How much more effective should a storm anchor be than a service anchor?

• A. 60-80%
• B. 150-200%
• C. 250-300%
• D. 100%

Answer: (B)

In storm conditions you need substantially more holding power than for normal operations because wind, current, and waves create much larger and more variable forces on the anchor. The guideline is that a storm anchor should be about 150–200% more effective than a service anchor, which means roughly two-and-a-half to three times the holding power of a standard anchor. This extra capability provides a meaningful safety margin to keep the vessel from dragging and to maintain position during severe weather. The lower ranges (60–80%) would not give enough extra strength, a 100% increase is only double and often not enough for heavy seas, and the 250–300% range is more than typically required for standard practice.