Anchoring
When the end of the day has come and the sun is setting on the horizon and you can't wait to relax, when the fish are biting and you can't wait to cast a line, when it is time to grab a quick bite with friends before hitting the water again, then it is time to drop anchor. Make sure when you do, you are doing it with the confidence that the the anchor you chose is the right one for the job.
Let First Choice Marine be your first choice for ground tackle (defined as the items needed to anchor your boat, i.e. anchor, line, chain, shackles) needed for your boat. We carry a wide selection of anchor types and brands as well as the accessories you need at affordable prices.
With First Choice Marine, the next time you drop that anchor in the water you will have the right equipment you need.
View our Anchor Buyer's Guide to extend your anchoring knowledge.
Anchoring accessories can help you get the little things completed to make a huge task seem small. From retrievers to shackles,chain stoppers to anchor chocks and beach/shore anchors to stowaway bags, First Choice Marine brings you the accessories you need to assist you with those tasks.
Anchor rollers should be selected by taking into account the weight of the anchor, the type of anchor and where the anchor will be mounted. Applications include when anchors are mounted on a plank or anchor platform; on a pulpit, rail, stern rail or stanchion; feeds the line or chain overboard or over bow or stern. Carefully review your application and the specifications of the rollers before making your decision.
Rope, chain or both you ask? Opinions differ on the rode required and although many prefer rope, some believe in the combination of chain starting at the anchor end with rope finishing it off.
Rope itself is a weighty subject with considerations for braided, double braided, twisted and nylon or polypropylene. Chain can be galvanized or plastisol or vinyl coated. Then there is the length discussion.
All worthy of consideration before making your purchase of your anchor rode here at First Choice Marine.
When to Use A Claw Anchor:
- Boat Recommendations: Pontoon/Deck Boats (based on bottom condition); Smaller and lighter fishing/pleasure boats
- Bottom Conditions: Grassy, Rock
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Also Known As: Bruce Anchor
When to Use A Fluke Anchor:
- Boat Recommendations: Pontoon/Deck Boats and smaller and lighter fishing/pleasure boats
- Bottom Conditions: Mud, Sand, Clay
- Also Known As: Danforth Anchor
When to Use A Folding Anchor:
- Boat
Recommendations: Lightweight craft such as canoes, dinghies, inflatable boats and jon boats where holding power is not required
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Also Known As: Grappling or Grapnel Anchors
When to Use A Muchsroom Anchor:
- Boat
Recommendations: Small boats that don't require strong holding power
- Bottom Conditions: Soft bottoms where its design creates as suction effect, holding to that bottom
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Also Known As: Mooring Anchor
When to Use A Navy Anchor:
- Boat
Recommendations: Large Ships
- Bottom Conditions: Design of one fluke buried and the other not relies on shear weight to hold in heavy grass or weeks, rocky bottoms and hard sand - not in mud or loose sand
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Also Known As: Kedge and Fisherman Style
When to Use A Plow Anchor:
- Boat Recommendations:Cruisers
- Bottom Conditions: Sand, Pebble, Rock, Gravel, Kelp, Coral
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Also Known As: Delta (pivoting shank) and CQR (fixed chank)
When to Use A Richter Anchor:
- Boat
Recommendations: Fishing Boats
- Bottom Conditions: Mud, Sand, Clay
- Also Known As: Similar to a Fluke Anchor
- Note: Heralded by fisherman for its 100 percent retrieval claim
When to Use A River Anchor:
- Boat
Recommendations: Fishing Boats and Pontoon Boats
- Bottom Conditions: Heavy drift and River Currents - Muddy and Rocky River Bottoms
The function of a windlass is that of a winch mechanism designed to crank your anchor rode onto the cylinder performing a lifting function of your anchor rope/chain and the anchor itself. Considerations for choosing the right windlass may include a variety of possiblities including vessel size, anchor size, rode (chain/rope) selection, windage and displacement (light or heavy).
Once you have chosen the correct windlass you are bound to need parts or accessories for that windlass. First Choice Marine offers a wide selection of foot switches, remotes, joysticks, chain counters, control panels, fuses and breakers for your windlass.
