9 Best River Anchors for Boats (November 2026)
The best river anchors for boats include the Extreme Max 3006.6560 BoatTector Vinyl-Coated River Anchor for strong current and mixed bottoms, the SEACHOICE River Anchor for 12 lb all-around anchoring, and the VEVOR River Anchor for boats up to 30 ft.
On this page (8 sections)
- Which river anchor is best for a boat in current?
- How do the best river anchors compare?
- Which river anchor fits a medium-size boat?
- Are spike river anchors better for changing bottoms?
- What is the best river anchor kit for a kayak?
- How should you choose a river anchor for a boat?
- How do you set a river anchor?
- Which river anchor should you buy?
The best river anchor for boat use is the Extreme Max BoatTector 30 lb, because its weight and large flukes suit fast current, drift areas and mixed river bottoms. Choose the 40 lb Extreme Max for more holding weight, the SEACHOICE 12 lb for a smaller setup, or the XIALUO kit when you need rope and hardware included.
A river anchor needs to match more than boat length. Current, wind, bottom type, retrieval effort and the rope you carry all affect whether it holds you in place.
The water you fish most matters as much as the boat. A calm lake, a slow river and a fast drift channel will ask very different things from the same anchor.
Handling and storage count alongside holding power. You may set, drift a short way, reset and move on several times in a trip.
Bottom type changes the choice in a practical way. Mud, sand, rock, gravel, weeds and grass each respond differently to weight, flukes, claws and spikes.
Use this boat anchor guide for broader anchor terms and setup decisions. We compared the product titles and stated features here, then matched each design to common river and lake needs.
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback. The products appear in score order, with the highest-scoring river anchor first.
Weight is only part of the story. A heavier anchor can help in current, but it can be hard to lift, store and deploy from a smaller boat.
Line and hardware matter too. Some picks include a shackle, while a kit adds rope and storage, so check what is in the box before you plan your setup.
The sections below split the range by use case. That makes it easier to compare a light 12 lb option with a 30 lb or 40 lb model for stronger water.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
Best for strong current and mixed bottomsExtreme Max 3006.6560 BoatTector Vinyl-Coated River Anchor
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
-
3
- 4
Check itExtreme Max 3006.6791 BoatTector Vinyl-Coated 3-Fluke River
Best for extra weight in fast drift - 5
Check itBetter Boat River Anchor 20 lb for Boats
Best for boats up to 24 ft - 6
Check itBetter Boat River Anchor 30 lb for Boats
Best for large pontoons and bass boats - 7
Best for varied lake and river bottomsCheck it - 8
Check itAnchor-Man Vinyl-Coated Boat Anchor for Lakes
Best for small boats on mixed bottoms - 9
Check itXIALUO Marine River Anchor Kit 12 lb
Best complete kit for kayaks
Which river anchor is best for a boat in current?
The Extreme Max 3006.6560 BoatTector 30 lb is the best overall river anchor for current because it combines a heavy steel body with large flukes and a vinyl coating. It is designed for lakes and rivers with fast currents or drift areas.
That mix suits boaters who need an anchor to work when the bottom and the current keep changing. Weight helps the anchor settle, while the flukes give it more to bite with.
It is aimed at current or high drift water rather than calm conditions alone. If you mainly anchor in still, shallow water, a lighter choice may be easier to live with.
Extreme Max 3006.6560 BoatTector Vinyl-Coated River Anchor: Best for strong current and mixed bottoms
- 30 lb weight
- Large flukes
- Vinyl-coated steel
- Works on hard, muddy, rocky, weedy and grassy bottoms
The 30 lb BoatTector uses weight and large flukes to hold in fast current and drift areas. Its vinyl coating helps protect boat surfaces during deployment and retrieval.
Pros
- Strongest overall fit for current
- Works across several bottom types
- Vinyl coating protects the boat
Cons
- Heavy for small boats and kayaks
- Designed for current or high-drift environments
The 30 lb weight gives this anchor more holding mass than the lighter 12 lb and 14 lb choices. Its large flukes hold in hard, muddy, rocky, weedy and grassy bottoms, so it fits rivers where the bottom changes from spot to spot.
Its triangular steel shape and vinyl coating affect daily use. The coating helps protect boat surfaces during lowering and retrieval, while the steel body supplies weight for current.
