These guides cover the ground tackle choices that matter most: which anchor design actually holds in mixed bottoms, what chain grade and length offshore sailors carry and why, how to size and install an electric windlass, and which accessories are essential versus optional. Written for cruising sailors making real buying decisions, not gear reviews measured by affiliate commissions.
Choosing an Anchor: Modern vs. Traditional
The holding power revolution of the 2000s displaced the old CQR/Danforth standard. How modern roll-bar anchors work, comparative tests, and sizing rules for offshore and coastal sailors.
- Rocna, Mantus, Spade, Ultra compared
- Sizing: displacement × holding power
- Storm anchor + kedge strategy
Anchor Chain: Grades, Sizing, and Length
All-chain vs. rope-chain rodes, chain grades from G30 to G43 high-test, sizing by boat LOA, how much chain to carry, and the gypsy compatibility requirement every windlass owner gets wrong.
- G43 high-test: the offshore standard
- 5/16" to 7/16" sizing by LOA
- 300 ft minimum for liveaboards
Windlass Selection and Installation
Electric vs. manual, horizontal vs. vertical, sizing by displacement, the major brands compared, dedicated wiring requirements, and why the deck seal is the most common failure point.
- 1,000W per 10,000 lbs displacement
- 2/0 AWG minimum for long runs
- Lofrans, Maxwell, Lewmar compared
Snubbers, Swivels, and Anchor Tackle Accessories
The snubber is not optional — it protects your windlass, absorbs shock loads, and quiets an all-chain rode. Plus: bridles for catamarans, trip lines, anchor balls, drag alarms, and chain counters.
- Nylon 3-strand snubber sizing
- Catamaran symmetric bridle geometry
- GPS drag alarm limitations
About These Guides
These are editorial resources drawn from published holding-power test data, manufacturer specifications, and accumulated cruising experience. Weight figures, WLL ratings, and AWG recommendations should always be verified against your specific equipment's documentation. Ground tackle is safety-critical gear — consult your anchor, chain, and windlass manufacturer specs before final purchasing decisions. For anchoring techniques and scope calculation, see the Anchoring Techniques section.