Choosing the best pontoon boat anchors for 2021 is very important when you’re enjoying time on the water and trying to stay in one place offshore or on a sand bar. You’ll need to consider holding power, weight, and your most common bottom conditions when choosing the anchor that is right for your pontoon boat.
If you already have an anchor for your boat, double-check to make sure it is of sufficient size and strength to hold your boat in place. Believe it or not, many boat owners decide on which anchor to buy based on convenience and storage space. If the owner before you did this, that might be the reason your boat keeps slipping away when anchored.
What you’ll find here in our tutorial about the best pontoon boat anchors of 2021 is that there is more to choosing an anchor than how handily it stores in the boat. Anchors come in a variety of shapes and sizes, just like the boats they anchor. Top considerations for choosing the right anchor for your pontoon boat include the weather you typically experience, the type of boat and size, and the bottom conditions for which the anchor is used.
You don’t want to be the guy who digs out the anchor from the storage compartment, tosses it overboard, and then discovers that it’s too small to hold the boat during an afternoon docking on the sandbar. Below are a handful of tips to consider and our recommendations to help you make the best pontoon boat anchor choice.
Before we get started, we wanted to thank you for stopping by our pontoon reviews website. While here, you might also be interested in our informative posts about the best pontoon fenders, replacement boat seat brands, pontoon toilets, and boat covers. We also explore items related to great lake activities such as inflatable paddle boards, inflatable pontoon boats, fishing float tubes, fish finders, lily pad water mats, and towable tubes.
Important Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Pontoon Boat Anchors for 2021
Holding Power of the Anchor
While it makes a lot of sense to choose an anchor based on the weight of the boat, anchors are rated by their holding power, or the amount of pull force the anchor must withstand to hold the pontoon boat in place. Holding power is formulated based on environmental factors, like wind speed.
As a general rule, holding power of 90 pounds is sufficient for safely anchoring a 20′ boat in winds up to 20 mph. For the same wind speed, holding power of 125 pounds is adequate for a 25′ boat. Anchors that rely strictly on their weight—such as a space-saving, plastic-coated 10-pound mushroom anchor—are only capable of generating more than twice their weight in holding power. A 20′ fiberglass bass boat using a 20-pound anchor will always drag if the design is the only buying consideration.
Weight of the Anchor
As another general rule, bigger is better when choosing anchor weight. You won’t need as much for holding the boat in a quiet cove, but you will need much more weight for a situation where there is a lot of wind. You can also consider carrying two anchors of differing weights.
A smaller, simple anchor, for example, is adequate for short anchorages in calm water when you will be keeping watch on the anchor. You may also want to have a larger, working anchor, for trips when you’ll see gusty winds. In fact, using two differing anchor styles is most beneficial with high-profile boats like pontoons.
Bottom Conditions You’ll Experience The Most
Holding power and the weight of the anchor is only as good as its ability to penetrate the bottom. Most anchors can easily penetrate hard sand bottoms, for example, which offer consistent holding power. If muddier conditions, for example, the anchor must penetrate to reach a harder secondary bottom material. And lastly, the anchor weight is more important than design in delicate grassy bottoms.
Table: Anchor Size Necessary for Your Pontoon Boat Length
| Pontoon Boat Size | Anchor Weight |
| Up to 19′ | 10 LBS |
| 20′-27′ | 14 LBS |
| 28″-34′ | 18 LBS |
| 35′-42′ | 22 LBS |
Table: Best Pontoon Boat Anchors for 2021
| No. | Anchor Name | Boat Length | Anchor Type | Conditions | Rating |
| 1. | Mophorn Delta Style Boat Anchor | Up to 30′ | Delta | Most / 30 MPH Wind | [4.9/5.0] |
| 2. | Lewmar Galvanised Delta Anchor | Up to 30′ | Delta | Most / 30 MPH Wind | [5.0/5.0] |
| 3. | Five Oceans Danforth Fluke Hot Dipped Galvanized Anchor | Up to 30′ | Fluke | Most / 30 MPH Wind | [4.9/5.0] |
| 4. | Fortress Marine Anchor | Up to 27′ | Fluke | Most / 30 MPH Wind | [5.0/5.0] |
Our Top Pontoon Anchor Picks for 2021
Our picks for the best pontoon anchors for 2021 are based on the chart above and assume a pontoon boat size of 20′-27′, winds speed of 30 MPH, and shoot for an anchor weight of 14 LBS or more. These assumptions should work well for most pontoons in most boating conditions. If you have more specific needs, you’ll find other suggestions utilizing different anchor types and sizes further down the post.
