Are you in the market for the best pontoon boat anchors for sand? Look no further, because this boating resource guide will help you in choosing the perfect anchors for sand.
When it comes to enjoying a day out on your pontoon boat, ensuring you have the right anchor for sandy bottoms is crucial. Anchoring securely allows you to relax, fish, or swim without worrying about drifting away due to currents or wind. But not all anchors are created equal – especially when you’re dealing with sand.
An anchor is an important safety item for every marine vessel and is designed with different strengths to meet multiple needs.
In this article, we are going to go through the best Sand Anchors for pontoon boats and provide you with some tips on how to anchor a pontoon in the sand.
Sand Anchor For Pontoon Boats
While sand anchors aren’t the most popular type of pontoon boat anchors, many boaters still find them very useful. When anchoring on sand, you need an anchor that easily penetrates fine grains and has a strong grip.
The best types of pontoon boat anchors that are ideal for sand are box anchors, fluke anchors, and plow anchors.
Sand anchors come in different sizes and weights. One of the most popular options is the fluke anchor which is favored by many for being light, easy to use, and excellent for sand and mud conditions.
When choosing an anchor, consider your boat size. A small anchor cannot effectively hold a big boat in place while a big anchor on a smaller boat would just be an unnecessary weight. For an average size pontoon, your anchor should weigh around 15 and 20 pounds.
Best Pontoon Boat Anchor For Sand
If you're looking for the best pontoon boat anchors for sand, look no further! Here are the best options for your to choose from.
If you need a long-lasting and superior holding anchor that works great on sandy bottom, then
the MarineNow Anchor kit is perfect for you. Consisting of an anchor, rope, and chain, you got yourself a complete anchor kit that you can use with ease.
The Pros:- Ideal for sandy bottom
- Includes other essential parts for anchoring
- Hot dipped galvanized fluke anchor
- Value for money
- Effectively holds boat in place
- A bit heavy compared to other anchors
With a fluke-style anchor, the WindRider boat anchor offers superior holding power on sand or mud bottoms. It is also the perfect plug and play kit because it has everything you need for anchoring your boats.
The Pros:- Works great on sandy bottoms
- Made of galvanized steel
- Great holding power
- Everything you need for anchoring is included
- Long-lasting performance even in saltwater
- Would be better if there is a manual with instructions included
Another fluke anchor that is perfect for sandy bottom is Fortress Marine Anchor. This anchor offers superior holding power at a fraction of the weight.
The Pros:- Made from rustproof aluminum-magnesium alloy
- Holds extremely well in sand and mud
- Lightweight
- Easy to assemble and disassemble for storage
- 100% lifetime warranty
- Adjustable fluke angle
- Doesn’t come with other anchoring essentials
No matter what the water condition is, Slide Anchor box anchor will set into any bottom condition without the need for mechanical power from your boat. Toss it in the water and it will set within 1 foot of its landing.
The Pros:- Sets quickly in almost any bottom condition
- Easy to use and no complications when anchoring
- Easy to retrieve
- Can be used in different water conditions
- Corrosion-resistant
- A bit heavy according to some users
Looking for a dependable anchor that works great on sand? The Seachoice folding grapnel anchor may just be the one you’re looking for. It is corrosion resistant and will last for a long time.
The Pros:- Great Holding power
- Heavily galvanized material
- Corrosion-resistant
- Folds up for easy storage
- Can be locked in either the open or closed position
- Only for small water vessels
The Sand Shark boat anchor features a premium screw auger that drills down into the sand effect while holding your boats securely in place. Its function is as cool as it looks!
The Pros:- Can easily penetrate sand
- Auger anchor with superior holding power on sand
- Made of engineering grade plastic with high strength composite resin
- Ideal for shallow water
- Lightweight
- Comes at a reasonable price
- Not ideal in rough water
How Do You Anchor A Pontoon Boat In Sand?
Learning how to anchor a pontoon boat is an essential skill that every pontoon boat owner must know. It’s an important skill to acquire because improper anchoring can lead to accidents.
If you’re not sure how to work your anchors on sand, here is a step-by-step guide to help you.
- Position your boat properly. Choose an anchorage site that is clear of other boats and obstructions. Your pontoon should point in the direction of strong winds and currents.
- Determine the rode length. You can calculate this by multiplying the distance between your boat and the depth of water by 5 or 7, plus the distance between the waterline and the anchor point.
- Maneuver your pontoon with the bow just ahead of where you want to drop the anchor, then stop your boat.
- Slowly lower your anchor into the water and make sure that it is securely attached to the boat.
- After your anchors reach the bottom, test for resistance. Normally, pontoon boats tend to drift during the process and should drift backward if you’re facing the right way. Once you’ve stopped drifting, pull the anchor to check for resistance.
- To make sure that you have set the anchors properly, you can also place your engine in reverse and then slowly move backwards. You’ll know that your anchor is in place if there is strong resistance.
If you’re anchoring near the shore(beach/ sandbar), having two anchors is ideal. One anchor will be used for the shallow sand closer to the beach, and another to keep your boat in deeper water.
Maneuver your pontoon so that the bow faces the beach and deploy one anchor from your stern, and once you’re stable, release the second anchor from your bow.
Stop the engine and your boat should naturally turn to face away from the shore once you’ve set the two anchors in place.
Pontoon Boat Accessories
Pontoon boats are a great way to have some outdoor family fun on the lake or a party with friends out on the open sea. Check out these practical must-have pontoon boat accessories to add to your boat for smooth sailing.
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Because we’re all about safety onboard, make sure to also check our Pontoon Boating Safety Guide & Checklist post.
And if you’re looking for more boating destinations for the summer, why not experience Boating fun on the lake and ocean of Key West, FL.
