Anchors & Anchor Chains

Anchors

Types of Anchors:

1. Stockless Anchors:
   • Function: Commonly used in commercial shipping due to their ease of handling and stowing.
   • Examples: Admiralty pattern anchor, Danforth anchor.
   • Advantages: High holding power, easy to store.
2. Stock Anchors:
   • Function: Traditional anchors with a stock (horizontal bar) for improved holding power.
   • Examples: Fisherman anchor.
   • Advantages: Excellent holding in rocky or weedy bottoms.
3. Plow Anchors:
   • Function: Shaped like a plowshare, suitable for various seabed conditions.
   • Examples: CQR anchor, Delta anchor.
   • Advantages: High holding power, good for multiple seabed types.
4. Fluke Anchors:
   • Function: Lightweight anchors with wide flukes for increased holding power.
   • Examples: Danforth anchor.
   • Advantages: Excellent for sandy or muddy bottoms, lightweight.
5. Claw Anchors:
   • Function: Designed to reset easily if the vessel changes direction.
   • Examples: Bruce anchor.
   • Advantages: Good holding power, suitable for various seabeds.
6. Mushroom Anchors:
   • Function: Shaped like a mushroom, mainly used for permanent moorings.
   • Advantages: Excellent holding power in mud and silt.

Anchor Chains

Types of Anchor Chains:

1. Stud Link Chain:
   • Function: Commonly used on larger vessels, the studs prevent the links from deforming under load.
   • Advantages: High strength, reduces kinking and twisting.
2. Studless Link Chain:
   • Function: Lighter than stud link chains and used on smaller vessels or in applications where weight is a concern.
   • Advantages: Lighter weight, flexible.
3. Galvanized Chain:
   • Function: Coated with zinc to prevent rust and corrosion.
   • Advantages: Long-lasting, corrosion-resistant.
4. High-Tensile Steel Chain:
   • Function: Made from high-tensile steel for increased strength and reduced weight.
   • Advantages: High strength-to-weight ratio.

Spare Parts for Anchors and Anchor Chains

1. Shackles:
   • Function: Connect the anchor to the chain or the chain to the vessel.
   • Types: Bow shackles, D shackles.
   • Material: Usually made from galvanized or stainless steel.
2. Swivels:
   • Function: Prevent the chain from twisting as the vessel moves.
   • Material: Typically stainless steel or galvanized steel.
3. Chain Stoppers:
   • Function: Secure the anchor chain and take the load off the windlass.
   • Types: Devil’s claw, pelican hook.
4. Windlasses:
   • Function: Mechanical devices used to hoist and lower anchors.
   • Parts: Motors, gypsies (chain wheels), brakes, and clutches.
5. Thimbles:
   • Function: Protect the eye of the anchor rope or chain from wear.
   • Material: Usually stainless steel or galvanized steel.
6. Anchor Rollers:
   • Function: Guide the anchor and chain smoothly over the bow.
   • Material: Typically made from stainless steel or high-strength plastic.