The Right Boat Anchor For Your Winch

SAV Slider™ suits most seabeds (sand, mud, and mixed bottoms) and self-launches clear of the bow. Claw Slider™ adds holding power for larger vessels in mud or sand. Fixed Shank Plough (also called a delta anchor) uses a traditional plough profile, holds well on reef and mixed bottoms, and resets easily if the boat swings.

The seabed directly impacts how well an anchor holds. Soft sand or mud allows plough and claw anchors to dig in easily, while rocky or weedy bottoms can reduce holding power. Matching your anchor type to the seabed ensures a reliable grip and prevents dragging in changing conditions.

The shank is slotted and the chain connects to a ring that travels along it. Anchored normally, the pull comes from the front of the slot. If the anchor fouls on the bottom, driving up over the top of it slides the ring to the other end, so the pull comes from behind the fluke and the anchor backs out the way it went in. The SAV Slider™ and the Claw Slider™ both use it. The Fixed Shank Plough does not.

Yes, but material matters. Stainless steel or properly coated anchors resist corrosion in saltwater, while freshwater is less aggressive.

Rinse your anchor with fresh water after each use, remove sand and debris, and inspect for damage.

Stainless steel offers superior corrosion resistance, a polished look, and long-term durability, ideal for saltwater. Galvanised anchors are more cost-effective, robust, and handle impact well, but require regular inspection and maintenance to prevent rust.

Match the anchor to your boat's length and how you typically anchor. The SAV Slider™ suits boats up to 16m, Claw Slider™ up to 18m, and Fixed Shank Plough up to 27m. Size up if you're often in open water or an exposed mooring rather than a sheltered one.

Yes. The range is built to run with every Savwinch drum winch model, so the shank and shackle sizing suits our bowsprits and hawse pipes. If you are retro fitting to another brand, send us a photo of your bowsprit and we will tell you what works.

You want enough rode for the depth you anchor in plus a margin for sea state, and a length of chain between the anchor and the rope so the pull on the shank stays low and horizontal. Rope and chain are sold separately so you can match them to your drum and your usual anchorage. Call us with your boat and where you fish and we will spec it.

As a rule of thumb, allow around 1.5kg of anchor weight per metre of boat length.

316 stainless steel anchors resist corrosion, require less maintenance, and last for decades in saltwater. On the other hand, galvanised is cheaper, but more prone to pitting over time. For frequent offshore or high-salinity conditions, you'll want to invest in stainless steel for reliability and longevity, though well-maintained galvanised can still perform well.

Your anchor choice directly impacts winch selection and effort. Heavier or larger anchors (like plough or claw for offshore use) will require higher-capacity winches with stronger motors and appropriate gear ratios. Lighter anchors need less power. Matching winch specs to anchor weight ensures smooth, safe retrieval and prolongs your winch's life.