1. Mophorn Delta Style Boat Anchor
What do we like about the Mophorn Boat Anchor?
- The Morphorn boat anchor is made of high-strength 316 stainless steel to ensure the highest quality manufacturing.
- The anchor is corrosion resistant at 20-35 feet and simple to use.
- The continuous reliability of the triangular anchor allows the triangular anchor to maintain a high tensile strength.
- It is the primary anchor used by lifeboat organizations in many countries.
- The low center of gravity and the self-aligning geometry ensure fast placement.
What are the Mophorn Delta Anchor Specifications?
Weight: 24.7 LBS
Dimensions: 28.3″ L x 12.9″ W x 12.6″ H
What are people saying about the Mophorn boat anchor?
VERY HIGHLY POLISHED and perfect Just as good as the LEWMAR for $100 less
Mophorn Anchor Customer
Great quality anchor!
Mophorn Anchor Customer
2. Lewmar Galvanized Delta Anchor
What do we like about the Lewmar Galvanized Delta Anchor?
- The Lewmar Galvanized Delta® Anchor has a shank profile and ballasted tip that makes it self-launching.
- The low center of gravity and self-righting geometry ensure that the anchor will set immediately.
- Consistent and reliable in performance, the Delta® anchor has Lloyd’s Register General Approval of an Anchor Design as a High Holding Power anchor and is specified as the primary anchor used by numerous National Lifeboat organizations.
- All Delta® anchors are “guaranteed for life against breakage”.
- The anchor is manufactured from high-grade manganese steel and is self-launching.
What are the specifications of the Lewmar Galvanized Delta Anchor?
Weight: 14 LBS
Dimensions: 18″ W x 10″ L x 6″ H
What are people saying about the Lewmar Galvanized Delta Anchor?
We have a 2006 Maxum 3300 (LOA 35 feet, 11,500 pounds/dry). I don’t know if it was the previous anchor or me but the 14-pound original equipment anchor the 22 lb Lewmar replaced was always hit or miss (which proved to be very unsettling).
The Lewmar Galvanised Delta 10 kg/22 lb worked the first time, held tight, and came right up when we were ready to leave. And it looks great on the boat. (Glad I didn’t spring for the extra money for a stainless steel anchor).
Lewmar Anchor Customer
This is what an anchor is supposed to be!! Great price and anchor hook up every time. I purchased 10 feet of chain and have had no issues even in 4-foot waves.
Lewmar Anchor Customer
3. Five Oceans Danforth Fluke Hot Dipped Galvanized Anchor
What do we like about the Five Oceans Danforth Fluke Boat Anchor?
- The Five Oceans Danforth Fluke Anchor is for boats between 25′ and 32′.
- The controlled shank/fluke angle is designed for very reliable sets.
- The design is excellent in the sand and good in mud applications.
- Its fluke Danforth style is built with high-quality hot-dipped galvanized steel for long-lasting protection.
- This anchor is not recommended for holding in grassy, rock, or clay bottoms.
What are the specifications of the Five Oceans Danforth Fluke Boat Anchor?
- Weight: 16 LBS
- Dimensions: 30-3/4″ Skake Length x 24-1/2″ W x 28-1/4″ Fluke Length
What are people saying about the Five Oceans Danforth Fluke Boat Anchor?
This is perfect for my boat. Being on the river with the tides going in and out it held it steady no issues . I have no regrets about this anchor it is good quality and I am very happy with the purchase.
