Finding the best anchor for pontoon boats starts with looking at the type, its weight, and holding power, among other factors. To help you shop, we’ve compiled a list of the best pontoon boat anchors on the market.
Pontoon boats are among the most popular and easy-to-operate vessels. They offer a lot of space and are perfect for family-size water excursions.
While that may sound like a nice perk, given them plenty of space they have, anchoring pontoon boats can be difficult. Their larger size makes them more tricky to anchor than a ski boat. The wind can strike the boat due to their high profile, putting more strain on your anchor.
Buoyancy tends to make a pontoon boat more unstable, and this is particularly true in rough waters. A pontoon boat that’s moving excessively will be quite challenging to anchor.
To keep your pontoon boat from swerving and rattling around the water, you’ll need a sturdy and reliable anchor. Your anchor is one of the most important pieces of hardware on your vessel, especially if you have a large pontoon boat.
The best pontoon boat anchor can assist keep your watercraft in place even when there is a strong wind or a visible current in the water. However, when choosing the right anchor, you must also consider where you’ll be using your pontoon boat.
A plow anchor, for instance, can work well in rivers and lakes where there is plant life on the bottom. If you’re boating in bodies of water with muddy and sandy bottoms, using a mushroom anchor will make sense (more on this later).
In this article, we will show you some of the best pontoon boat anchors, as rated by boat owners.
What Is Anchor for Pontoon Boat?
A pontoon boat anchor is a piece of gear made of metal. Such anchors typically come with metal components such as shackles and chains. It’s mostly used to moor and keep pontoon boats as well as other vessels from floating away due to the strong wind and current.
The first thing you need to understand about anchors is that they come in various sizes. It’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. This also means that there’s no perfect anchor for the location or body of water on which you regularly sail.
How Does It Work?
Strong currents or winds are unavoidable. A pontoon boat anchor prevents the vessel from rocking, moving, or drifting away. These anchors are specifically designed to assist your boat in remaining in place regardless of changing weather conditions.
Installing the right anchor in your pontoon boat makes mooring much smoother. It also keeps your boat safe and secured.
Why Use an Anchor for Pontoon Boat?
As we’ve said earlier, investing in a high-quality pontoon boat anchor keeps your vessel from shaking, moving, or wandering around the waters. The best anchor will also help it stay in a stable position. It works even in odd weather conditions, strong winds, and current.
Aside from keeping your vessel from rocking back and forth, here are other advantages of using a pontoon boat anchor:
- Generally an inexpensive investment
- Does an outstanding job at keeping your boat safe and secure when mooring
- Often have a durable construction that can withstand a lot of abuse
- Easy to set up
In between all these advantages, what could be the pros?
Well, you need to set it up properly to avoid any problems. You must practice anchoring since accidents may happen which can put you in danger.
There are also several types of anchors, so you must be familiar with their parts and purposes. Getting to know the pontoon boat anchor system will provide you with the necessary details and techniques for proper anchoring.
The Best Anchors for Pontoon Boat
One of the most important boat gear you can have is an anchor. But which one is the best for you?
Keep in mind that each anchor is different based on its weight, type, as well as other features. Consequently, it’s always a good idea to focus on various unique features that you feel are necessary, functional, and helpful to your own needs and preferences.
SEACHOICE Deluxe Anchor
One of the most-rated and affordable anchors on the market right now is the SEACHOICE Deluxe Anchor. Designed for boats 25 to 30 feet, this hot-dipped galvanized anchor works well by digging into a variety of seafloor compositions. It works best with waters with gravels and sands, though.
If you’re not looking for something to secure your boat during a hurricane but is more than sufficient for keeping your boat in place, this anchor might be an excellent choice. You can also use it as a second anchor for anchoring in rough waters seas or to keep the rear of your boat in place.
What we love about the SEACHOICE anchor is that it is inexpensive but performs like a deluxe tool, hence the name. This anchor has adequate weight for calm conditions, which is great whenever you need to hoist the anchor up. Plus, it folds up easily for simple storage.
Many users, however, complain that it is lacking an essential piece: the shackles. It also has some sharp edges, so you need to be careful when handling this anchor to avoid injury.
