To set a Claw anchor, lower it under control, pay out enough rode for the depth and conditions, then let the boat move back gently until the rode tightens. Check that the boat stays in position rather than treating one tug on the rode as proof of a secure hold. The right amount of rode and the result depend on the boat, seabed, weather, and equipment.
Before you lower the anchor
Choose a spot with enough room to swing and enough depth for your boat, and account for nearby boats, shore, and hazards. Check that the anchor, rode, and connection are suitable for your vessel and expected conditions. Lewmar describes its Claw as a one-piece steel anchor, offered in galvanized and stainless-steel finishes, and says it is designed for multiple seabeds and fits most bow rollers. These are product claims, not a guarantee that a particular Claw will hold in every bottom or weather condition. Lewmar Claw anchor
Inspect the rode and anchor connection before deployment. Rocna advises using a load-rated, appropriately sized shackle; check that the actual shackle fits both the chain end link and the anchor attachment point. This is Rocna’s general equipment guidance, not a Claw-specific fitting specification. Rocna setting FAQ
Calculate how much rode to pay out
Scope is the length of rode divided by the vertical distance from the bow roller to the seabed. Include the bow roller’s height above the water: measuring only the water depth understates the distance the rode must span. For example, if the bow roller is 2 feet above the water and the seabed is 18 feet below it, the vertical distance is 20 feet; 5:1 scope would mean 100 feet of rode.
#1 Best Overall
- ROCK SOLID - To deliver reliability on the open water, this claw anchor is built from high-strength steel. Not only that, but the steel is one-piece, high-tensile and heat-treated for exceptional strength and a rock-solid hold
- MARINE-RESISTANT - Marine environments can be some of the most rigorous, and as such, we’ve made this anchor to last, applying a galvanized finish that stands up to moisture, weather and more
- QUICK-SETTING - This Lewmar anchor offers a sophisticated solution for your vessel with its bruce-style claw. The claw sets quickly in a variety of seabeds and resets as needed after veering
- EASY STORAGE - This claw anchor can be used with a variety of bow roller styles to make dropping, weighing and storing easy
- ANY BOAT - Choose from a range of sizes and weights of our Lewmar claw anchor to find the right fit for your boat style and length
Rode needs vary with depth, bow-roller height, weather, seabed, vessel, and the anchor maker’s recommendations. Published ratios differ by equipment guidance and should not be confused with a Claw-specific requirement: Rocna’s user guide says at least 3:1 and aims for 5:1, while its FAQ describes 3:1 in calm conditions and 5:1 for normal anchoring. Lewmar’s separate LFX guide calls 3:1 a minimum and 10:1 ideal; those figures apply to that guide, not specifically to a Claw. Rocna user guide Lewmar LFX safe-anchoring guide
Deploy and let the anchor take hold
- Lower under control. Pay out the anchor and rode without letting chain run away. If using a windlass, follow the manual for that windlass and boat, including its free-fall procedure where applicable. Lewmar windlass operating instructions
- Pay out the planned rode. Let out the amount calculated for the depth and conditions before trying to load the anchor. Do not rely on a short, steep pull to set it.
- Allow the boat to move back gently. As the boat drifts or moves back, the rode will gradually come taut. Give the anchor time to take hold; avoid an abrupt pull.
- Transfer the load before applying engine power. Lewmar’s windlass procedure says to engage the chain stopper so it takes the load before using engine power to set the anchor. Do not use the windlass to pull the boat toward the anchor. Rocna’s advice to set with low engine revs and increase power gradually after the rode tightens applies to Rocna and Vulcan models, not as a verified Claw-specific procedure. Rocna setting FAQ
Check whether the anchor is holding
After the rode has tightened, watch whether the boat remains in its intended position. Use fixed landmarks or your navigation equipment to notice movement over time, and stay alert to changes in wind, tide, or traffic. A rode that came taut once is not, by itself, proof that the anchor has set securely. If the boat continues to move, the set is uncertain, or conditions worsen, reassess the hold and whether you have enough room; be ready to reset or choose another spot.
Rank #2
- Durable, dependable Claw Anchor is ideal for anchoring wide variety of boats
- Versatile anchor is designed for use in various sea beds, and performs reliably amid tides and windy conditions
- Durable, corrosion-resistant hot-dipped galvanized steel construction
- Stows easily on bow roller
- Reliable 11-pound Claw Anchor is intended for use with a 23-foot boat
Use the windlass safely
A windlass deploys and retrieves rode; it should not haul the boat to the anchor or break out an anchor that is stuck. Lewmar instructs users to motor toward the anchor during retrieval and transfer the setting load to the chain stopper before using engine power. Follow the operating instructions for the actual windlass and vessel, since procedures can differ by equipment.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What affects a Claw anchor’s performance?
Holding depends on the complete ground-tackle setup and the conditions, including anchor and vessel sizing, seabed, rode length and material, connection compatibility, and bow-roller fit. Lewmar offers galvanized and stainless Claw versions, but the cited product information does not provide comparative holding tests or establish that one finish is universally better. Choose and use equipment according to the relevant manufacturer instructions rather than relying on a broad claim that an anchor works across seabeds.
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Best Value
- Durable, dependable Claw Anchor is ideal for anchoring wide variety of boats
- Versatile anchor is designed for use in various sea beds, and performs reliably amid tides and windy conditions
- Durable, corrosion-resistant hot-dipped galvanized steel construction
- Stows easily on bow roller
- Reliable 22-pound Claw Anchor is intended for use with a 30-foot boat
Rank #4
- Durable, dependable Claw Anchor is ideal for anchoring wide variety of boats
- Versatile anchor is designed for use in various sea beds, and performs reliably amid tides and windy conditions
- Durable, corrosion-resistant hot-dipped galvanized steel construction
- Stows easily on bow roller
- Reliable 16 1/2-pound Claw Anchor is intended for use with a 30-foot boat
Rank #3
- TOP-PERFORMING ANCHOR— Our claw anchors have a one-piece design and easily sets in a variety of seabeds. This claw anchor also resets quickly giving boaters the confidence they need for a reliable, dependable and anchor
- BUILT TO LAST — This Lewmar claw anchor is made from a high-grade steel and galvanized for durability. They hold well in most bottom types and varying conditions, and perform best in rock, weed and coral
- QUALITY DESIGN — The Lewmar galvanized claw anchor replicates the same design of the anchors used by the oil rigs in the North Sea. You can depend on the performance and reliability of how well this anchor sets and resets-a premium anchor
- SIZED RIGHT —The galvanized claw anchor measures 13" W x 10- 1/4" H x 19- 1/2" L The anchor weighs 16.5 lbs. (7.5 kg). It is ideal for boats 24-30''.
- TRUSTED BRAND — Our Lewmar 16.5 lb. claw anchor is made from the premiere equipment supplier- designing, manufacturing and distributing innovative, high-quality control solutions worldwide since 1946. Lewmar offers the highest levels of quality in the industry
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