Marine Anchoring Systems

Anchor Chain

• A chain that connects the anchor to the vessel
• Composed of links that are designed to absorb shock and reduce stress on the anchor
• Typically made of galvanized steel or stainless steel
• Chain size and material depend on the size and type of vessel, as well as the sea conditions

Anchor Types

• Danforth Anchor: lightweight, compact, and has a good holding power in sandy or muddy bottoms
• Plow Anchor: also known as a plough anchor, has a hinged shank and a flat blade, suitable for most sea bottoms
• Bruce Anchor: similar to the plow anchor, but with a more robust design and better holding power
• Mushroom Anchor: used for permanent moorings, has a large, heavy weight and a holding power that increases with time
• Grapple Anchor: used for rocky or weedy bottoms, has multiple hooks that grasp the seafloor

Anchor Rode

• The combination of the anchor chain and the anchor line
• The rode should be at least 3-4 times the depth of the water to ensure the anchor sets properly
• The anchor line can be made of nylon, polypropylene, or other materials, and should be suitable for the vessel and sea conditions

Anchor Materials

• Galvanized Steel: resistant to corrosion, but may rust over time
• Stainless Steel: more resistant to corrosion than galvanized steel, but more expensive
• Aluminum: lightweight and corrosion-resistant, but may not be as strong as steel
• Titanium: strong, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant, but very expensive

Anchor Shackle

• A U-shaped fitting that connects the anchor to the anchor chain
• Should be made of a strong, corrosion-resistant material, such as stainless steel or titanium
• Should be properly sized for the anchor and chain to ensure secure connection
• May have a pin or bolt to secure the connection

Anchor Chain

• Connects the anchor to the vessel, composed of links designed to absorb shock and reduce stress on the anchor
• Typically made of galvanized steel or stainless steel, with size and material determined by vessel size, type, and sea conditions

Anchor Types

• Danforth Anchor: suitable for sandy or muddy bottoms, lightweight, compact, and has good holding power
• Plow Anchor: suitable for most sea bottoms, has a hinged shank and a flat blade
• Bruce Anchor: similar to plow anchor, but with a more robust design and better holding power
• Mushroom Anchor: used for permanent moorings, has a large, heavy weight, and holding power increases with time
• Grapple Anchor: suitable for rocky or weedy bottoms, has multiple hooks that grasp the seafloor

Anchor Rode

• Combination of anchor chain and anchor line
• Rode should be at least 3-4 times the depth of the water to ensure anchor sets properly
• Anchor line materials: nylon, polypropylene, or others, suitable for vessel and sea conditions

Anchor Materials

• Galvanized Steel: resistant to corrosion, but may rust over time
• Stainless Steel: more resistant to corrosion than galvanized steel, but more expensive
• Aluminum: lightweight, corrosion-resistant, but may not be as strong as steel
• Titanium: strong, lightweight, corrosion-resistant, but very expensive

Anchor Shackle

• U-shaped fitting connecting the anchor to the anchor chain
• Should be made of strong, corrosion-resistant material, such as stainless steel or titanium
• Properly sized for anchor and chain to ensure secure connection
• May have a pin or bolt to secure the connection