Lower it slowly so the flukes can penetrate the bottom. This design is intended for current or high-drift environments, so it may be more than you need for a calm, shallow lake.
Dropping it fast can leave the flukes sitting on top instead of working into the bottom. Rinse off mud and grit after use, let it dry, and check the coating for wear.
The trade off is handling. Thirty pounds is manageable for many boats, but it is still a real lift when you are reaching over the side.
It suits anglers who move between spots and need the anchor to reset without fuss. If your water is mostly calm and soft, save it for days with current, wind and drift.
How do the best river anchors compare?
The SEACHOICE 12 lb, VEVOR 30 lb and Extreme Max 40 lb cover three different needs: a lighter general river anchor, a 30 lb anchor with boat-size guidance, and the heaviest option for strong drift.
| Product | Best for | Weight | Material | Shape | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extreme Max 3006.6560 BoatTector Vinyl-Coated River Anchor | strong current and mixed bottoms | 30 lb | Steel with vinyl finish | Triangular | 9.6 |
| SEACHOICE River Anchor | 12 lb all-around anchoring | 12 lb | Cast iron with black vinyl coating | 9.4 | |
| VEVOR River Anchor | boats up to 30 ft | 30 lb | Steel with black PVC vinyl coating | 9.3 | |
| Extreme Max 3006.6791 BoatTector Vinyl-Coated 3-Fluke River | extra weight in fast drift | 40 lb | Vinyl-coated steel | 9.1 | |
| Better Boat River Anchor 20 lb for Boats | boats up to 24 ft | 20 lb | Vinyl-coated cast iron | 8.7 | |
| Better Boat River Anchor 30 lb for Boats | large pontoons and bass boats | 30 lb | 8.6 | ||
| Greenfield | varied lake and river bottoms | 14 lb approximate | Steel | 8.4 | |
| Anchor-Man Vinyl-Coated Boat Anchor for Lakes | small boats on mixed bottoms | 14 lb | Vinyl-coated galvanized iron | 8.2 | |
| XIALUO Marine River Anchor Kit 12 lb | complete kit for kayaks | 12 lb | Galvanized steel with black PE coating | 8.0 |
Best 12 lb river anchor for mixed bottoms
SEACHOICE River Anchor: Best for 12 lb all-around anchoring
- 12 lb weight
- Vinyl-coated cast iron
- Designed for mud, rock, gravel and sand
- Galvanized shackle included
The SEACHOICE River Anchor is a practical 12 lb choice for buyers who need bottom penetration without moving to a larger anchor. Its galvanized shackle is included for line attachment.
Pros
- Useful middle weight
- Works on mud, rock, gravel and sand
- Includes galvanized shackle
Cons
- Less weight than the 30 lb picks
- No boat-size range is stated
The SEACHOICE River Anchor is a good fit when you need a moderate 12 lb anchor for mud, rock, gravel and sand. Its vinyl-coated cast iron construction gives weight while the coating helps protect the boat.
The design is intended to penetrate the bottom better than a regular mushroom anchor. That matters when a smooth anchor would sit on mud or slide across a firm riverbed.
A galvanized anchor shackle is included for line attachment, and the large rope eye makes connecting the line more straightforward. The 12 lb size is easier to handle than the 30 lb and 40 lb options.
Rinse the anchor after muddy trips and check the shackle and coating from time to time. Cast iron with a coating still benefits from a rinse and dry storage.
This weight suits smaller boats and calmer river stretches. The trade off is holding mass, so in stronger current you may wish you had stepped up to a 20 lb or 30 lb model.
Best 30 lb river anchor for boats up to 30 ft
VEVOR River Anchor: Best for boats up to 30 ft
- 30 lb weight
- Three-claw mushroom shape
- Black PVC vinyl coating
- For boats up to 30 ft
The VEVOR River Anchor combines a 30 lb weight with a three-claw mushroom shape for river, lake and calm-water use. It suits pontoon boats, bass boats, Jon boats, canoes and kayaks up to 30 ft.
Pros
- Clear boat-size guidance
- Three-claw design for muddy or grassy bottoms
- Large eye hole for rope or chain
Cons
- Not recommended for strong currents
- Heavier anchor needs careful handling
The VEVOR River Anchor is the clearest choice when you want a stated fit for boats up to 30 ft. Its 30 lb cast iron design uses a three-claw mushroom shape and a tail fin for grip in muddy, grassy and rocky bottoms.
