When you're out on the water, few things matter more than being able to trust your anchor. Whether you're spending the night aboard, fishing offshore, or securing your vessel near the shore, a reliable anchor is essential. Among all the anchor types available today, the Bruce anchor—also known as the claw anchor—has earned a reputation for strength, versatility, and ease of use.
In this blog, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about Bruce anchors: how they work, where they excel, how to choose the right size, and why they are a popular choice for boaters around the world.
Originally developed in the 1970s for use on offshore oil platforms in the North Sea, the Bruce anchor was designed to provide exceptional holding power in a variety of seabeds. Its triple-fluke claw shape allows it to dig in quickly and maintain grip under strain, even when wind or current changes direction.
Over time, it became a favorite among recreational boaters, especially those sailing in mixed or unknown seabed conditions. The Bruce anchor is now a common sight on sailboats, motor yachts, fishing boats, and even some commercial vessels.
The claw design of the Bruce anchor allows it to set almost immediately upon hitting the seabed. It digs in with minimal dragging and can reset itself if it’s ever dislodged. Unlike some plow or fluke anchors, which may require perfect positioning or manual adjustment, the Bruce anchor performs well without much effort.
Its wide surface area and curved flukes give it superior holding in sand, mud, gravel, and rock. Though it may not perform as well as a Danforth in soft mud or as deeply as a Rocna in heavy weeds, its reliable all-around performance makes it a go-to choice for everyday anchoring needs.
Self-Righting Design: The anchor naturally turns into the correct position for setting.
Quick Set and Reset: Reduces the time needed to anchor securely.
Excellent Performance on Mixed Seabeds: Works in sand, mud, gravel, coral, and some rocky bottoms.
No Moving Parts: Simple, solid construction with minimal maintenance.
Low Risk of Fouling: Less likely to get clogged with debris or snagged on obstacles.
Versatile for Various Boat Sizes: Available in a range of weights and sizes.
Selecting the correct size anchor depends on your boat’s length, weight, and typical anchoring conditions. Here's a general guide:
Pro Tip: If you often anchor in strong currents, high winds, or rough seabeds, it’s always safer to size up for extra security.
Coastal Cruising – Excellent for anchoring overnight near shorelines with mixed seabeds.
Fishing Trips – Sets quickly, making it ideal for repositioning frequently.
Yacht Mooring – Adds both functionality and aesthetics when made of polished stainless steel.
Diving Support Boats – Holds well in coral and rocky areas.
We offer a full range of Bruce anchors from 2.5kg to 30kg, available in both mirror-polished 316 stainless steel and durable hot-dip galvanized steel. All anchors are tested for strength, corrosion resistance, and holding performance to ensure your safety on the water.
The Bruce anchor remains one of the most trusted and time-tested boat anchors in the marine industry. Whether you’re sailing a coastal cruiser or a fishing vessel, it delivers confidence, simplicity, and performance every time you drop it overboard.
Ready to upgrade your anchoring system? Choose a Bruce anchor that matches your boat’s needs and enjoy safer, smoother voyages.