Overall, we think it is an excellent low-cost option for all your anchoring needs.
Pros:
• Durable and well-welded
• Works great in waters with gravel and sandy bottoms
• Has good enough heft but is easy to hoist
• Inexpensive
Cons:
• Doesn’t come with shackles
• Has sharp edges
Slide Anchor Box Anchor
The Slide Anchor Box Anchor can settle nicely into waters with muddy, grassy, or rocky bottoms without requiring mechanical force from your boat. Just turn off the engine and drop the anchor overboard, and it will set within 1 foot of landing.
Similarly, retrieving this anchor from the water is a piece of cake. Simply draw the line over the top of the anchor, and the absence of the upward facing surface area should let the anchor to pop straight off the bottom.
Besides being so easy to use, we appreciate this box anchor’s innovative foldout motion since it is fully automated. It also folds flat so it’s easy to stow. And when it comes to durability, this box anchor is made of galvanized steel. It’s corrosion-resistant and can withstand any weather condition.
We consider the Slide Anchor a great all-around tool since it also works with other types of boats. It’s also heavier than comparable anchors on the market, so we recommend it if you have a larger pontoon boat.
One thing to keep in mind, however, is that this box anchor has a pointed surface that might be dangerous if you drop it carelessly. It is also very expensive. But for its durability and outstanding performance, we consider this anchor a wonderful investment.
Pros:
• Offers easy, effortless mooring
• Automatic foldout motion
• Durable and corrosion-resistant
• Compatible with other types of boats
Cons:
• Has a pointed surface that might cause injury
• Expensive
WindRider Boat Anchor Kits
Designed for smaller boats about 15 to 24 feet, the WindRider Boat Anchor Kits may be the best anchor for your pontoon boat. This fluke-style boat anchor is made of hot-dipped galvanized steel.
This anchor’s superior holding power is pretty astounding, keeping your pontoon boat in place. Due to its fluke’s articulate design, this anchor is rather lightweight yet can still hold securely.
Many boat owners rave by its ability to dig deep into water beds, making it an excellent option for mud or sand bottoms. However, it requires extra time to properly bury itself.
What we love about this anchor system is that it includes everything you need. It offers a fuss-free configuration. You don’t have to locate a line or attach it to the anchor chain, and you don’t need to drill a hole.
This kit features a galvanized recovery hole that provides several advantages. In case it becomes lodged, for instance, you can quickly retrieve it without having to dive into the water.
Another thing you’d appreciate about this kit is you won’t need to replace the 75-foot nylon rope with a thickness of 3/8-inch that came with the set.
It also features an eye splice for simple connection. The 6-foot long, quarter-inch thick galvanized chain is also ideal for wire shut. It’s basically a plug-and-play situation with the WindRider Anchor Kits.
Pros:
• Lightweight yet has a superb holding power
• Includes everything you need
• Allows for easy retrieval (no need to dive into the water)
• Durable construction resists rust, corrosion, and saltwater
Cons:
• Some users find the size of the shackles too small
MarineNow Deluxe Portable Anchor Kit
Another anchor kit we have on our list is the MarineNow Deluxe Portable Anchor Kit. It also has all the necessary accessories you need for anchoring including a rope and a chain. Built with galvanized steel, it boasts durability and works well for sandy and muddy bottoms.
It’s hefty, but it can keep your boat in place even on the windiest of days. With a three-strand anchor line and braided rope, it is sure to provide a secure hold on the anchor.
One issue you may encounter with this anchor is that the rope that comes with the kit isn’t that durable. After a few uses, you might have to replace it at some point down the rode (pun intended). However, given the price, we think this should be expected. Ropes are inexpensive and are easily accessible, anyway.
Pros:
• Includes everything you need
• Works well in muddy, sandy bottoms
• Durable galvanized construction
• Relatively heavy; helps keep pontoon in place
Cons:
• Rope isn’t very durable
Extreme Max 3006.6560 Anchor
The Extreme Max 3006.6560 Anchor is designed to use a combination of weight and flukes for a firm hold. It could be a wise investment if you want a simple anchor to use in the river. This vinyl-coated boat anchor also protects your boat and resists the damaging effects of UV rays.
