Understanding the Geometry and Working of a Deep-diving New-generation Anchor

Modern new-generation anchors have a unique design that allows them to bury deep into the seabed for ultimate holding capacity. When dropped, the fluke sits on its side and the shackle end of the shank touches the seabed.

As the load is applied, the fluke toe engages with the seabed, and soon after, the shackle end of the shank starts to bury as well. Boaters usually deploy their anchors by moving the boat backward, the Viking design positions the anchor in its perfect penetrating position for immediate digging.

As the toe buries deeper, it “pulls” the shackle end of the shank down with it.

 The deeper the fluke toe buries, the more it pulls the shackle end of the shank down with it. When the anchor is well-set, only the top of the shank is visible. As the anchor sets deeper, it gets completely buried, and the fluke tends to burrow forward and sit parallel to the seabed surface, indicating that it has reached its ultimate diving depth and ultimate holding capacity.

In a hard bottom, any anchor may not drag the chain under the surface and could be forced to its ultimate holding capacity with no chain buried at all. This process creates a buried rode that takes on the form of a reverse catenary.

Since the chain interferes with the anchor setting position it is not recommended to use large swivels.

 Viking 20 anchor setting after being pulled by 4 tons 4X4 Toyota land cruiser to the vehicle's maximum towing capability.

This anchor was much too big for the Land cruiser towing abilities if the right or smaller sized anchor was attached to it when properly buried

It would look like this:

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