VEVOR recommends this anchor for protected inland waters and says to avoid underwater obstructions or strong currents. That makes it different from the Extreme Max 30 lb, which is aimed at fast current and drift areas.
The large eye hole accepts a bow shackle or strong rope. The black PVC vinyl coating helps resist impact, wear and corrosion while reducing contact between the metal and the boat.
That stated boat-size range makes shopping simpler. You can match it to pontoons, bass boats, Jon boats, canoes and kayaks without guessing from weight alone.
Daily care should include a rinse after use and a check of the coating where it meets the hull or deck. Keeping it clean helps the coating do its job for longer.
The trade off is the intended water. This is not the pick to lean on in strong current, despite its 30 lb weight.
It suits protected inland use where muddy or grassy bottoms are common. The three-claw shape is meant to grip rather than slide across those surfaces.
If your trips include fast rivers, look at a design aimed at that use instead. For calmer water, this size and shape are a solid match.
Best heavy river anchor for fast drift
Extreme Max 3006.6791 BoatTector Vinyl-Coated 3-Fluke River: Best for extra weight in fast drift
- 40 lb weight
- Three large flukes
- Vinyl-coated body and flukes
- Works on hard, muddy, rocky, weedy and grassy bottoms
The 40 lb Extreme Max gives larger boats more weight for strong current and drift areas. Its three-fluke design is aimed at mixed bottoms where a simple mushroom anchor may slide.
Pros
- Most weight in this roundup
- Large flukes suit varied bottoms
- Vinyl coating protects boat surfaces
Cons
- Hardest to move and retrieve
- Intended for current or high-drift environments
The 40 lb Extreme Max BoatTector is the strongest choice when extra anchor weight matters more than easy retrieval. Its three large flukes are designed for hard, muddy, rocky, weedy and grassy bottoms.
The body and flukes have a vinyl coating, which helps protect boat surfaces as you bring the anchor aboard. The 40 lb weight can be useful in strong current, but it also needs more storage space and more lifting effort.
Lower this anchor slowly so the flukes can set. Like the 30 lb Extreme Max, it is intended for current or high-drift environments rather than every calm-water anchoring job.
This is the anchor to consider when lighter models feel like they are working too hard. The extra mass can make a real difference in fast drift.
Storage deserves a plan before you buy. Forty pounds is heavy to swing over the side and awkward to stow in a small locker.
Care is much like the 30 lb version. Rinse away mud and weed, let it dry, and inspect the vinyl coating for damage after rocky bottoms.
The honest trade off is effort. Every trip means lifting the heaviest anchor in this roundup, in and out.
Choose it for larger boats and strong-current days. For calm lakes or small craft, it will likely be more than you need.
Which river anchor fits a medium-size boat?
The Better Boat 20 lb River Anchor is the best fit for boats up to 24 ft, while the 30 lb version suits boats and pontoons up to 26 ft. Both use a hybrid mushroom and fluke design for current, mud, rocks and debris.
Best river anchor for boats up to 24 ft
Better Boat River Anchor 20 lb for Boats: Best for boats up to 24 ft
- 20 lb weight
- Vinyl-coated cast iron
- Hybrid mushroom and fluke design
- Galvanized bow shackle included
The Better Boat 20 lb anchor blends mushroom suction with flukes that dig into mud, rocks and debris. It is sized for center consoles, deck boats and pontoons up to 24 ft.
Pros
- Clear size guidance
- Hybrid shape for current
- Fits standard bow rollers
Cons
- Heavier than the 12 lb choices
- Less capacity than the 30 lb Better Boat
The Better Boat 20 lb anchor is sized for center consoles, deck boats and pontoons up to 24 ft. Its hybrid shape combines mushroom suction with flukes that dig into mud, rocks and debris.
The vinyl coating protects the hull, deck and gunwales from bare cast iron. A galvanized bow shackle is included, and the smooth shank is designed to slide into standard bow rollers and anchor guides.
Better Boat recommends a 5-to-1 line-to-depth ratio for best hold. The anchor works with rope, chain or a combination of both, so you can choose the line setup that suits your boat.