Many pontoon boat owners employ this as a supplementary piece to their main anchor, allowing them to simply keep the stern from rocking back and forth caused by strong winds.
You can also get it in various sizes to suit your vessel. Its shape is similar to that of grapnel anchors. One of the things we appreciate about this anchor is that it sinks nicely, crawling across the surface of rocks, weeds, grass, and mud.
Keep in mind that this anchor is relatively heavy. But that’s what makes it very effective at anchoring boats. The fluke anchor’s weight compensates for the vital grip. It’s best for lakes and rivers with fast currents and drift areas.
On the downside, this anchor tends to not always provide a good bite. You also cannot use it when anchoring on salt water as it may corrode. In addition, it is more expensive than other options in the market. But, hey, for a weighted anchor that gets the job done, we consider the Extreme Max a great investment.
Pros:
• Great as a supplement to your main anchor
• Works well on mud, vegetation, and rocks
• Its weight offers a good hold
• UV-resistant vinyl coating
• Comes in various sizes
Cons:
• Rusts if used in saltwater
• Can be used in rivers or lakes only
• Pricier than other anchor options
• Doesn’t always provide a good bite
Danielson River PVC Coat Anchor
Many boat owners count on the Danielson River PVC Coat Anchor. Its design is comparable to that of a grapnel anchor. It also resembles the Extreme Max anchor with PVC coating. Which we appreciate since it not only protects the anchor against rust, but it also helps shield your boat’s surface from scratches.
This anchor is adaptable enough to let you drop it as deep in the water as you wish. It has the ability to reach the river bottom, which is home to roots, vegetation, mud, and rocks. You would also appreciate the heft it has, which is great for a much-need grip.
However, the power of the Danielson anchor to hold on to river bottoms comes from the grappling action of its three separate blades. It’s designed with three flukes that are carefully bent and have slim bodies.
And just like the anchor we’ve discussed above, it only works best if you wish to anchor your pontoon boat on lakes and rivers. The price difference may convince you to choose this anchor over the other, though.
If you’re traversing calm waters and need an inexpensive and simple anchor for your pontoon boat, this could be a wonderful option. It also comes in various sizes to match your pontoon boat.
Just keep in mind that this anchor’s blades aren’t sharp and the flukes can be tricky to fold inwards.
Pros:
• PVC coating protects boat’s surfaces
• Great at crawling through grassy, rocky, and muddy bottoms
• Grappling action and good weight for a firm grip
• Inexpensive
Cons:
• Can be used in rivers or lakes only
• Blades aren’t sharp
• Flukes can be hard to fold inwards
Tie Down Danforth Standard Anchor
The brand makes some of the best pontoon boat anchors on the market. And the Tie Down Danforth Standard Anchor is one of the best anchors for pontoon boats that deserves a spot on our list!
The anchor is made using galvanized coating, making it a durable tool that you can use for many years to come. It’s made of extremely durable steel that counters a range of elements like rust or corrosion.
Similarly, it has a shank design meant to ensure greater penetration into different water beds. It has incredible holding power in mud and sand bottoms. Since it is so lightweight, you can use it as a secondary anchor on small boats and in large vessels.
However, there are a few drawbacks you should keep in mind. The Tie Down anchor tend doesn’t always hold well onto rocks or gravel, and vegetation. This is why we recommend this to be used in waters with muddy and sandy bottoms.
Your pontoon boat might also have the tendency to move back and forth in changing currents or when it is really windy. We suggest that you use it in calmer water. But, all in all, we consider this another great inexpensive solution anchoring in lakes and rivers.
Pros:
• Durable construction
• Works well in muddy and sandy bottoms
• Lightweight and can be a great secondary anchor
• Inexpensive
Cons:
• Doesn’t always hold well onto grass, rocks, and gravel
• Doesn’t perform well under changing currents and strong winds
A Buyer’s Guide to Finding the Best Anchor for Pontoon Boat
Finding the best pontoon boat anchor requires more than simply considering the size and weight of your vessel.
Whether it’s a lake, river, or sea, you’ll want to first consider the average depth and condition of the bottom of the water you usually sail. You must also consider the average intensity of the wind.
