Types of anchor.     Home

Types of Anchor.
Fisherman.
The fisherman anchor is sometimes known by other names, the 'Herreshoff', 'Luke' 'Nicholson' to name a few. The holding to weight ratio in sand or mud is not high, however it can be effective in weed or on rocky ground. It can be a difficult shape to handle over the bow, and is on occasion prone to foul easily. It can be disassembled and is hence easy to stow.
Bruce.
The bruce has a high holding power to weight ratio. It has no moving parts, however this makes it difficult to stow unless it is kept permanently on a bow roller. It has the advantage of being able to rotate and remain fully buried, if the vessel moves due to a change in direction of the tide or wind.
Plough or CQR.
The CQR is a versatile anchor with a high holding to weight ratio. It is difficult to stow, unless permanently kept on a bow roller. The hinged shank assists it to remain buried when the the position of the vessel changes. It can under some circumstances capsize.
Danforth.
The danforth has a good holding to weight ratio, the broad flukes make especially effective in mud or sand. It folds flat and is therefore easy to stow. It can on occasions be difficult to break out.
Northill.
The northill anchor has a removable stock which makes it easy to stow. When used in mud or sand the stock can also act as an extra fluke and increase the holding power, it does however on occasions make it difficult to handle over the bow.
Grapnel.
The grapnel has good holding in thick weed or on rough rocky ground. It is often used as a temporary anchor as it takes hold easily, however not necessarily permanently. The shape makes it very difficult to stow.
Folding grapnel
The folding grapnel has good holding in weed and on rocky ground. It folds up making it very easy to stow. Light weight versions are available. It is often used as temporary or spare anchor.
Stockless Anchor.

The stockless anchor is used by very large vessels. It uses its own weight (many tonnes) to dig into the sea bed. It is not suitable for smaller vessels, the size of the anchor required would be prohibitive.