226 seamanship secrets
underwater confi guration. Vessels with high freeboard tend to “sail” around
their anchors. So do vessels with fl at bottoms or light keel ballast. Choose an
anchor one size heavier than that recommended in a manufacturer or boating
retailer’s table.
Shank. The longest arm of the
anchor provides weight to help the
flukes dig into the bottom.
Head. The top of the shank. The
head has a hole or ring for bending
on (attaching) chain.
Flukes. This “sharp end” of the
anchor digs deep into the seabed.
Depending on design, the flukes may
be U-shaped, fork or claw shaped,
or plow shaped. Ideally, no part of
the flukes should be visible once
the anchor sets.
Crown. In flat anchors, like the
Danforth (see description), the
shank joins the fl ukes at the crown.In other anchors, like the Bruce (see
description), the crown lies where the
shank turns down toward the fl ukes. In
some anchors, you will see a small hole
drilled near the crown for a trip line
(used to retrieve the anchor if it gets
stuck, or fouled, on the bottom).
Stock. Some anchors carry stocks—
long bars perpendicular to the shank—
to help the fl ukes dig in. These bars
stabilize the anchor to keep it from
capsizing (turning onto its back).
Other anchor designs are quite stable
and don’t require stocks. Stockless
anchors include the Bruce, CQR, and
Delta (see descriptions).Anchor Nomenclature 101