Choosing the right anchor is not just a matter of convenience, it's a matter of your safety on the water. Many beginners mistakenly believe that any cargo that you find in your garage will do for a light inflatable boat, but practice shows otherwise. anchorage It can cause the craft to simply rip off the spot when the wind is amplified or the current changes.
For owners. PVC Complicating matters with overall load limits, every extra kilogram on board matters, especially if you're going on a long-distance expedition or overnight fishing, which is why it's so important to balance the minimum weight needed to get a reliable hook with the maximum load your boat can handle without losing maneuverability.
In this article, we will examine not only dry numbers and tables, but also the physical principles of the operation of anchors of different types, you will learn how the type of bottom affects the choice of tackle and why weight is not the only criterion to pay attention to when completing your boat.
Basic principles for calculating the weight of the anchor
There is a classic formula that boatmasters have been using for many years: the weight of the anchor should be about one-tenth of the displacement of the vessel. PVCA too heavy anchor can damage the transom or cylinders when lifting, and a too light one cannot hold the vessel.
It's important to consider not only the length of the hull, but also the sailing. Inflatable boat with installed awnings, arcs and high sides experiences significant wind pressure. weight-bearing It may not be enough, and you will have to increase the mass of the anchor or, more effectively, change its type to a more sticky one.
Always consider the maximum sailing of your boat: if you plan to put up a tent or a tall awning, increase the estimated weight of the anchor by 20-30%.
And you also have to remember the bottom material, and if you're cruising mostly on mud or sandy water, the anchor has to have a lot of contact to get into the ground, and the rocky bottom is more about the shape of the legs that can get caught in the ledges than the sheer weight of the load.
Table of correspondence of the size of the boat and the weight of the anchor
To make it easier to choose, we have prepared a composite table that will help you navigate the initial parameters, which is averaged and suitable for moderate current and wind conditions up to 5-7 m / s. If the conditions are harsher, the equipment requirements increase.
Note that the table shows the weight of the anchor itself, without taking into account the weight of the rope or chain. Using the chain as part of the anchor line (helicopter) reduces the weight of the metal element itself, since the chain, lying on the bottom, creates an additional horizontal force.
| Boat length (m) | Displacement (kg) | Recommended weight of anchor (kg) | Type of bottom |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.7 – 3.0 | 250 | 3 – 4 | Sand, silt |
| 3.2 – 3.6 | 300 – 450 | 5 – 6 | Mixed |
| 3.8 – 4.2 | 500 – 700 | 7 – 9 | Clay, stone |
| 4.5. and more | 800+ | 10 – 12 | Anybody |
The data in the table are relevant for anchors of the classical shape with paws, such as: anchor or sailorIf you use cat anchors or gravitational anchors (mushrooms), their weight should be significantly greater, since they work on the principle of mass, not hook.
For boats up to 3 meters long, the best choice will be an anchor weighing 3-4 kg, while for four-meter PVC vessels it is better to take a model from 7 kg.
The influence of the bottom type on the choice of anchor
Soil type is a factor that's often ignored when you buy a universal solution. anchorageA slick, sand-based system can be useless on hard clay or slippery rock, and understanding the structure of the bottom of your region can save you money and nerves.
So soft soils like sand or silt have great broad paw anchors, they burrow quickly and provide a strong grip through ground resistance, where weight can be the lowest of the recommended range, and it's a very different situation on a rocky bottom.
⚠️ Attention: On a rocky bottom, there is a high risk of anchoring between the rocks. Never tie the anchor line firmly to the rim of the boat without using a junction or buoy, otherwise you risk losing anchor or damaging the boat when you try to forcefully retract.
For mixed soils (sand with stone, clay with shell) anchors of the type are best suited denforth They have a good penetrating ability, and they can grab onto a small ledge, and gravity anchors are less effective here, because they just sit on the surface without burrowing.
If you often change parking lots and types of reservoirs, it makes sense to have two anchors in the arsenal: one main one, selected for the prevailing soil, and one auxiliary one (for example, a “cat” or cargo), which can be used as a weighting agent or on short parking lots.
Comparison of anchor types for PVC boats
The market offers many options, but inflatable boats are not all suitable, the main criterion is the absence of sharp edges that can damage cylinders, and compactness in storage. Let's look at the main types.
Cat anchor is the most popular option because of its versatility and folding design, it takes up little space and is inexpensive. retention It's directly dependent on weight, because it works more like a load, clinging to irregularities with its paws, and for a hard bottom, it's a good choice, for a silt, it's a mediocre choice.