That hybrid idea is aimed at a common river problem. A plain mushroom can slide, while the added flukes give the anchor more to work with in soft or mixed bottoms.
The included shackle saves a separate purchase. It also gives you a clear point to connect your line or chain without extra hardware.
For care, rinse off mud and debris and check the coating after rocky ground. A dry storage spot will help the vinyl and iron last longer.
The trade off sits between the 12 lb and 30 lb weights. It is easier to handle than the 30 lb version, but it has less mass for the strongest current.
Pick it when your boat fits the stated size and you want guided sizing. It is a practical middle step for medium boats.
Best river anchor for a 26 ft pontoon
Better Boat River Anchor 30 lb for Boats: Best for large pontoons and bass boats
- 30 lb weight
- Vinyl-coated cast iron
- Hybrid mushroom and fluke design
- For boats and pontoons up to 26 ft
This Better Boat anchor adds weight for large pontoons, bass boats and deck boats in strong current. The smooth shank is designed to slide into standard bow rollers and anchor guides.
Pros
- Sized for boats up to 26 ft
- Hybrid fluke and mushroom design
- Galvanized bow shackle included
Cons
- Heavier than the 20 lb version
- The 30 lb weight adds retrieval effort
The Better Boat 30 lb River Anchor is sized for pontoon boats, large bass boats and deck boats up to 26 ft. It gives these larger craft more weight than the 20 lb version while keeping the same hybrid mushroom and fluke idea.
The smooth shank is designed for standard bow rollers and anchor guides. Its vinyl-coated cast iron body protects the boat from direct contact with bare metal, and the galvanized bow shackle connects to rope or chain.
The extra weight can help in strong current, but it also makes deployment and retrieval harder. Choose it when your boat size and water conditions call for more holding mass.
That sizing guidance is a strength for larger boats. Pontoons and big bass boats carry more windage, so extra weight is often welcome.
The smooth shank matters in daily use. It is meant to feed through rollers and guides cleanly rather than snagging on the way down or up.
Care should include rinsing after muddy or weedy trips. Check the coating and shackle now and then, especially after contact with rock.
The trade off is retrieval effort. Thirty pounds of cast iron is a lot to haul back over the side, trip after trip.
Choose it for boats near the stated size limit in moving water. For smaller boats or calm lakes, the 20 lb version may be the better fit.
Are spike river anchors better for changing bottoms?
The Greenfield Richter Anchor and Anchor-Man spike anchor are useful when you move between sand, mud, rocks and weeds. Their spike designs focus on biting into varied bottoms rather than relying only on mushroom suction.
Best spike anchor for varied lake and river bottoms
Greenfield: Best for varied lake and river bottoms
- 14 lb approximate weight
- Coated spike design
- Works in sand, mud, rocks, weeds, rivers and lakes
- For boats up to 18 ft
The Greenfield Richter Anchor uses a coated spike design for varied bottom conditions. Its stated 14 lb size is intended for boats up to 18 ft and can set with a shorter 3-to-1 scope.
Pros
- Clear fit for boats up to 18 ft
- Spike design suits mixed bottoms
- Coated finish protects the boat
Cons
- Approximate weight can vary
- Less weight than the larger river anchors
The Greenfield Richter Anchor is intended for boats up to 18 ft in its 14 lb size. Its coated spike design works across sand, mud, rocks, rivers, lakes and weeds, making it a flexible choice for changing conditions.
Greenfield describes the anchor as able to set and hold with a 3-to-1 scope. That can help you stay closer to your chosen spot when you don't have room for the longer line angle used by some heavier setups.
The listed weight is approximate because metal and coating content can vary. Choose this model when your boat fits the stated size and you value a coated spike design over a heavier 20 lb or 30 lb anchor.
That shorter scope is the key selling point. It suits tight spots where a long line would swing you too far from where you want to fish.
The spike idea suits mixed bottoms well. Sand, mud, rock and weeds each present a different challenge, and this design is aimed at all of them.
For care, rinse the anchor after use and check the black coating for chips. A quick wash and dry will help it stay in good shape season after season.
The trade off is weight. At about 14 lb, it will not match a 30 lb anchor in strong current.
Pick it for smaller boats and varied bottoms. It is a flexible option when you move between lake and river spots.
Best small-boat spike anchor
Anchor-Man Vinyl-Coated Boat Anchor for Lakes: Best for small boats on mixed bottoms
- 14 lb spike anchor
- Vinyl-coated galvanized iron
- Works in sand, mud, rock and weed
- Available in 14, 18 and 25 lb sizes
The Anchor-Man 14 lb spike anchor is aimed at smaller pontoon and fishing boats. Its spike is designed to bite into sand, mud, rock and weed while the vinyl coating protects the hull.
Pros
- Good fit for smaller boats
- Works at a stated 3-to-1 scope
- Choice of 14, 18 and 25 lb sizes
Cons
- The 14 lb version has limited weight
- Exact boat-size guidance varies in the product information
The Anchor-Man 14 lb spike anchor suits smaller pontoon and fishing boats. Its spike drives into sand, mud, rock and weed, including river bottoms where a mushroom anchor may slide.
The vinyl coating protects the deck and hull during deployment and retrieval. Anchor-Man also offers 18 lb and 25 lb sizes, so you can move up when your boat or current needs more weight.
The design is described as holding at a 3-to-1 scope. Use standard anchor line or chain, and check the size against your boat.
That scope is useful in tight fishing spots. It lets you stay closer to structure or a chosen mark without paying out a long line.
The spike design is the main reason to pick this style. It is meant to bite into bottoms that a rounded mushroom shape may struggle with.
Rinse off mud and weed after each trip, let it dry, and check the coating where it contacts the boat. The trade off is limited weight at 14 lb, so in strong current a larger size may be safer.
What is the best river anchor kit for a kayak?
The XIALUO Marine River Anchor Kit is the best complete setup for fishing kayaks, canoes, jet skis, SUP boards and small boats because it includes the 12 lb anchor, 50 ft rope and attachment hardware.
It is aimed at small craft where carrying a separate rope and shackle is a hassle. The kit puts the main pieces together in one bag.
That makes it a good first setup for relaxed lake and slow river trips. You can focus on rigging and fishing rather than shopping for parts.
XIALUO Marine River Anchor Kit 12 lb: Best complete kit for kayaks
- 12 lb river anchor
- 50 ft of 8 mm nylon rope
- Stainless steel shackle
- Spring hook, float and storage bag included
The XIALUO kit includes the anchor, rope, shackle, spring hook, float and storage bag. It is suited to fishing kayaks, canoes, jet skis, SUP boards, pontoon boats and small boats.
Pros
- Most complete setup
- Includes 50 ft rope and storage bag
- Useful for kayaks and small craft
Cons
- 12 lb size is not for every larger boat
- Kit parts add storage needs
The kit includes a 12 lb river anchor, an M10 stainless steel shackle, 8 mm 50 ft nylon rope, a spring hook, a yellow float and a storage bag. That saves you from matching each part separately before your first trip.
The galvanized steel anchor has a black PE coating to help protect the boat from scratches. Its flukes are intended for rivers and mud-bottom lakes, and the product is also described for pontoon boats and bass boats.
The 12 lb size is easier to carry in a kayak or canoe than the 30 lb and 40 lb anchors. For a larger boat in strong current, compare it with the heavier standalone anchors instead of treating the included kit as a universal choice.
The included rope length is worth checking against your water depth. Fifty feet suits many shallow lake and river spots, but deeper water may need more line.
The float and spring hook add small conveniences. They help with handling and retrieval, especially from a low kayak where reach is limited.
Care is straightforward. Rinse the anchor and rope after muddy trips, dry them before packing, and keep the kit in its bag when you are not using it.
The trade off is scale. Twelve pounds and a small-craft kit will not cover every larger boat or strong-current day.
Pick it when you want a ready-to-carry setup for small craft. It is about convenience as much as anchoring.
How should you choose a river anchor for a boat?
Choose a river anchor by current, bottom type, boat size, anchor weight and retrieval effort. A heavier anchor is not automatically better if you cannot deploy it safely or store it securely.
For fast current and drift areas, start with the Extreme Max 30 lb or 40 lb models. Their large flukes and stated use across hard, muddy, rocky, weedy and grassy bottoms make them the strongest matches for changing river conditions.
For a medium boat, the Better Boat 20 lb and 30 lb models offer clear boat-size guidance. The 20 lb model is for boats up to 24 ft, while the 30 lb model is for boats and pontoons up to 26 ft.