Five Oceans Anchor Customer
I used this anchor all season on Lake Michigan for sea duck hunting. It performed very well. It’s mostly a sand bottom, but were trying to anchor in over 100 feet of water… which can be tricky. We used 10 feet of 5/8″ chain in front of it… it worked flawlessly ! I’m happy!
Five Oceans Anchor Customer
4. Fortress Marine Boat Anchor
What do we like about the Fortress Marine Boat Anchor?
- The Fortress Anchor is a hardened high-tech, rustproof aluminum-magnesium alloy anchor.
- It’s created for boats of 16′-27’ feet and somehow retains superior holding power at a fraction of the weight .
- The Fortress Anchor easily assembles and disassembles for convenient storage.
- The anchor received the highest rating in over 20 independent tests worldwide. In fact, over 1 million+ people have purchased these anchors.
- Impressive 100% hassle-free lifetime warranty, and a product made in the USA.
- The anchor is tested and used by the U.S Navy and U.S Coast Guard.
What are the Fortress Marine Boat Anchor specifications?
- Weight: 4 LBS
- Dimensions: Shank Length 24” x Fluke Length 14” x Stock Length 19”
What are people saying about the Fortress Marine Boat Anchor?
The Fortress Anchor holds our 27-foot Chaparral like no other. This thing is so light you can almost pitch it out into the water 100 feet if it didn’t have 10 feet of chain attached. Used it multiple times in heavy wind conditions (20+ knots), and we never moved an inch.
Love it and love watching all our buddies drift away from the hot spots. Keep in mind, having 10 feet of chain and five times the water depth in nylon rope is key to success. If the water is 20 feet deep, you need 100 feet of line out to the anchor.
Fortress Anchor Customer
Several people complained about putting the anchor together. However, I found it easy enough to do. This anchor looks terrific. I have not had the chance to use it yet, but I already love that it is so light. The anchor came with great instructions to help put it together. It also came with a quality control card, making sure all parts were in the box.
Fortress Anchor Customer
Different Pontoon Anchor Styles to Consider for Your Pontoon Boat
The Fluke Pontoon Anchor
Fluke-style, or Danforth anchors, are the top choice for most recreational boats with overall lengths of 30′ or less. Fluke anchors provide sufficient holding power considering their small size. As designed, they fold flat and are easy to stow in storage compartments.
The anchor arm, or stock, buries itself after the pointed flukes dig into the bottom. For those reasons, fluke anchors are best in hard sand and mud. The flukes can’t penetrate rocky bottoms and are not recommended for slick, grassy bottoms. Loose mud or clay can foul the flukes and prevent bottom penetration.
We’ve found fluke anchors are an excellent choice for most pontoon boating conditions.
- Lightweight
- The two long “flukes” dig into the bottom and bury themselves
- Designed to reset rather than turn
- Large resistance due to flukes digging in
- Very easy to retrieve and store
- High holding power to the weight
- Recommended for most pontoon boats
- Bottom types: sand, clay and mud
Our Top Fluke Pontoon Anchor Pick for 2021
The Grapnel or Richter Pontoon Anchor
What grappling anchors lack in holding power they make up with size and design. They are compact and fold up for storage in small spaces. Grappling anchors are commonly used on Jon boats, canoes, kayaks, and aluminum skiffs.
- Anchor design that is touted by fisherman
- Aggressive fluke style to hold in a variety of bottom conditions
- Weighted center
- Release bar for easy retrieval, almost 100 percent of the time
- Suggested for hard-to-hold pontoon boats
- This extremely versatile anchor is designed for a wide variety of bottom conditions.
Our Top Richter Pontoon Anchor Pick for 2021
The Plow Pontoon Anchor
The low center of gravity and the self-righting geometry of a plow anchor means it will set nearly immediately. When the current catches the plow, it buries itself for a solid hook. The plow’s shape allows it to reset easily should the wind or tide swing the boat. Plow anchors are well suited for rocky bottoms, weeds, and grass, but they are not recommended for soft bottoms. This anchor’s high holding power makes it ideal for windy conditions on open water.
