How To Anchor a Pontoon Boat

Are you a proud owner of a pontoon boat? Well, that’s great. But, do you know how to deal with your Pontoon boat? More specifically how to anchor your pontoon boat? Actually, anchoring is a thing that you must know as a boat owner.

However, anchoring your pontoon boat is not a big deal. You can anchor your pontoon boat easily by following some simple steps.

Here is a step by step guide on how you can anchor your pontoon boat. So. let’s dive into the core section.

Anchoring a Pontoon Boat: Step by Step

Anchoring a pontoon boat

Selecting the position:

At first, you need to select a position that is clear. That means, there should not be any kind of obstacle in your anchorage. Your pontoon boat needs to be faced towards the current or wind direction. Without it, you also need to consider the ground condition whether you are dealing with sand or muddy or rocky conditions so that you can decide which type of anchor you should use.

However, in this step, you need to know that there are two most common types of anchors. They are: Fluke anchor and plow or scoop anchor. Among them, the fluke anchor behaves well in sand or muddy condition. It does not work in the rocky condition.

On the other hand, the plow or scoop anchor behave well in most of the bottom conditions. So, you need to use them against their strength. It’s better to take both types of anchors with you as you don’t know what will be your anchoring condition.

Apart from that, you need to make sure that there is nothing under the water that can create problems while anchoring. If you find something that will create a problem, then you have to change your anchoring place.

Determining the actual rod length:

After selecting the anchoring position, you need to determine the length of your anchor’s rope or line. In general, the length can be calculated by multiplication between the water depth and the space between the anchor point and waterline about 5 to 7 times. You can calculate the rod length using the above formula.

Taking your position:

Now, you should take your boat in the position. You may take the help of current or wind. Somehow you just need to be in the position where you want to drop your anchor. Once you get into the position, then you should stop your boat.

Dropping the anchor:

Well, now it’s time to drop the anchor. Remember, you should not throw the anchor first. At first, you should lower the anchor into the water to check whether your anchor is attached to the boat or not. If your anchor is not attached and you throw it, that means you have lost your anchor.

Setting up the anchor:

For setting the anchor, you should take your pontoon boat in the position in reverse order. This reverse turning allows your anchor to drive and put tension on the line as well. You need to maintain a moderate amount of tension for keeping it straight.

Make sure that the anchor has dug in:

Although you have dropped the anchor, you are not done yet. You have to make sure that the anchor has dug and it can’t make any movement. If your anchor can make a movement, this means your boat is not stable and it can make a movement. Then, there is no meaning of your anchoring. In this case, you can use a chart plotter or GPS for checking whether your pontoon is moving or not. That’s all about anchoring your pontoon boat.

Read our reviews of boat anchors if you don’t have one yet. Or you can check Windrider Anchor and Slide Anchor Box Anchor. These are really very good anchor options available now.

Last Updated on March 9, 2021