We’ll go over some of the things you should look at before making an informed decision:
Types of Pontoon Boat Anchors
When shopping for a pontoon boat anchor, you’ll come across several types of anchors. While they share the same purpose, you should choose one that suits your situation and needs. Understanding each type can help you decide which anchor is right for you.
Box Anchor
A box anchor is known for being an all-around pontoon boat anchor since it performs best in bodies of water where pontoon boats usually go, including in rivers and lakes.
This type of anchor adheres to muddy bottoms with some vegetation. But the best box anchors can also cling to rocks or cracks to keep your boat in place.
Box anchors are also very easy to set up since you can just put them in and it settles into the bottom. It can also reach a depth of one or two feet, depending on the pontoon boat anchor’s weight and the density of the mud.
What makes box anchors great at dealing with muddy bottoms is that it creates friction that offers great holding. Some anchors simply cannot handle grass and vegetation. Box anchors, on the other hand, feature pointed flukes. This feature allows the box anchor to crawl through the roots of aquatic vegetation.
Danforth/Fluke Anchor
Also known as fluke anchors, Danforth anchors work by plunging into the bottom and grabbing gravel and sand. This anchor doesn’t need a lot of weight and doesn’t demand too much strength from the lifting part.
Danforth anchors are very popular with recreational boaters since the flukes fold in, making storage easier. It’s ideal for most seabeds but not suitable for very rocky riverbeds.
Size is an important consideration if you go for a fluke anchor. Increasing the size, the better it can dig into the sand. However, you’ll need a lightweight one for waters with muddy floors. Keep in mind that fluke anchors are sharp. Make sure to protect the surface of your pontoon boat.
Grapnel Anchor
Grapnel anchors are ideal for shallow waters and rivers with rocky bottoms. This type of anchor is ideal for smaller boats and for shorter anchoring periods. Since it requires less holding strength in shallower waters, a Grapnel anchor is lighter than types and offers folding features.
A typical grapnel anchor has four arms or flukes to handle various rock sizes. This design allows the flukes to hold onto rocks and hold them securely. To anchor correctly, drop it and let it reverse and wander. This way, the arms can catch and hold onto the rocks.
Once you set the anchor, it will have the most secure grip on the rocky floor. In cases of high wind and current, you may need two grapnel anchors.
Grapnel anchors are compact, which is useful in the process of storage because it only requires a little amount of room.
Plow Anchor
Also referred to as “digger anchors,” plow anchors are adept at digging into the bottom with their perpendicular flukes. This type of anchor has the same shapes as Danforth anchors, with the exception that you can adjust the latter in angle.
It works well on mud, vegetation, as well as sandy bottoms. However, it doesn’t work well on rocky water floors. And depending on the style of the plow anchor, you might not be able to pivot and fold it up. This makes these anchors heavier and, as a result, more difficult to stow.
Mushroom Anchor
This type of anchor looks like a mushroom—hence the name. It’s a great option for small vessels and permanently mounted buoys. As the mushroom rests longer, the top gathers silt and grows heavier.
These anchors are also excellent for small fishing boats that make quick stops and anchor for a short period of time. They work well in waters with soft, muddy bottoms. The catch with a mushroom anchor is that if it gets a solid grip at the bottom, it could be challenging to retrieve.
Claw/Bruce Anchor
The Bruce or claw anchor is one of the most popular types of anchor. It’s designed based on anchors used to hold North Sea oil rigs. While it works best in rocky waterbeds, it will provide enough grip on most bottoms. These anchors set smoothly and stow readily on most boats’ bow rollers.
Claw anchors are a great all-purpose anchor since they work well in mud, sand, rock, and coral. It has a more difficult time piercing through tougher surfaces like clay and grassy bottoms, though.
Richter Anchor
Richter anchors are versatile. These anchors work well in most bottoms. And much like the grapnel anchor, the flukes work well on rocky bottoms and vegetation. The shape of a Richter anchor isn’t ideal for sand bottoms since the flukes’ angle cannot dig in.
