Anchors and Accessories

Boat Anchors & Accessories Built for Aussie Boating

Boat anchors are the gear that holds your pride and joy in place, with the right chain, rope and fittings to match. BCF stocks the lot across 165+ stores nationwide, and you can find your local BCF store for hands-on advice.

From the Broadwater’s sand flats to reefy patches off Rotto, the right setup stops dragging and keeps you safe. Our Boating, Camping, Fishing experts help you size the hardware and choose the right bottom-holding style.

Anchor types explained: fluke vs grapnel vs plough

Fluke (sand), grapnel (reef pick) and plough anchors each suit different bottoms and holding needs. Pick based on the conditions of your fishing ground.

• Fluke/sand: Self-sets and buries in sand or mud. Great for estuaries like Moreton Bay.
• Grapnel/reef pick: Hooks into rock or reef. Prongs can straighten to free a snag. Best for rough ground and short stops over structure.
• Plough: Bites deep and holds through wind shifts and current. Suits mixed bottoms and longer stays. Heavier and bulkier to stow.

An anchor winch or drum winch makes heavy gear easier to retrieve, especially with a plough in swell or current. For more information, look at our blog on Which Anchor to use Where.

What size boat anchor should you run?

Match anchor weight to boat length and hull type, then size up for strong current, big tide or regular overnighting. Always confirm with the maker’s chart for your specific model.

• Up to 3.5m tinny: Fluke 2.5–4kg or grapnel 2–3kg for reefy stops.
• 3.5–5.0m runabout: Fluke 4–6kg or plough 6–8kg for mixed bottoms.
• 5.0–6.5m fiberglass or plate: Fluke 6–8kg or plough 9–12kg for stronger holding.
• 6.5–7.5m trailer boat: Plough 12–16kg. Step up again if you anchor overnight in the open.

If you swap between sand flats and reef, carry a fluke and a grapnel so you can match the bottom on the day.

How much chain & rope do you need for solid holding

Use chain at least as long as your boat, and longer for choppy water or reef. The chain lowers the pull angle and adds abrasion resistance on rock and coral.

Work scope off depth: 3:1 for quick lunch stops in calm bays, 5:1 for typical day drops, and 7:1 when the Fremantle Doctor kicks or in strong tide like Darwin springs. Example: in 6m over sand, run 30–40m of rope with a drum winch or anchor winch paying out smoothly.

Hardware that makes anchoring easier

A drum anchor winch stores rope & chain on the drum, keeps decks tidy and avoids free-fall tangles. Check drum capacity, line speed and load rating against your anchor weight and the total rode length you plan to carry.

Get your boat anchors sorted at BCF

We stock anchor gear Aussie boaties actually use, tested in local conditions from Port Phillip to the Top End. Swing by for fit-up tips from in-store Boating, Camping, Fishing experts.

• Club pricing: Join Club BCF and save more with exclusive member-only deals both in-store and online.
• Price Match: Spotted it cheaper? We’ll match it.
• Click & Collect: Order online and pick up in as little as 1 hour.
• 165+ stores: Find your local BCF store anywhere in Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions