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Anchor Test

Here are the ABYC (American Boat & Yacht Council) standards for design loads for sizing deck hardware. The table refers to deck hardware but also gives a general idea of the loads that anchors should be able to hold.

LOA Beam Permanent Mooring Storm Anchor Working Anchor
Sail Power
ft. (m) ft. (m) ft. (m) lbs. (kN) lbs. (kN) lbs. (kN)
10 (3.0) 4 (1.2) 5 (1.5) 480 (2.1) 320 (1.4) 160 (0.7)
15 (4.5) 5 (1.5) 6 (1.8) 750 (3.3) 500 (2.2) 250 (1.1)
20 (6.1) 7 (2.1) 8 (2.4) 1080 (4.8) 720 (3.2) 360 (1.6)
25 (7.6) 8 (2.4) 9 (2.7) 1470 (6.5) 980 (4.4) 490 (2.2)
30 (9.1) 9 (2.7) 11 (3.4) 2100 (9.3) 1400 (6.2) 700 (3.1)
35 (10.7) 10 (3.0) 13 (4.0) 2700 (12.0) 1800 (8.0) 900 (4.0)
40 (12.2) 11 (3.4) 14 (4.3) 3600 (16.0) 2400 (10.7) 1200 (5.3)
50 (15.2) 13 (4.0) 16 (4.9) 4800 (21.4) 3200 (14.2) 1600 (7.1)
60 (18.3) 15 (4.6) 18 (5.5) 6000 (26.7) 4000 (17.8) 2000 (8.9)

NOTES:

  1. When using this table with the length overall or beams, use whichever gives the highest load, assuming freedom to oscillate is permitted and moderate shelter from seas proportionate to hull size.
  2. Boats with canvas and large superstructure, use the load one category higher than that determined by using the powerboat column.
  3. These values include the effects of wind, current and wave action.