If you want to secure your vessel, you need to have the appropriate boat anchors types and sizes for your boat. People often wonder, what anchor do I need for my boat? Or, how big of an anchor do I need for my boat? Let's talk about boat anchor sizes, recommended anchor sizes for different boats, and refer to our boat anchor size chart to help you find the answers to your questions.
How to Determine What Size Anchor You Need for Your Boat
For every boat owner, the question of what size anchor do I need always arises. Whether you look at a delta anchor size chart or a fluke anchor size chart, you see that the main factor is the length of your boat (L.O.A) which corresponds to the anchor weight needed. Typically, the longer or more prominent the vessel is, the bigger the anchor required will be.
Boat Anchor Size Chart
So, what size anchor do I need for my boat? Take a look at our chart above, and you'll find a helpful guide by matching your boat's length to a recommended anchor size. Alongside our anchor size chart, here are some steps to follow for determining the anchor size your boat needs:
- Calculate the length of your boat overall and look at the anchor size chart to see which row has your boat length.
- Consider the recommended anchor size for your boat length. This anchor size is a recommended anchor weight for any given boat length; going over or under this recommended anchor weight should still work in most marine applications.
- Aside from just the recommended anchor weight for your boat, you can use this chart to gauge the chain thickness or nylon rope diameter you will need as well.
What Size Anchor to Use for a 9-ft. Boat?
If you have a 9-foot boat, you are looking at a 7 lb. boat anchor with a 3/8" nylon rope diameter or 1/4" chain thickness. These would be the same factors with a boat up to 13 feet long.
What Size Anchor to Use for a 14-ft. Boat?
If you have a 14-foot boat, you are looking at an 11 lb. boat anchor with a 3/8" nylon rope diameter or 1/4" chain thickness. These would be the same factors with a boat up to 16 feet long.
What Size Anchor to Use for a 17-ft. Boat?
What size anchor for a 17-ft boat? If you have a 17-foot boat, you are looking at a 14 lb. boat anchor with a 3/8" nylon rope diameter or 1/4" chain thickness. These would be the same factors with a boat up to 24 feet long.
What Size Anchor to Use for a 25-ft. Boat?
If you have a 25-foot boat, you are looking at a 22 lb. boat anchor with a 1/2" nylon rope diameter or 3/8" chain thickness. These would be the same factors with a boat up to 35 feet long.
What Size Anchor to Use for a 36-ft. Boat?
If you have a 36-foot boat, you are looking at a 33 lb. boat anchor with a 1/2" nylon rope diameter or 3/8" chain thickness. These would be the same factors with a boat up to 39 feet long.
What Size Anchor to Use for a 40-ft. Boat?
If you have a 40-foot boat, you are looking at a 44 lb. boat anchor with a 5/8" nylon rope diameter or 1/2" chain thickness. These would be the same factors with a boat up to 57 feet long.
What Size Anchor to Use for a 60-ft. Boat?
If you have a 60-foot boat, you are looking at a 55 lb. boat anchor with a 3/4" nylon rope diameter or 5/8" chain thickness.
What Size Anchor to Use for a Boat Over 60-ft. Long?
With a larger boat, you will need either a 66 lb. boat anchor or something custom-built for your vessel. Here at Sardine Marine, we offer custom-built anchor solutions for larger boats and yachts needing more than the standard anchor sizes and weights.
How to Measure Boat Length Overall (L.O.A.)
To follow all federal and state laws, you must have the equipment that matches your boat's length. To get the boat's overall length, you must measure from the tip of the bow straight back to the stern in a straight line. This measurement does not include outboard motors, brackets, rudders, bowsprits, handles, or other attachments.
Is it Okay to Use an Anchor Close to the Recommended Size/Weight?
While you want to choose the right anchor for your boat size and situation, you can select an anchor close to what you need. However, it shouldn't be off by more than a few pounds, or you could find yourself without the security you need.
Does the Boat Anchor Size Need Change for Stormy Conditions?
When storms are kicking up, you might require a larger boat anchor than what is typically recommended. It's wise to have a storm anchor for times when heavy weather containing 30 mph winds or higher hits the water. If you have any questions or would like some recommendations, contact us today for your boat anchor needs, and we will be happy to help.