The plow anchor was improved with the introduction of the Delta anchor as described in our top picks.
- The anchor has two flukes, but relies on its weight to hold
- Digs right in and holds firmly
- Sets fast and has good resistance to wind movement
- Ideal for use with a remote windlass
- Best suited for larger pontoons
- Bottom types: designed to hold in a wide-variety of bottom conditions
Our Top Plow Pontoon Anchor Pick for 2021
The Claw Pontoon Anchor
Claw anchors have great holding power for their size. Modeled after oil-rig anchors in the turbulent North Sea, the downsized boating version sets effortlessly and holds in a variety of bottoms. Claw anchors are ideal for the windy conditions for which they are designed. They will hold no matter how much the boat swings around on the hook. Claw anchors are the obvious choice for large, open bodies of water.
- Allows for 360 degree turns without releasing from the bottom
- Typically does not break out with wind and tide changes and resets easily
- Easily aligns with the force of the wind
- Dependable setter
- Recommended for compact pontoons
- Bottom conditions: sand and rock
Our Top Claw Pontoon Anchor Pick for 2021
The Mushroom Anchor for Canoes, Kayaks, and Dinghies
Ideal for canoes, kayaks and jon boats, the mushroom anchor works best in soft bottoms, where it creates penetration based on suction. Makes a decent lunch-hook anchor, but is not recommended as the primary anchor.
Our Top Mushroom Anchor Pick for 2021
The River Pontoon Anchor
- Holds well in fast currents and drift areas, hence the name
- Versatile in hard and weedy/grassy bottoms
- Holds, even in windy conditions
- Boat recommendations: designed for pontoons anchoring in a current area, for example, a river.
- Great for muddy and rocky river bottom conditions
Our Top River Pontoon Anchor Pick for 2021
Anchoring a Pontoon FAQs
How do you anchor a pontoon boat?
- Head to where you want to anchor, the location will differ based on your needs. Determine the water depth and the nature of the bottom and calculate the amount of rope you will need to release.
- Once your boat is stopped, release the anchor slowly into the water. It’s important to remember not to throw it for safety reasons and because the line is more likely to tangle.
- Remember to keep the tension in the anchor rope.
- Once you’re in the spot you would like to be in, it’s time to secure the rope so that your anchor will dig in. Wrap the rode twice around a cleat. Once you feel the anchor digging in, put the engine in idle reverse and back down on the anchor to secure it to the bottom.
- Once you’re ready to leave, the anchor should be easy to pull up if it’s been set correctly.
How Long of an anchor chain do I need?
Generally, it is recommended to have either one foot of chain for each foot of boat length or to have one pound of chain for each pound of anchor length.
How big of an anchor do you need for a 24′ pontoon?
A 14-15 lb fluke or delta style anchor will work great for most bottom conditions and most pontoon boats 20′ – 28′ in length.
Can pontoon boats tip over?
Because of their unique design, it’s almost unheard of for a pontoon boat to tip over.
How deep does the water have to be for a pontoon boat?
In general, you can probably take your pontoon boat into water as shallow as two feet of real depth, but this, of course, depends on several factors.
How do you beach a pontoon boat?
You can beach your pontoon safely by approaching slow and then trimming up as you get closer to shore. If needed, you can pull it closer manually. You may want to consider adding a pontoon ramp or sand anchor for use while your pontoon is beached.
Learn More and Explore Additional Pontoon Anchors & Accessories
We hope you found our breakdown of the best pontoon boat anchors of 2021 helpful. Below are more practical pontoon boat anchors and accessories to explore. Remember, you’ll need to consider holding power, weight, and your most common bottom conditions when choosing the anchor that is right for your pontoon boat.
Top-Rated Shallow Water Anchors
These anchors are great when you are in shallow water or on the sandbar. They’re easy to use and store and are convenient and will keep your boat in place.
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