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6 Best Pontoon Boat Anchors To Help You Stay Put and Relax on the Lake

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Choosing the best pontoon boat anchors is essential for a safe, enjoyable boating experience. If you’re in the market for one, then this boating resources guide is for you.

If you’re a pontoon boater, then you know how important it is to have the right anchor. After all, an anchor keeps your boat in place and prevents it from drifting away. With so many anchors on the market, finding one that works for your pontoon boat can be overwhelming.

Best Pontoon Boat Anchors
Best Pontoon Boat Anchors

You’ve found the perfect spot on the lake to set up for the day and enjoy swimming and relaxing on the Pontoon boat, but you can’t seem to get the boat to stay put. That can be so frustrating!

Here’s a guide to help you find the best pontoon boat anchors on the market so you can set up for the day and relax while you enjoy the view on the lake from your pontoon.

What Kind Of An Anchor To Use On A Pontoon Boat?

When choosing an anchor for your pontoon boat you must know what type of anchor you’ll likely be needing the most.

  1. Fluke Anchor– Also known as the Danforth is the most popular type of pontoon boat anchors. Compared to the other types of anchors, it does not need to be heavy to do its job. Its holding power comes from its pointed flukes digging into the bottom and this type of anchor holds best on waters with sandy, gravel, and muddy floors.
  2. Grapnel Anchor– These anchors are typically used for small-sized boats and popular with fishermen. They are compact and easy to stow and are perfect for water with a rocky floor. Sometimes, retrieving can be difficult because of its great holding power once hooked. 
  3. Box Anchor– These types of anchors work best on muddy bottoms that are typically found on lakes and rivers.  

How To Choose Pontoon Boat Anchors

The best choice of pontoon boat anchors for your boat depends on what you need the most. Here are a few things to consider.

Holding Power

Anchors are rated based on their “holding power” which is the amount of pull force that an anchor must resist to hold a boat in its place.

The holding power of an anchor is not dependent on its weight, some anchors have a holding power 10 to 100 times greater than their actual weight.

Anchor Weight

The anchor’s weight is also an important factor to consider. The phrase “ the bigger, the better” works as a general rule, but before you choose a bigger and heavier anchor make sure that it also fits the location and weather where you will anchor.

In open waters where there are some powerful winds, it makes sense that you choose a heavier one. Keep in mind that this anchor will be on your boat while en route so the biggest and heaviest anchor may be a nuisance when moving.

When anchoring on calm water, a smaller pontoon boat anchor will do.

Bottom Condition

The type of bottom condition where you typically anchor says a lot about the type of anchors you’ll likely be needing. The ability of the anchors to hold your boats in place would depend on how well they can engage and penetrate the seabed. 

  • Sand- Most anchors would perform well on hard sands. Fluke anchors are best for these kinds of water bottoms.
  • Mud- Anchors that can further penetrate a muddy surface are best for increased resistance.
  • Rocky bottom- Grapnel Hooks that have greater strength to sustain the high point-loads are best for these kinds of bottoms.
best anchor for pontoon boat
Best Pontoon Boat Anchors

There are several types and styles when it comes to anchors and knowing how to choose the best pontoon boat anchors can benefit you and your boat trips in the long run. 

Best Pontoon Boat Anchors

How Do You Anchor A Pontoon Boat?

After purchasing the best anchors for your pontoon boat, you need to know where and how to use your anchor.

Here are some easy steps to set up and mount your pontoon boat anchors correctly.

  1. Head to where you want to anchor; ideally, your location should be facing the wind or the water current. Point the nose of your pontoons to whichever is the strongest.
  2. Determine the depth of the water and from there calculate the length of the anchor cable you’ll be needing. The recommended rope length is 5 o 7 times the depth of the water
  3. Secure your anchor to the cleat, stop your boat and put your engine into idle. Slowly drop your pontoon boat anchor into the water
  4. Your anchors will move down at an angle as your boat starts to drift backward due to current or wind. 
  5. Put the engine to reverse and slowly back up as you release the anchor cable. You’ll notice the tension on the ropes and eventually halt once you reach your desired position. by this time your anchors should be tightly secured at the bottom.
  6. Wrap your anchor rope to the cleat twice to secure it and leave your pontoon engine in idle reverse mode.

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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Recommended Boating Resources

MORE RELATED RESOURCES

Safety should be a top priority when it comes to boating. Before going out on the water, get informed by reading our pontoon boat safety guide.

And if you’re looking for a new destination for your boating trip, this guide to Tybee Island in Georgia may help you out.

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