How to Build an Anchor for a Box Boat

Boats that are secured with a weak anchor will drift away with strong current, as the anchor will release and drag along the bottom. Strongly constructed anchors provide a dependable means of keeping the boat in the same place, even during stormy weather. A box anchor is an ideal choice for all boats, including box boats, as it is constructed with metal that securely grasps the bottom of the body of water where the boat is anchored. Box anchors are easily handled and do not require a large storage area.

Things You'll Need

  • Metal panels
  • Work table
  • Screw driver
  • Screws
  • Drill
  • Pull rod with connector on top and metal stop on the bottom
  • Triangular metal pieces
  • Chain
  • Nylon line
  • Canvas bag
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lay four metal panels, each 6 inches wide by 30 inches long, on a wooden work table. Drill two holes 1 inch from the end of each metal panel. Connect the panels using a screwdriver, 2-inch screws and bolts, creating a four-sided box frame. Drill two more holes at the middle of each metal pane near the bottom of the panes. Connect one triangular-shaped metal piece to each panel using 2-inch screws, bolts and the screwdriver. These triangular metal pieces are the arms or "flukes" of the anchor that will grasp the the ground and prevent the boat from drifting.

    • 2

      Select one of the metal panels to which a pull rod will be connected. Drill a 2-inch-diameter hole at the center of this pane. Insert the top of the pull rod through the hole. The metal piece at the bottom of the pull road will prevent it from passing completely through the hole. Slide a chain through the opening at the top of the pull rod. Connect the end of the chain to nylon line. A total of 250 feet of line and chain are required for each 25 feet of water depth. Water depth information is available from the Coast Guard or from marine police.

    • 3

      Toss the box anchor overboard at the side of the boat, and allow the chain and line to submerge into the water. When the anchor hits the bottom of the water, pull the line toward the bow -- the front of the boat -- to ensure that the metal arms have grasped the bottom. Tie the end of the line to the boat. To remove the anchor, pull the line toward the stern -- the back of the boat -- to release the anchor's grip. When the anchor is not in use, store it in a heavy canvas bag.