What are the two most common types of anchors?

The two most common types of anchors are plow and fluke styles. Plow anchors, also known as plow share anchors, are designed to dig into the seabed and hold securely by using its shape to reset if pulled. This characteristic makes plow anchors particularly effective in a variety of seabed conditions, providing good holding power in mud, sand, or gravel.

Fluke anchors, also referred to as Danforth anchors, are lightweight and easily stored. They feature sharp, wide flukes that penetrate into the seabed, offering excellent holding power, especially in sandy or muddy environments. Their design allows for easy retrieval and they often reset well if moved or dragged.

These two types of anchors are favored by boaters for their combined performance across different conditions, highlighting the importance of selecting the right anchor type depending on the specific boating situation.