Lightweight or "Danforth" Anchors
 Lightweight type anchor with two long pivoting "flukes"; designed to reduce
clogging with mud and grass; range from 2.5 pounds to nearly 200 pounds, and are
generally made of cast galvanized metal, though some models are machined from a
light-weight aluminum composite. When dropped, flukes dig the anchor into the
bottom and the anchor buries itself and part of the anchor line.
Commonly used on small recreational boats, as they are relatively light weight
for the amount of holding power they provide, especially in comparison to other
anchors. Best in hard sand or mud, where flukes can easily dig into the bottom.
Not recommended for very soft or loose mud, which can ball up around the flukes; or
on rocky bottoms where the flukes cannot penetrate. Also not recommended for
grassy bottoms, which the flukes tend to slip off.
Kedge or Navy Anchors
 A more traditional style anchor
with arks, flukes and stock.
Good in heavy grass,
weeds,
rocky bottoms or hard sand where one arm can penetrate a crevice. Not good in mud or loose sand, where flukes can't dig in.
Functions differently than previous anchors as it is not a burying anchor; one
arm digs into bottom and one lies exposed. Generally only used by very large
ships, as it relies on weight for most of the holding power; not really suitable
for recreational use other than for a lunch hook.
Grapnels Anchors
 Very inexpensive, but not much holding power. Some models are made of bent re-bar, others are made of galvanized metal and have folding flukes. Good for recovering
items on the bottom, or for wreck reef anchoring. Commonly used on very small
boats such as canoes or jon boats.
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Plow or "CQR/DELTA" Anchors
 The plow styles' good holding power over a wide variety of bottom types makes it a top choice of cruising boaters. Has either a fixed (Delta style)
or a pivoting (CQR) shank.
When dropped in the water, a plow lands on its side, then when pulled, buries itself.
Its shape allows it to reset fairly easily should the wind or tide shift the boat position.
Great in sand and on rocky bottoms, weeds and grass. Does not do well in soft bottoms.
Generally made of galvanized metal, though they are available in stainless steel.
Claw or "BRUCE" Anchors
Unique shape of the claw
allows a 360 degree turn
without breaking out. Has
similar
performance to plow anchors,at a lower weight.
Unique shape of the claw
allows a 360 degree turn
without breaking out. Has
similar performance to plow
anchors, at a lower weight.
Sets just like a plow, but curved flukes make it easier for a claw to right itself no matter how it lands on the bottom, or how much the boat gets swung around.
Mushroom Anchors
 "Mushroom" anchors get their name from, as you might imagine, their rounded, mushroom shape. Mushroom anchors are used extensively for moorings, and can weigh several thousand pounds for this use.
The
shape works best in soft bottoms, where it can create a suction that can be
difficult to break. Decent for very small boats to use as a lunch hook, but not
practical for larger boats.
Both Buoys and Beacons may have lights attached, and may have a sound making device such as a gong, bell or horn. Both Buoys and Beacons may be called "marks".
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