For protected inland waters and calm conditions, the VEVOR 30 lb can work for boats up to 30 ft. Its product information specifically advises avoiding strong currents and underwater obstructions.
For smaller boats, the 12 lb SEACHOICE, 14 lb Greenfield or 14 lb Anchor-Man may be easier to manage. The XIALUO kit adds rope, a shackle, a float and a bag for buyers who need a ready-to-carry setup.
A best boat anchor fluke comparison can help if you are considering a more traditional fluke design. For a complete rope, chain and attachment setup, review the best river anchor system guide.
How do you set a river anchor?
Lower the anchor slowly, give its flukes, claws or spike time to contact the bottom, and let the line reach the scope needed for the conditions. Avoid dropping it at speed, because the holding parts need to settle into the bottom.
Better Boat recommends a 5-to-1 line-to-depth ratio for best hold. Greenfield and Anchor-Man describe holding at a 3-to-1 scope, but your boat, current, wind and bottom still affect the result.
Use the attachment point supplied with the anchor or kit. The SEACHOICE includes a galvanized shackle, the Better Boat models include galvanized bow shackles, and XIALUO includes an M10 stainless steel shackle.
Keep the line clear of the propeller and check that the anchor is secure before relying on it to hold the boat. Retrieve slowly and protect the boat's deck and hull from impact, even when the anchor has a vinyl or PE coating.
If you need the line, chain and storage pieces together, compare these choices with the best boat anchor kit guide. A best anchor for Jon boat roundup may also help if your boat is a small flat-bottom craft.
Which river anchor should you buy?
Pick the Extreme Max 30 lb for the best balance of current holding, fluke coverage and mixed-bottom use. Choose the 40 lb Extreme Max when extra weight matters more than easy handling, or the VEVOR 30 lb for a stated fit for boats up to 30 ft in protected inland water.
Pick Better Boat when you want clear boat-size guidance for a 20 lb or 30 lb hybrid anchor. Choose Greenfield or Anchor-Man for a spike design on a smaller boat, and XIALUO when a kayak or small boat needs a complete 12 lb kit.
Match the final choice to your own water first. Fast current calls for a different anchor than a calm, muddy lake, even on the same boat.
Consider retrieval effort honestly. The heaviest anchor is only useful if you can deploy and haul it safely on a regular basis.
Check what is included before you buy. A shackle or a full kit can save extra purchases and make your first trip simpler.
For a mushroom-style option, see the guide to best mushroom anchors for boats. If your setup includes an electric trolling motor or other onboard equipment, review the marine battery for boat guide before planning your power system.
A best pontoon bimini anchor light guide can help with visibility gear for pontoon trips.
Set the anchor slowly and give it time to bite. Store it clean and dry, and check the coating after rocky bottoms.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for strong current and mixed bottoms
Extreme Max 3006.6560 BoatTector Vinyl-Coated River Anchor
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
-
3
Frequently asked questions
What is the best river anchor for a boat?
The Extreme Max BoatTector 30 lb is the best river anchor for a boat when current, drift and mixed bottoms are the main concerns. Its weight and large flukes are suited to hard, muddy, rocky, weedy and grassy bottoms.
Choose a lighter anchor when your boat is smaller or the water is calmer.
What size river anchor do I need for my boat?
Match the anchor weight to your boat size, current and bottom conditions. The Greenfield 14 lb model is intended for boats up to 18 ft, the Better Boat 20 lb model for boats up to 24 ft, and the Better Boat 30 lb model for boats up to 26 ft.
Stronger current may call for more weight.
Are river anchors good in mud?
Yes. River anchors with flukes, claws or spikes can hold in mud by penetrating or gripping the bottom.
The SEACHOICE, Extreme Max, Better Boat, VEVOR, Greenfield and Anchor-Man designs all describe use on muddy bottoms.
Lower the anchor slowly so its holding parts can contact the bottom.
How much anchor rope should I use in a river?
Use enough rope for the water depth, current and scope needed by your anchor. Better Boat recommends a 5-to-1 line-to-depth ratio, while Greenfield and Anchor-Man describe holding at a 3-to-1 scope.
Follow the anchor's guidance and leave room for changing water conditions.
