When it comes to the best pontoon boat anchors, there are a few different types that you can choose from. In this article, we will take a look at the best anchor for a pontoon boat, mushroom anchors, and how to choose the best pontoon boat anchor for your needs.
Why Do I Need an Anchor for a Pontoon Boat?
A pontoon boat anchor is important for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it keeps your pontoon boat from drifting away. If you are anchored in a lake or river, this is critical. Additionally, an anchor can help keep your pontoon boat stationary in windy conditions. This can be important if you are docking your pontoon boat or if you are simply trying to enjoy a day on the water without having to worry about your pontoon boat blowing away.
Types of anchors
There are a few different types of pontoon boat anchors that you can choose from. The type of anchor that you choose will depend on a number of factors, including the size of your pontoon boat, the conditions that you will be using it in, and your personal preferences.
Mushroom Anchor
The mushroom anchor is one of the most popular types of pontoon boat anchors. It gets its name from its shape, which is similar to a mushroom. Mushroom anchors are great for use in calm waters because they have a wide surface area. This allows them to grip the bottom of the lake or riverbed and keep your pontoon boat in place. Additionally, mushroom anchors are very easy to use. Simply drop the anchor over the side of your pontoon boat and let it sink to the bottom.
Danforth Anchor (Fluke Anchor)
The Danforth anchor is another popular type of pontoon boat anchor. It gets its name from its inventor, Harry Danforth. The Danforth anchor is designed for use in both fresh and salt water. It has a pointed shape that allows it to penetrate the bottom of the lake or riverbed and Anchor your pontoon boat in place. Additionally, the Danforth anchor is also very easy to use. Simply drop the anchor over the side of your pontoon boat and let it sink to the bottom. It is best for rocky bottoms
Plow Anchor
The plow anchor is a type of pontoon boat anchor that is designed for use in both fresh and salt water. It gets its name from its shape, which is similar to a plow. The plow anchor has a pointed shape that allows it to penetrate the bottom of the lake or riverbed and Anchor your pontoon boat. They are best suited for sandy or gravel bottoms. They do not do well with a rocky bottom.
Box Anchor
The box anchor is a type of pontoon boat anchor that is designed for use in both fresh and salt water. It gets its name from its shape, which is similar to a box. The box anchor has four flukes that allow it to grip the bottom of the lake or riverbed and keep your pontoon boat in place. It is best for muddy or grassy bottoms.
How to Choose the Best Pontoon Boat Anchor
When choosing the best pontoon boat anchor for your needs, there are a few things that you will need to consider. First and foremost, you will need to consider the size of your pontoon boat. The anchor that you choose should be sized appropriately for your pontoon boat.
Additionally, you will need to consider the conditions that you will be using the anchor in. If you are anchoring in calm waters, you will likely be fine with a mushroom anchor. However, if you are anchoring in windy conditions or in a lake or river with a lot of current, you may want to choose a different type of anchor, such as a Danforth anchor.
Finally, you will need to consider your personal preferences. Some people prefer the simplicity of a mushroom anchor, while others prefer the versatility of a box anchor. Ultimately, the best pontoon boat anchor for you is the one that best meets your needs and preferences.
What size anchor is needed for a pontoon boat?
The sizes of anchors for pontoon boats vary based on the type of anchor and the holding power required. The general rule of thumb is to select the best anchor based on what type of bottom your body of water has in a 30 mph wind.
*Note to John* Several competitors had nice comparison charts for this.
Where is the best place to put an anchor on a pontoon boat?
It is best to put the anchor at the front of the pontoon boat so that it will be more likely to dig into the bottom and keep the boat in place.
How do you secure an anchor to a pontoon boat?
There are a few different ways that you can secure an anchor to your pontoon boat. One option is to use an anchor rope. This rope can be attached to the anchor and then tied off to a cleat on the pontoon boat.
Another option is to use an anchor trolley. This is a pulley system that allows you to move the anchor to different positions on the pontoon boat. This can be helpful in different conditions, such as when the wind is blowing from a different direction.
Finally, you can also use an anchor locker. This is a storage area on the pontoon boat where you can keep the anchor securely stored when it is not in use.
No matter which method you choose, it is important to make sure that the anchor is securely attached to the pontoon boat so that it does not come loose and float away.
Best anchor for a Pontoon Boat Overall
Extreme Max 3006.6563 BoatTector Vinyl-Coated Gripper Anchor – 25 lbs
Your boat is going nowhere fast with this extreme anchor. It\’s designed to be used with or without an anchor winch and will work well on all types of bottoms. It\’s got a wide base and flattened flukes for steady digging.
Best Mushroom Anchor for A Pontoon Boat
Seachoice Mushroom Anchor – Vinyl-Coated Cast Iron – Black
This mushroom anchor for pontoon boats is rated for rivers and lakes. It works with all kinds of bottoms – grassy/weed, sandy, muddy, or rocky. If you have a pontoon boat that\’s less than 20 ft long, this 20 lb one is a good anchor choice. It\’s dependable and all one piece. Plus, it has no sharp points to reduce damage to your boat\’s hull.
Best Danforth Anchor for a Pontoon Boat
If you are boating over a sand or mud bottom and need something that will stick, check out this 8.5 lb Danforth Anchor. It\’s sized for boats 18-32 ft, which covers the most common sizes of pontoons. One issue with this type of anchor is that sometimes it gets stuck, but this one has a pre-drilled recovery hole so that you can pull it up without scuba diving down to get it.
Best Box Anchor for a Pontoon Boat
Extreme Max 3006.6652 BoatTector Zinc-Plated Cube Anchor (Box Style) – 19 lbs
This box anchor sets almost immediately and is rated for freshwater use. It also adjusts its position during current or wind changes. It\’s ideal for most boats 18 ft to 30 ft and folds up for easy storage.
The Last Thing You Need to Know About the Best Pontoon Boat Anchors
The bottom line is that a pontoon boat anchor is a critical piece of safety equipment. It can help keep your pontoon boat from drifting away and can also help keep it stationary in windy conditions. There are a few different types of pontoon boat anchors to choose from, including mushroom anchors, Danforth anchors, and box anchors. The best pontoon boat anchor for you is the one that best meets your needs and preferences. Which one is your favorite? Leave me a comment and let me know.
Happy boating!