Marine Anchoring Systems

Study Notes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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