Sea Floating Anchor (Drift Anchor) – 6 Sizes for Boats up to 15 m

The sea floating anchor, also known as a drogue or sea parachute, is a specialized device that acts like an underwater “brake” for your boat. Once thrown overboard, it opens up under water and creates drag, which slows and stabilizes the vessel. The primary function is to keep the bow of your boat pointing into the wind and waves, preventing the boat from turning sideways to oncoming waves and reducing dangerous rolling. This is especially valuable if the weather suddenly deteriorates with rising waves, or if your engine is disabled – the floating anchor will stop the boat from drifting aimlessly at the mercy of wind and current.

The EVAL floating anchor is constructed from heavy-duty PVC material (coated fabric), reinforced around the mouth and along the seams with strong nylon webbing straps. This robust construction ensures the drogue’s conical shape remains open in the water and can withstand strong currents without tearing. Each size comes with a small opening at the narrow tail end and an attached tripping line (a thin retrieval line). When you’re ready to bring the drogue in, you pull this trip line – doing so inverts the cone and dumps the water out quickly, allowing you to easily haul the now-collapsed anchor back on board.

Sizes and Applications:

• No.1 (Small): Approximately 50 cm diameter, suitable for boats up to ~4.5 m (small runabouts, inflatables, jet boats).
• No.2: ~77 cm diameter, for boats up to ~7 m. Great for medium powerboats and sailing vessels in that range.
• No.3: ~110 cm diameter, ideal for boats up to around 7.5–8 m. Provides more drag for small yachts and heavier craft.
• No.4: ~152 cm diameter, for boats up to ~10 m. Suitable for larger cruising yachts, catamarans, or mid-sized commercial fishing boats.
• No.5: ~185 cm diameter, for vessels up to ~13.5 m. Offers serious stabilization for big yachts and motor cruisers.
• No.6 (Largest): Approximately 220 cm across, for boats up to 15 m (and even slightly beyond in some cases). Used in heavy conditions by large motor yachts or small commercial ships – delivers maximum drift control.

(Note: Diameters are approximate, corresponding to size codes No1–No6. Always check manufacturer guidelines for exact dimensions and recommended boat sizes.)

Use Cases:
– Drift Fishing: The sea anchor is extremely popular among offshore anglers – when deployed, it slows the boat’s drift to a controlled pace rather than allowing it to spin or rush with the wind. This keeps your boat oriented properly and lets your baits or lures move at an optimal slow speed, increasing your chances of a catch.
– Emergency Situations: In the event of engine failure in open water, this drogue can dramatically reduce your drift, preventing the boat from being swept into danger (rocks, shoreline) and buying you time until help arrives or repairs are made.
– Swimming/Diving Stops: If you want to stop in the open sea for a swim or dive, deploying a drift anchor will keep the boat near your vicinity instead of it drifting far away while you’re in the water. It’s an added safety measure to ensure the boat remains reachable.
– Heavy Weather Survival: In a storm where reaching a harbor isn’t possible, a sea anchor (used alongside your main anchor or on its own) will hold the bow into the waves. This reduces the strain on your primary anchor and prevents the boat from taking waves broadside, greatly improving safety and comfort during a gale.

How to Use: Attach the wide end of the drogue to a sufficient length of rode (as a rule of thumb, the line should be about 5–10 times the boat’s length for optimal effectiveness). Tie the other end of this line to a secure point at the bow (e.g., a bow cleat or Samson post). Throw the drogue overboard and let the line pay out – once the cone fills with water, you’ll feel it take hold and the boat will align bow-first against the resistance. To retrieve – always pull in the trip line (the small line) first to invert the cone, then gently haul in the main line with the now-collapsed drogue. After use, rinse the drogue with fresh water and allow it to dry before storage to prevent mold or odors.

A floating sea anchor is a must-have safety and control device for serious offshore boaters, enhancing your ability to manage challenging situations where a regular anchor or engine alone might not suffice. It adds a layer of security and control, ensuring you can maintain a safer, more comfortable position even in the unpredictable dynamics of the open sea.