Nevertheless, due to the way it’s designed and how it disperses weight, Richter anchors can hold well in most bottoms provided that there is no harsh current or wind driving your boat.
The catch with the design of this anchor is that it is quite bulky and you can’t fold it up, requiring a lot of storage space.
Auger Anchor
Augers are one of the best anchors for pontoon boats, jet skis, and other watercraft. These anchors keep your boat safely anchored at the beach or sandbars but away from the bank, where it may be damaged.
It is essentially an auger. You twist it down into the sand as you would do with screwing into a wall. Some anchors are also electric, which you can use in water with shallow, soft bottoms.
Weight
How heavy your anchor should be will depend on the size of your boat. For regular-sized pontoon boats, you may go for anchors weighing between 15 and 20 lbs. Box anchors are one of your safest options if you want something with a good weight since they are the heaviest.
A heavier anchor may be a better option, but we recommend only using a heavy one when absolutely necessary. You usually won’t need an anchor weighing more than 30 lbs. The heavier the anchor, the more laborious it will be for you.
If you have a 20 feet pontoon boat or smaller, you may go for anchors with a weight between 12 lbs to 15 lbs. For 20 feet to 30 feet pontoon boats, anchors that weigh 20 lbs to 30 lbs would be ideal.
These are just basic guidelines for the size of anchor you may need based on the length of your boat. You may go as light or as heavy as you like, as long as it meets your needs.
Materials
The most common materials used to ensure anchor’s durability are aluminum or aluminum-magnesium alloy, stain steel, galvanized steel, and vinyl-coated ones. Any of these materials can last you so many years.
If you want to go for something inexpensive, aluminum and stainless steel anchors may not be your most affordable options. But, in terms of resistance to corrosion, these materials are superior.
Galvanized steel strikes a balance between cost and corrosion resistance. Such anchors may not be as appealing as the other options, but they get the job done well.
Most of the anchors on the market are made of galvanized steel and coated with a polymer such as epoxy or vinyl. These anchors are generally the least expensive choice. However, it’s worth noting that corrosion may still develop when it is used in saltwater.
Holding Power
The holding power is the amount of pulling force that an anchor can withstand. If your anchor has enough holding power, your pontoon boat will stay in place.
An anchor with a 90-lb holding force is ideal for a 20-foot pontoon boat. It can withstand winds of up to 20 mph. But if you have a 25-inch pontoon boat, it may require 125 lbs of holding power at the same wind speed.
We also need to point out that a mushroom anchor weighing 10 pounds only requires a holding force twice its weight.
Flukes
The fluke is the pointed part that extends to the base of the anchor. It is the element that helps with stability. It’s a very important part of an anchor since it has the ability to navigate sandy and muddy situations while keeping your pontoon boat stable.
Keep in mind that intricate mooring demands flukes that are strong enough to maintain a solid hold. Make sure that the flukes are easy to fold. Anchor flukes are also often foldable, which makes them easy to store.
Rope and Chain
If you want anchor systems that include everything you need, the WindRider Boat Anchor Kits and the MarineNow Deluxe Portable Anchor Kit come with rope and chain. If you’re opting for an anchor kit, make sure that it’s durable and strong enough for your pontoon boat.
The most common material used for anchor lines is nylon. This rope is sturdy and has a little stretchy quality. It resists salt water and is reasonably priced. A good rule of thumb to follow is going for 1/8 inch of rope diameter for every 9 feet of your boat’s length.
Rope Support Hole
Make sure this eyelet or hole of your anchor is big enough to accommodate a lot of rope support. It should be resilient enough to deal with anything heavy.
In addition, it should not cause any harm to the rope. Before buying a pontoon boat anchor, make sure to verify the size of the hole. A good rope support hole should be able to fit the rope thickness you choose.
Is It Foldable?
While pontoon boats are known for their large profile, it doesn’t always mean they have enough space to accommodate your gears. If you don’t need a large anchor, consider a smaller one. And if you can find an anchor that allows you to fold it up for storing, then that’s even better.
There are also large anchors that fold flat but spread out larger once in the water.
Accessories
Aside from rope and chain, you may also look for anchors that include a storage bag. This accessory protects your anchor against scratches and dents.
