Anchors

Fluke Anchor (Danforth or FO-FO)

Description: It has two articulated flat flukes and a long shank.
Usage: Very effective in sandy and muddy bottoms, where it sinks easily.
Advantages: Lightweight and provides good holding power in soft bottoms.
Disadvantages: Less effective in rocky or grassy bottoms.

Plow Anchor (CQR or Plow)

Description: It has a plow-shaped design and a pivot to adjust to the boat's movements.
Usage: Highly versatile, it adapts to most types of bottoms (sand, mud, rock).
Advantages: Good holding power in various conditions, including mixed bottoms.
Disadvantages: Relatively heavy and less efficient in very hard bottoms.

Bruce Anchor (or Claw Anchor)

Description: Rounded shape with three "claws" that dig into the seabed.
Usage: Very effective in sandy, muddy, or grassy bottoms.
Advantages: Easy to deploy and retrieve, good holding power on multiple bottom types.
Disadvantages: May have difficulty catching in very hard or rocky bottoms.

Delta Anchor (or Winged Anchor)

Description: An anchor with a fixed plow and a large wing-shaped fluke, often with a shackle to help with anchoring.
Usage: Excellent in sandy, muddy, and silty bottoms.
Advantages: Very good anchoring and re-anchoring ability after boat movement, suitable for most conditions.
Disadvantages: Can be bulkier and more expensive than other models.

Spade Anchor

Description: Similar to the Rocna, with a large fluke and a shackle. Designed for high performance in all conditions.
Usage: Very effective in sandy, muddy, grassy, and silty bottoms.
Advantages: Good ability to quickly bury and provide reliable holding in various bottom types.
Disadvantages: Heavier and bulkier.

Grapnel or Pile Anchor

Description: Composed of several folding arms (like a grapnel), often used for small boats or dinghies.
Usage: Ideal in rocky bottoms where the arms can get caught between rocks.
Advantages: Compact and easy to store.
Disadvantages: Less effective in soft bottoms like sand or mud.