Deck General · Ground Tackle & Anchoring
The Danforth (lightweight) anchor achieves its holding power primarily by:
- AIts heavy cast-iron weight pressing into the seabed
- BWide flat flukes that pivot and dig deep into the bottom✓ Correct
- CA hinged plow-shaped fluke that resets if the vessel swings
- DSuction created by a domed shape pressed into soft mud
Explanation
The Danforth has two large flat flukes that pivot on a stock at the crown. When the rode pulls horizontally, the flukes rotate downward and bury deep, providing exceptional holding power-to-weight ratio in sand and mud. It does not perform as well in rock or grass where flukes cannot penetrate.
Authority: Deck Seamanship (USCG deck topic)
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