How To Anchor a Pontoon Boat
You may find the best pontoon boat anchor, but do you know how to use it?
Anchoring a pontoon boat is the same as mooring any other type of watercraft. Here are steps you can follow:
Step 1: First, make sure you are using the right anchor.
Step 2: Anchor rode is important. Check that it’s sturdy and can handle the weight.
Step 3: Pick a suitable and good anchoring location. Then, gradually face and move to the current or wind, and carefully drop the anchor until it reaches the bottom.
Step 4: Slowly return with the wind or current. Keep in mind that the minimum distance should be around 6/7 the depth of the installation in the water.
Step 5: Don’t forget to secure the mooring to a deck cleat.
Step 6: Attach the anchor and check to see if it fits correctly. You can do so by a moderate reverse power of the motor.
Step 7: Next, pull the mooring line to ensure that the anchor is securely fastened.
It’s always advisable to use at least two anchors for mooring. This is particularly preferable if you’re in a location where there are strong winds and currents.
When you’re serious about mooring, you’ll need 3 to 4 feet of chain. It should be strong enough to attach to your anchor. Keep in mind that the length of the chain must be proportional to the length of your pontoon boat.
If you’re going fishing or just need to do a brief, a small anchor chain should suffice. The chain’s job is to act as a shock absorber, and it’s a piece that lets the anchor flip over and does its job. It also prevents the waves from pushing your pontoon boat.
Pontoon Boat Anchor Care and Maintenance
Your pontoon boat anchor, like other pieces of equipment, requires maintenance to ensure its durability. Doing proper maintenance helps your anchor work efficiently.
Here are some tips you can take to keep your anchor in tip-top shape:
- After each use, you must properly wash your anchor. This step is especially important if you’ve been dipping your anchor in salt water. The accumulation of salt in your anchor.
- Check for broken ropes. A frayed can cause a major problem during anchoring, especially with all the weight it has to carry. Replace them when needed. Ropes are not expensive.
- Learn how to use a certain type of anchor. You’ll get the maximum benefits of the anchor if you know how to use it correctly.
Best Anchor for Pontoon Boat FAQs
What is an anchor rode?
An anchor-rode is the connecting system between the anchor and the boat, and its strength is very important while mooring. The splice where the rope and chain are connected is the important point.
Among the most common mistakes you could end up making is not getting enough anchor rode for your installation. Understanding how much further out your anchor must be in regards to the boat is a vital stage in anchor setup.
An anchor rode is either in the form of nylon or chain or a mix of the two.
Nylon
Due to its lightweight and flexibility, nylon rode is most often the most-used type of anchor cable. It is easier to store and haul since it is lightweight. The elastic qualities of the nylon reduce the pressure of high loads on the anchor, resulting in a more stable hold.
You can get it in either twisted or braided ropes.
A twisted nylon rope is more elastic and easier to splice. It’s also cheaper than a braided rope.The latter, on the other hand, is significantly stronger and easier on your hands. You may also just prefer the braided look as many boaters do.
The catch with employing a nylon rode is that it doesn’t withstand bottom abrasion. It also won’t keep your anchor line in place. An anchor rode that can hold down the line is crucial in keeping the ideal horizontal angle of force at which the anchor will work best.
Chain
A chain rode solves the difficulties associated with nylon rodes but it can bring in new issues.
First off, a chain rode is heavy and hard to work with. It can also lend an awful look on a beautiful, high-end pontoon boat.
So, should you just opt for the combination of the two?
A combination of nylon and chain
Adding a length of chain to a nylon rode is one technique to take full advantage of using a chain while limiting the inconveniences. The length of the chain must be equivalent to the length of your boat.
Still, even attaching a piece of chain to the rode that is just half the length of your pontoon boat has advantages and will provide more grip for your anchor.
Many boaters prefer this type of rope over rope or chain. The chain functions as a weight underwater, holding down the front side of the anchor and preventing it from floating up and down as waves strike the rope. The rope also tugs the chain, allowing the anchor to burrow into the floor and settle.
However, because most pontoon boats are used in calmer bodies of water, a basic nylon rode is usually all you need.
