SVB Online Shop you will find anchors and anchor chains of different qualities at excellent prices. Whether DIN 766 or ISO 818, whether galvanized or stainless steel - SVB delivers your new chain directly to your front door!
2. Anchor maneuver under the motor
Drop the anchor and proceed at a slow speed in reverse. If you notice that the anchor embeds itself, step on the gas a little more firmly until the anchor engages properly.
CAUTION: If you reverse too quickly, the anchor will be dragged across the ground. In areas with high tides or during bad weather, we recommend throwing two anchors over the bow in different directions. This way if one anchor loses hold, the other anchor remains in place. There is not one anchor that embeds itself again with 100% certainty.
If the anchor is situated properly, fasten the chain or anchor line on a stable cleat. SVB offers a huge selection of high performance anchors. Whether stainless steel, aluminum, polished, affordable, whether skerry anchor or common anchor, quality brand or no-name bestsellers - the team of SVB can assist you in selecting the right anchor for your boat.
3. Retrieving the anchor
Support the anchor maneuver with your main engine. If the anchor sits very firmly, heave the chain at a short stay and wait a moment. With firmly grounded anchors move your vessel in a position that is above the anchor. Fasten the anchor line to a strong cleat and then slowly reverse the engine in order to break ground. Maneuvering foward across the anchor requires a lot more force.
4. Anchoraging grounds, anchor types and necessary accessories
All soft anchoraging grounds, such as silt or mud, lead to a significant reduction in holding force. Therefore, check carefully that your anchor has properly embedded itself, and if necessary pay away a longer anchor chain.
There is no universal anchor that is suitable for all anchoraging grounds. Also keep in mind that the best anchor or the most beautiful chain are no use if for example the shackles and links or cleat up on deck aren't able to support the loads. Also select the correct anchor accessories from the SVB range: mooring rolls made of plastic or brass, bow protection or chain stoppers and bow sheaves.