Bruce anchor size chart
Here’s a Bruce (Claw) anchor size chart in kilograms:
| Boat Length (metres) | Boat Length (feet) | Recommended Anchor Weight | Heavy Weather / Heavier Boat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 – 6.7 m | 12 – 22 ft | 2.7 kg | 5 kg |
| 5.5 – 7.6 m | 18 – 25 ft | 5 kg | 7 kg |
| 6.7 – 10.4 m | 22 – 34 ft | 7.5 kg | 10 kg |
| 7.6 – 10.7 m | 25 – 35 ft | 10 kg | 15 kg |
| 9.1 – 12.2 m | 30 – 40 ft | 15 kg | 20 kg |
| 10.7 – 15.2 m | 35 – 50 ft | 20 kg | 25 kg |
| 11.9 – 16.8 m | 39 – 55 ft | 25 kg | 30 kg |
| 12.2 – 18.3 m | 40 – 60 ft | 30 kg | 35+ kg |
Notes:
These are minimum recommendations for average conditions. For offshore passages, rocky seabeds, or areas with strong currents/tides, it’s smart to go one size up.
- If your boat is heavier than average, it’s wise to upgrade to the next size up.
- Known for excellent performance in various seabeds and strong early setting—Practical Sailor tests showed the Bruce sets 97% of the time in sand and outperforms many other types
- Bruce anchors aren’t as effective in hard bottoms like clay, and they have a lower holding power per weight than some newer designs, so erring on the larger side often helps
Bruce anchors excel in sand and mud, and reset well with shifting wind/tide, but are less effective in very hard clay or heavy weed.
Author
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View all postsRene is a keelboat instructor and sailing coach in the Mandurah area WA. He is also the author of several books about sailing including "The Book of Maritime Idioms" and "Renaming your boat".