What type of anchor is best for a pontoon boat?
Since it operates effectively where pontoon boats are most commonly used (rivers and lakes), the box anchor is perhaps the best all-around anchor for this type of boat. The bottoms of most rivers and lakes are either muddy or vegetated. A box anchor performs very well in all conditions.
How heavy should a pontoon anchor be?
It depends on the size of your boat. For average sized boats, it should be between 15 and 20 lbs. When it comes to the type of anchor, the anchor box type is the heaviest.
Where is the best place to put an anchor on a pontoon boat?
You should situate your pontoon boat so that it faces either the wind or the water current. Then, you aim your nose at whichever is stronger. This guarantees that your anchor chain and line do not drag through the silt, the sand, or mud and stay in one place.
How many anchors do you need for a pontoon?
You need to have five times the amount of anchor line or chains as you are deep. If you pontoon boat is in 20 ft deep of water, you need to use 100 ft of rope
Do I need a chain on my anchor?
Yes, if you use your pontoon boat in rough waters. By producing downward pressure on the anchor handle, a chain helps the anchor to set quicker and more consistently. It helps in keeping the rode horizontal once it has been placed, instead of being pushed upward and loosening the anchor.
How do you double anchor a pontoon boat?
You can start by anchoring into the current and then lowering yourself to make the first hook. Then, keep reversing until you’ve gone twice as far as you want to go with your rode. Next, drop the second anchor immediately down-current from the first. And after it’s set, situate yourself halfway between the two.
How do you mount an anchor on a pontoon boat?
As you slowly drop the anchor, check that it faces the wind, the current, and your pontoon boat’s front side. You must understand that the wind can cause some disruption, which occurs due to the speed and direction of the anchor.
It may be a good idea to install an extra anchor on the back area of your boat to keep it from floating away. You can also use an under-deck mooring. This can strengthen the grip of a single anchor even more. You may also install one anchor against the underdeck mooring’s position.
Depending on the wind and the current, you can place the anchor at the back or front of your boat. Some boaters argue that it is more ideal to place it close to the boa’s battery. This way, it will be easier to wire and requires overall less effort.
What size of anchor does your pontoon boat require?
You will need roughly 15 by up to 20 lbs to comfortably hold down a standard-sized pontoon boat. Box anchors often come in larger sizes and are typically heavier than the other types of anchors.
Keep in mind that in many cases, the heavier the anchor the better. But that’s not necessarily the case for pontoon boats. It’s not ideal to choose anything heavier than 30 pounds, since that’s not even required.
You can simply measure the length of your pontoon boat by yourself. And once you take the right measurements, you should be able to precisely determine which anchor is right for you.
Why should you never drop your anchor from the stern of the boat?
Anchoring from the stern might cause your boat to swamp. Water may splash into the pontoon boat if the square stern gets struck by waves. The weight of the motor will worsen the situation. You should always slowly steer the boat away from the wind or current.
How long should your anchor chain be?
You can calculate the length of your anchor rode by multiplying the deepest water you plan to anchor in by 8. A good rule of thumb for rope size is ⅛ inch of rope diameter for every 9 ft of boat length. So if you want to anchor a 26 ft boat in 30 ft deep water, you’ll require 240 ft of ⅜ inch nylon rope.
How do you drop the anchor on a pontoon boat?
You can drop the first anchor near the middle of your pontoon’s bow to reduce restriction from the current and wind. Doing so will also offer less pull on the anchor. When needed, you can use the other anchor to keep the boat from swaying around.
The Bottom Line
Your anchor is one of the most important pieces for your boat. You need it to keep your vessel from drifting away due to winds and currents. Choosing the right pontoon boat anchor allows you to moor your vessel without worrying about it swaying, giving you peace of mind that your boat will stay in place.
Consider the anchor’s size and weight, the conditions of bottoms, and the wind and currents in the water where you usually anchor.
Other than keeping those factors in mind, it’s also important that you know how to properly use your anchor. This not only maximizes your anchor’s potential but also helps you moor safely.
We hope you find our guide helpful in finding the best anchor for your pontoon. Make sure to check out the latest prices and discounts on the products on our list!
Good luck!
