How Much Does a Boat Anchor Cost?
An anchor can come in many different designs, shapes and weights, but each one works in the same way. One end of the rope or chain can be connected to the anchor, while the other end is connected to the boat. Once the anchor is down, it will use its shape and design to dig into the bottom of the water so the boat cannot move. The size of the anchor you need will depend on the environmental conditions and the size of your boat.
How much does a boat anchor cost?
The cost of a boat anchor will depend on the style, type, the material it’s made from and where it’s purchased from. On average, smaller anchors designed for small fishing boats can cost anywhere from $10 to as much as $35, while larger anchors designed for vessels that travel in rougher waters, can range anywhere from $500 to as much as $2,000. Refer to our table below to see what the average anchor can cost for most leisure boats. Granted, these costs can be much higher if it were needed for a freighter or larger shipping vessel.
| Type | Description | Average Price |
|---|---|---|
| River | A river anchor is designed for just that -- the river and its currents. Designed with three blades, it can provide secure power, even in high wind conditions. | $20 to $120 |
| Grapnel | Often, a grapnel anchor will be made from four arms that can fold when not in use, providing a compact size for easy storage. This anchor is commonly used for smaller boats or dinghies. | $15 to $65 |
| Mushroom | Like a mushroom, the top will resemble that of a mushroom: a wide-like cap. This cap, in turn, can offer an effective holding power on any terrain. The drain hole, near the bottom of the base, allows all of the water and mud to displace as you pull up for easy retrieval. | $10 to $40 |
| Navy | When someone thinks of an anchor, this is often the anchor people think of. This traditional look can fold flat for easy storage and will do well on most terrains, especially rocky soil. | $15 to $45 |
| Fluke | A fluke anchor will work best in loose terrain since it's designed to bury itself when lowered, essentially putting itself out of view. Even though these anchors don't weigh much, it's the "flukes" that hold the anchor to the bottom. This anchor won't work well in rocky terrain as it can sometimes become stuck, making it hard for it to become free. | $60 to $165 |
| Electric | Attached to the bow of the boat, an electric anchor will have an electric winch, which, in turn, allows you to simply raise and lower your anchor with a flip of a switch. This type is often designed for those who have back problems, don't want to deal with the frustrations of an anchor and/or have a disability. While many types of anchors can be attached to an electric winch, the most common is the mushroom type. | $150 to $450 |
What are the extra costs?
When you buy an anchor, you will need to purchase additional materials such as anchor rope and clips which you can use to fasten the anchor to the rope and the vessel. Some kits can come with the rope, but some people prefer to purchase a more durable rope.
On a smaller boat, the anchor is usually just let down and raised up by hand. However, there are electric winches, as stated in our table description, available that can help you let down and lift the anchor without as much effort. These devices will also prevent the ropes from getting tangled.
Automatic lifts that lift the anchor for you can vary anywhere from $100 to $300 for a smaller anchor size. Larger lifts can cost significantly more.
Tips to know:
Anchors are commonly made from galvanized stainless steel and will have different designs which can be useful for various types of sea vessels and situations. Smaller boats will have anchors that range anywhere from one to five pounds, while larger boats can anchors that weigh more than 30 to 100 pounds. Oil rigs and freighters will use anchors that weigh up to 50,000 pounds.
Before you buy an anchor, you will need to do some research and determine the right anchor for the type of boat you will be using it. You do not want to get something too heavy nor do you want to get something that is too small. Smaller boats that are smaller than 15 feet, for example, should have an anchor that weighs at least three pounds.
According to Bass Pro, the anchor you choose should hold well on all types of bottoms, can be set and re-set quickly, have good holding power, can be released easy and stored easily on the boat. As for choosing, they say it can be a “guessing” game since the conditions are always changing and you shouldn’t choose an anchor based on its size. Instead, it’s best to focus on the physical size as this can be a good indicator of a solid boat anchor.
How can I save money?
You can purchase anchors from many different stores online, and most differ with their prices. Check out Google Shopping or even Amazon to compare prices.
Anchors can also be purchased used. Because of the durability metal and steel offers, anchors can last a very long time. Even if there is a little bit of rust, the anchor will continue to work. Check on sites such as eBay and Craigslist to see if you can find a used anchor.
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Average Reported Cost: $210000
How much did you spend?
- Bill Smith (Phoenix, Arizona) paid $210000 and said:
I paid $210000 for an anchor for my 100ft boat
Was it worth it? Yes
