Boat Anchors & Ropes

Selecting the right rope for your boat anchor is important, as different materials come with different qualities that you need to consider. There are also braided ropes and twisted ropes that come with their own list of pros and cons as well. The size and type of your boat and the strength of the rope you need will determine the boat rope you opt for.

What are the different types of boat anchors?
There are several versions of the boat anchor, including the navy anchor, river anchor, grapnel anchor, and the Danforth anchor. Each type is made to benefit specific types of boats. For example, the river anchor is most suitable for pontoons and bass boats and features a mushroom anchor shape with flukes for better penetration. Danforth anchors, on the other hand, are ideal for smaller boats as it has good holding power and is easy to stow.

How big of an anchor do I need for my boat?
The size of your marine anchor generally depends on the conditions you will be boating in and the size of your boat. For example, larger boats will need a heavier anchor with a lot more holding power.

What type of rope is best for boating?
Nylon rope is considered the best overall rope for boating because of its strength, flexibility, and stands against weather and stress. Other great materials for boat ropes include multi-filament polypropylene (MFP) and polyester. When it comes to splicing, twisted rope is more convenient, whereas braided rope is stronger and less abrasive.

How long should boat ropes be?
Boat ropes should follow the general 7:1 ratio, where if you are in 1 foot of water, you should use 7-8 feet of anchor line. You should also consider the length of your boat and the size of your anchor, where the longer your boat and the bigger your anchor, the longer the rope you’ll need will be. Most boats have around 150 to 200 feet of rope in preparation for any situation.

To get all the other components you need for your boat, shop our selection of boat parts and accessories.