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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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
The Fortress Marine Anchors - Fortress FX-7 is made of hardened aluminum-magnesium alloy that is precision- machined into interlocking components with no welds to weaken the metal. It is also corrosion-resistant and offers superior holding power despite its lighter weight. It is easy to carry and compact enough for easy storage after each use.
Able to handle most types of water bottoms and is ideal for boats of 16-27’ feet.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Corrosion-resistant
- High tensile strength
- Compatible with common sea bottoms
- Easy storage
- Tested and used by the U.S Navy and U.S Coast Guard
Cons
- Very few customers claim that some of its parts bend easily on hard/rocky bottoms.
This anchor is equipped with five sturdy spear-like flukes that bite hard on various lakebeds and river bottoms which are typically muddy. Aside from this, it can also do the job impressively on sandy, rocky, and grass bottoms. Its unique release bar makes it very easy and convenient to reclaim the anchor after use. Coated with vinyl for maximum protection and long-lasting performance.
Pros
- Compact yet heavy enough
- Easy to reclaim
- Can work on different types of bottom
- Well constructed
- Corrosion-resistant
- Reasonable price
- Strong holding power
Cons
- Few customers have issues with the coating that peels off after using it for a couple of months
The Slide anchor does not need any mechanical support from your boat because you can simply toss it and allow it to set no matter what type of seabed you are working on. You no longer need chains to use this anchor because a simple line used for a traditional Danforth anchor will do.
It holds your boat at a 45-degree angle from the bottom and retrieval is easy, all you need to do is pull the line to bring the boat over the top of the anchor and the anchor will just pop right off the bottom.
Pros
- Sets immediately
- Excellent holding power
- Can hold your boats even on strong winds
- Compact
- Folds flat for easy storage
- Compatible with small boats
- Easy retrieval
- Reasonable price
Cons
- Not ideal for soft sands according to some customers
- A bit pricey
You’ll definitely love the MarineNow Deluxe anchor because it comes with fluke style anchor plus an anchor kit that is ready to use for your boat trips. It is constructed from 13 lbs. hot-dipped galvanized steel for maximum corrosion resistance. It is perfect for people who are new to the boating scene since it comes with a complete anchor set.
Its sharp flukes can work on different bottoms but perform best on sandy or muddy seabed.
Pros
- Corrosion-resistant
- Comes with a complete anchor kit
- Value for money
- Grabs quick and nicely at the bottom
- Can hold your pontoon boats even on windy days
- Quality construction
Cons
- The quality of the rope is not the best
Seachoice offers a wide range of products that is perfect for a variety of water activities such as fishing, boating, and different watersports. The Seachoice fold and hold anchor is constructed from durable hot-dipped galvanized steel that is corrosion resistant. This anchor weighs 13lbs and easily sets at the bottom surface for great anchoring. It is super easy and convenient to store because it is foldable.
Pros
- Compact
- Easy storage
- Superior holding power
- Sets quickly
- Works well even in windy or wavy conditions
- Hooks up great in sand
- Corrosion-resistant
Cons
- Some customers comment about faulty construction
Another one on the list is the ,Seachoice River Anchor which offers superior holding power in a variety of bottom compositions. This rugged and durable pontoon boat anchor features a large rope eye that allows for easier attachment of the anchor line.
Pros- Durable construction
- Impressive holding power
- Value for money
- Includes a galvanized anchor shackle
- Some reviewers have issues with the vinyl coating cracking easily
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.
- 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.
- 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
- Secure your anchor to the cleat, stop your boat and put your engine into idle. Slowly drop your pontoon boat anchor into the water
- Your anchors will move down at an angle as your boat starts to drift backward due to current or wind.
- 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.
- 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.
Download Your FREE Boating Pre-Departure Checklist
Recommended Boating Resources
- Recommended Pontoon Boat Accessories
- Best Boat Snacks– These are easy to make and yummy, too.
- Pontoon Boat Hacks– Simplify your days on the water with these boating hacks.
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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