Picking the right type of anchor is only half the battle. Size matters just as much. Go too small and your anchor might not hold in strong currents. Go too big and it can be a pain to drop and haul back up. On the West Coast, with its deep anchorages and unpredictable weather, getting the size right means safer nights and less hassle on the water.
Factors That Affect Anchor Sizing
Anchor size isn’t based only on boat length. You should also consider:
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Boat displacement (heavier boats need more hold)
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Windage (tall structures or canopies increase drag)
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Hull shape (catamarans need more hold than monohulls)
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Conditions (do you anchor in sand, mud, rock, or mixed bottoms?)
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How you use your boat (day trips vs. offshore passages)
As a general rule, if you’re on the fence between two sizes—go up.
Anchor Sizing Guides
Use the charts below to determine the ideal anchor size based on your vessel's length and weight.
*Image from Rocna
*Image from Ultra Marine
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