Anchors type sailor or Halla. They have great snags. When used properly, their holding power can be 10 to 15 times its own weight. But they have a downside, they're bulky and they can have sharp elements. PVC boats They should be used with caution, perhaps with protective paws.
- 🪁 Cat anchor: Compact, versatile, but heavier than analogues of the same efficiency on soft soil.
- ⚓ Denforth anchor: Excellent sluggishness on sand and silt, but afraid of stones and algae.
- 🍄 Gravitational (Mushroom): It is ideal for sluggish bottoms and long parking lots, but very heavy for its size.
- 🪨 Concrete block: Cheap and angry, but uncomfortable in transport and storage inside the boat.
The secret to compactness
Folding cat anchors often have screws on their paws. Periodically check their puff - they can unwind from vibration on the water, and the paw will fold at the most inopportune moment.
The anchor cable and its role in retention
Many people forget that the anchor is a system of cargo and cable, and the length and material of the cable are critical. There's a five-length rule, which is that the anchor end has to be 5 times as deep as the anchor end, and that's necessary to create the right angle of attack.
If the cable is too short, the anchor will be pulled upwards by wind and waves, instead of burrowing into the ground. The optimal angle of deviation of the cable from the bottom should be no more than 10-15 degrees.
The chain is laid to the bottom and presses the rope, providing a horizontal force at the top of the anchor. PVC It's enough to have a chain of 6-8 mm in diameter, 2-3 meters, and you can get the rest with a strong synthetic phalt, which also protects the rope from rubbing against the bottom.
⚠️ Attention: Never use a thin line or fishing cord as an anchor cable. In a sharp jerk (for example, when a gust of wind), a thin thread can injure your hands and its strength is not sufficient to hold the boat.
The attachment of the cable to the boat also requires attention. Use wide-base bolts or special ducks. The attachment point should be in the bow so that the boat turns its nose against the wind and wave, which is the most stable position.
Practical advice on installation and use
The proper anchoring is a skill that comes with experience, but there are basic rules that you need to know beforehand: first, you put the boat on the point where you plan to anchor, downwind, then you let the boat drift back, putting the rope down.
When you're putting the cable down, the anchor has to touch the bottom, and then you have to put the required length (given the depth and the five-length rule) and then you attach the cable to the boat, and trying to anchor from a strained cable often results in it just sliding down the bottom without getting caught.
☑️ Checklist before anchoring
To get off the anchor, don't pull vertically upwards. Go to the anchor, pick a sagging cable and move slowly over it. This will help to pull the paws out of the ground or release them from under the stone without undue effort. If the anchor is dead, use the "pull" method: tie an additional phalanx to the top of the anchor (if the design allows) and pull them back.
Always carry a sharp knife. There are situations where an anchor can catch a fishing net, snags, or get tangled in a motor propeller. The ability to cut the rope quickly can save the boat and your possessions.
To mark the anchor cable, use colored Cambrians or nodules every 5 meters, which will help you to determine by eye how much cable has already been etched without using roulette.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you use a heavy stone or concrete block instead of an anchor?
Technically, yes, it's called a gravitational anchor, but to be effective, the mass must be very large (15-20 kg or more), which is lightweight. PVC It can be redundant. In addition, concrete has no legs to hook and holds only by friction and weight, which in the flow or wind is less effective than a lower-weight paw anchor.
Which cable is better to choose: nylon, polypropylene or chain?
The best option is a combination. 2-3 meters of the chain at the anchor for pressing to the bottom and protection against rubbing, then a polypropylene or nylon fall. Polypropylene does not sink, which is convenient, but it is more rigid. Nylon (Capron) stretches, which softens the jerks of the boat on the wave, but it absorbs water. Full chain on PVC boats is not recommended for use due to the high weight and risk of damage to cylinders.
Why does the anchor not hold the boat, although its weight is on the table?
There are several reasons: too short anchor cable (the anchor is pulled up), the wrong type of soil for this form of anchor, or the anchor fell on its side and can not turn its paws down. Try to increase the length of the cable or change the parking place.
Do I need to grease the anchor after every fishing trip?
Yes, especially if the anchor is metal and you've been cruising on salt water, fresh water also contributes to corrosion, albeit more slowly. Upon returning, wash the anchor with fresh water, dry and lubricate the moving parts (if it's a folding model) with a water-repellent lubricant, for example, WD-40 Or lithium lubricant.