Defender 003439 Anchors User Guide
- June 5, 2024
- Defender
Table of Contents
Defender 003439 Anchors
WHICH ANCHOR IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Here’s a quick guide to anchors for first-time boaters and seasoned boaters about to explore new regions. Also, consider adding an emergency anchor as is recommended by most marine experts.
Fluke
A popular choice among recreational boaters for its ability to hold in most seabed conditions with its two-fluke design. The fluke performs best in sand and mud. Be aware that seabeds with heavy seaweed can prevent a fluke from setting. Some models such as Fortress and Lewmar LFX can be disassembled, making them popular backup options.
Claw
Also popular, the claw-style anchor is designed to hold in just about any seabed, including rocky bottoms. Claw anchors can even set in seaweed. Stowing can be an issue if space is a problem since this type has two fixed side claws in addition to the center claw.
Plow
The plow style is commonly in use for two basic reasons: it holds in most seabeds and it conforms well to bow rollers. The plow is designed with a single “blade” to plow into the seabed. Most plows have a ballasted tip which aids in setting & self-deployment from the roller. There are generally two styles of plows: a CQR® (coastal quick release) plow, and a plow with a roll bar. These can be filled with trip lines to help remove wedged anchors.
Plow with Roll Bar
The roll bar is a relatively new addition to the traditional plow design, and helps the anchor orient itself in the proper position for setting, no matter how it lands. The roll bar may not work with through Pulpit Bow Rollers
Hinged Plow/CQR
A CQR® style features a hinged shank, allowing the blade to remain embedded while the shank is free to move as your boat moves with wind and tide.
Grapnel Folding
Best used for short periods of anchoring on small crafts. The folding tines make this easy to stow, and a convenient backup. Can be used to retrieve gear lost overboard.
Grapnel Fixed
The fixed grapnel/wreck anchor is commonly used to hold position when fishing over structure like rocks, reefs or wrecks. Because your anchor is likely to get stuck in this type of bottom it features bendable tines or prongs, and it often rigged using the trip ring to increase chances of recovery.
Small Mushroom Anchors
As the name implies, these anchors resemble a mushroom and are best suited for small craft anchoring in soft bottoms. Once fully buried these anchors are capable of holding up to ten times their weight.
Mushroom Mooring Anchors
These anchors are specifically used for moorings. Mushroom anchors are designed to allow seabed mud or sand to fill the “cap,” thereby burying it to provide extreme holding power. Consult your harbormaster for the proper mooring tackle based on the size of your boat.
Pyramid Mooring Anchors
Pyramid mooring anchors rapidly penetrate the bottom due to the high-point loading of the compact size and shape. Once covered, the large surface area of the pyramid has a high suction effect. Pyramid anchors are great for shallow water areas. Defender stocks a wide variety of anchors from top brands like Rocna, Fortress, Danforth, Kingston, Maxwell and Lewmar, as well as a full line of anchoring accessories, equipment and mooring tackle. © 2020 Defender Industries, Inc., 42 Great Neck Road, Waterford, CT 06385-3336