See full version: How to Choose the Right Anchor for Your Boat (video)
Deciding on a certain size of anchor can be a bit of a guessing game. Since conditions are always changing, there is no "right" size for the job at hand. One misconception people make when shopping for an anchor is the heavier the better. This is just not true. Physical size, rather than weight, is actually a better indicator of the anchors holding ability. (Some anchors that only weigh 5lbs. can hold in excess of 1,000 pounds!) [links]
The following represents a list of the most common anchor designs currently on the market more
When it comes to choosing an anchor, bigger is almost always better. Bigger anchors have more strength to resist breaking, occupy more of a surface area to resist pullout and will have more weight to penetrate deeper. Go with the biggest anchor you can get by with for the size of your watercraft; the last thing you need when rough weather arrives is an inadequate anchor that doesn't do the job. [links]
This type of anchor is a hands-free style with a electric anchor winch attached to the bow of the boat. With the simple flick of a switch, the anchor can be raised or lowered, allowing the boater more time for other concerns. The one drawback this system has is that the anchor itself is usually in the style of the mushroom — great for muddy or sandy conditions, but a poor choice for rocky areas. However, for people with disabilities or back problems, this anchor system certainly has its merits. [links]
From the basic "cement-in-a-bucket" to the tried-and-true fluke or grapnel, boat anchors come in a wide variety of shapes and styles. No matter what size boat you skim across your favorite lake in, having an anchor on board assures safe boating, while also permitting the angler to have a controlled and drift-free fishing excursion.
Onboard boat battery chargers eliminate the issues of digging down into the bilge with a flashlight trying to hook up your deep-cycle batteries for an overnight charge so that you can get full power out of your trolling motor in the morning. Once the charger is installed, you simply plug in one heavy-duty connection and you can charge three or even four batteries at once, without concerns about sparking, overcharging or overheating.
What's more, when you park your boat in the garage for a week--or a month--a good charger will not only keep the batteries topped off and ready to go fishing anytime you like, but will also reduce and even shut off the charge when the batteries are all at full power, preventing gassing, overheating and a shortened life-span.
2. Boat chargers like the Minn Kota Digital Linear Charger , though more affordable, features digital control, fast charge times, enhanced status codes, an advanced maintenance mode, multi-stage charging, and automatic temperature control. In addition, these chargers are waterproof, shock- and vibration-resistant and have a tough aluminum housing. They're also saltwater-tested and fully corrosion-resistant, and include short circuit, reverse polarity, and ignition protection. There are models for charging up to three batteries at once, and pricing starts around $200.