Traditional “Hall” Anchor – Hot Galvanized (2.5 kg to 10 kg)

The Hall anchor is a traditional ship’s anchor, characterized by a heavy body and two triangular flukes (arms) hinged to the main shank of the anchor. This stockless design (i.e., without a transverse stock bar) was originally developed for use on large vessels, but here it’s scaled down to serve small and medium boats. The advantage of this design is that the anchor is heavy and compact – easy to stow in a bow roller or hawse, while still offering reliable holding power thanks to the shape of its flukes.

When dropped, the weight of a Hall anchor ensures that at least one fluke will bite into the bottom. The hinged shank allows the flukes to orient at an optimal angle to the seabed – meaning that no matter the direction of pull, the anchor self-adjusts to achieve the best hold. Once embedded, the wide surface area of the flukes and the anchor’s mass deliver very high holding force, especially in firm or clay bottoms (where the flukes act like “hooks” catching under layers of substrate).

Available Weights & Recommendations:

• 2.5 kg: Suited for very small boats (~3-4 m or 10-13 ft, such as aluminum dinghies, rowboats). Though light, its design holds better than a basic utility anchor of the same weight. Recommended for anchoring in rivers, lakes, and nearshore calm conditions.
• 4 kg: A general-purpose size for boats around 4-5 m (13-16 ft). A good option for small fishing boats and skiffs. Provides confidence in moderate wind conditions.
• 6 kg: Mid-range – for boats ~5-6 m (17-20 ft, roughly 18-foot runabouts or day sailers). Offers significant holding power combining weight and efficient shape. Suitable for small sailboats and motorboats in its class.
• 8 kg: A heavier anchor for vessels ~6-7+ m (20-24 ft). Thanks to the increased mass, it sets even more deeply. Often used as a primary hook on ~25-ft yachts or as a secondary on larger boats.
• 10 kg: The largest listed – for yachts and boats ~7-8+ m (25-28 ft and up). An excellent choice for permanent moorings or as the main anchor in harsher conditions. At over 10 kg, manual handling is harder, so typically paired with a windlass for retrieval.

All sizes are hot-dip galvanized, meaning each anchor is dipped in molten zinc after fabrication. This gives a uniform protective layer against rust – critical for long-term use in saltwater. Even if the coating chips in spots (from hitting rocks, etc.), the solid steel construction continues to perform.

Note: Hall anchors are known for their durability and reliability, but they are relatively heavier for a given holding power compared to modern designs (like Delta, Bruce, etc.). Nevertheless, for traditionalists and those seeking a simple, proven, and robust option, the Hall anchor is an excellent choice. It’s also favored for classic aesthetics or use on historical-style vessels. When properly sized to your boat and typical conditions, this anchor will serve you well, providing peace of mind while anchoring.