As a boat owner, there are some essential boating products to think about, and one of the key items is picking the right anchor for your boat. Anchors are crucial gear that all boats need, no matter their size or shape. If you're not into boating, you might picture the classic heavy iron fluke anchor that big ships use. But for smaller boats, that kind of anchor isn't practical since it's too heavy. There are different styles and types of anchors, each designed to suit various boats, but they all serve the same purpose: keeping your boat from drifting away when you're parked in a safe spot without a dock nearby.

When it comes to materials, anchors are usually made of galvanised steel, stainless steel, or aluminium. Galvanized steel is the most popular choice; it’s affordable and strong, plus it doesn’t rust easily, although it can wear out over time. Stainless steel has a similar strength and is more visually appealing, but it costs a bit more. Aluminium is lighter and offers good holding power, especially on softer bottoms, but if it isn’t set right, it might not hold at all.

Choosing the right anchor is key since it needs to support your boat's weight and handle rough waves. Here are some common types of anchors you might come across in marine boat shops:

 Mushroom Anchor: Great for mooring or securing buoys, especially the larger ones. Smaller mushroom anchors work well on soft river bottoms but don’t have much-holding power, so they’re best for personal watercraft and small boats like a Quintrex Tinny or dinghies.

 Fluke Anchor: Ideal for smaller boats, this anchor is easy to store and has excellent holding power. Its wide, sharp flukes dig into the sand and hard mud easily, but they struggle in deep mud or grassy areas. If the wind pushes the boat the opposite way from where the anchor is set, it can come loose.

 Plough Anchor: This one’s more versatile with greater holding power. It can grip well in both soft and rocky bottoms and works best with a bow roller rather than an anchor locker. It tends to reset itself when the boat moves.

 Claw Anchor: Similar to the plough anchor but with a wider scoop that's perfect for mud, clay, or sandy bottoms and can also hold on rocky areas. It resets itself if the wind shifts and is best used with a bow roller as well.

 Grapnel Anchor: Shaped like a grappling hook, it has several times to catch onto rocks or submerged structures instead of sinking in. The tines can be folded up for storage, and it’s designed for easy retrieval if it snags. Grapnel anchors come in different sizes, making them suitable for both small and large boats such as a Cruise Craft boat.