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7 Best Jet Ski Anchor Systems Compared [Video]

7 Best Jet Ski Anchor Systems Compared [Video]

What is the best anchor for a jet ski?

Without further ado, the seven best jet ski anchors are as follows:

  1. Screw anchor
  2. Sand bag anchor
  3. Mushroom anchor
  4. Folding anchor
  5. Danforth anchor
  6. Cooper anchor
  7. Security anchor
If you find out more about these PWC anchor systems, keep reading. We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know under one roof!

What Kind of Anchor do You Need For a Jet Ski?

Are you wondering which is the best jet ski anchor on the market? In fact, there is no exact answer to this!  This is because the best choice may vary depending on how and where you want to use it. You may want to anchor your jet ski in several situations; while you’re fishing, snorkeling, or just simply beaching. Or maybe you want to anchor your jet ski overnight?

As there are many factors to consider, we’ve collected the most important features to look for when you go to buy a PWC anchor:Size: The size of the jet ski anchor is always important, as storage space is very limited on every jet ski. It could be especially important if you have a smaller Rec-Lite model, or an older vintage jet ski, which usually comes with much less storage capacity! A too-small anchor could be useless, while a large one could be a hassle if you want to store it.

Weight: If there’s another really important factor you should consider, it’s the weight of the PWC anchor. Light anchors can be attractive as they’re easier to handle and don’t increase your curb weight. Alternatively, keep in mind that if the anchor doesn’t have enough weight, it won’t stabilize your craft properly, especially on choppy water, or in a stream. But as we’ll see, there are really unique alternatives made from plastic that can do the job for you to a certain degree.

Material: One of the most commonly used materials is still metal, but many owners don’t prefer them due to their weight. They’re also prone to rust and can damage your storage bins if you don’t store them securely in a bag. Fortunately, more plastic jet ski anchor systems have appeared on the market.

Ease of use: Some types of anchors are really easy to use while others need more preparation before you can use them. For example, there are models which you need to fill up with sand or rocks before using them.

Jet ski weight: From the small and lightweight stand-up jet skis to the heaviest luxury and performance PWCs, each model’s weights vary widely. This can be an important factor, as the heavier the jet ski, the more effective an anchor you will need!

Water depth: The depth of water can also be a factor, as some anchors are designed for deep water while others can be used only in shallow water.

Bottom surface: When it comes to the bottom, your anchor can dig itself into various surfaces. Sand, gravel, clay, peat, mud, cobblestones, or rocks? Different bottoms require different types of PWC anchors, as the holding characteristic is different from model to model. It’s also good to know that weeds or shells can make anchoring more difficult in many cases. That’s why it’s important to research the bottom surface in your area to choose the best anchor possible.

Holding power: Also, don’t forget factors like waves, streams, wind, and other weather elements. In some of these cases, you’ll need more holding power, while in others, you may be happy with a smaller anchor. You also have to consider if you want to anchor your jet ski overnight sometimes, or if you want to attach even more skis to your anchor at the same time!

Durability: Many buyers should look for durability as well. Some metal anchors are prone to rust, while others have moving parts that can get damaged. If you choose a simple model, you can’t go wrong.

Price: Finally, don’t forget to factor in the price as well. Jet ski anchor prices vary widely depending on the design, material, and quality. Generally speaking, you can find anchors for your PWC from as low as $20 up to $200.

What not to use: You’ve probably seen other PWC or boat owners who use barbells, kettlebells, or other heavy weights for anchoring. Even if they do the job, these are really far from the perfect solution. They’re too heavy. which means it’s harder to store and in the worst case, they can damage the jet ski’s hull or the storage bin.  Not to mention that they’ll rust in a short period of time!

Let’s drill into the details and take a closer look at the best jet ski anchor systems!

1. Screw Anchor Systems

Screw PWC anchors are really popular among owners due to their lightweight and small size.

They’re also easy to use as you can screw these anchors into most shoreline surfaces. Their disadvantage is that you can use them only in shallow water (2-3 feet deep) as you have to access the bottom. And also keep in mind that they aren’t ideal on soft bottoms like peat or soft mud.

But don’t worry, most beaches are covered with sand, so you can screw it in easily, and then just hook your jet ski on it with an anchor line. Really quick and hassle-free solution! Let see the best jet ski screw anchor systems on the market!

Sand Shark Jet Ski anchors: New Sport

When it comes to PWC anchors, Sand Shark is a well-known name on the market. They offer high-quality anchor systems specially designed for jet skis. Their entry-level model arrives under the name “New Sport”. This device is made of strong ABS (plastic) and consists of 3 different parts to keep easy storage in mind.

You can assemble it in a second to get a 4’ tall screw anchor. And don’t worry about the durability; according to the manufacturer, this anchor is strong enough to hold down a 25’ boat!

Sand Shark Jet Ski anchors: Premium sand anchor

Let’s face it; plastic is for not everybody. If you like high-quality gear and are looking for something premium, consider a Sand Shark metal jet ski anchor.

It’s a screw anchor, but it’s much more compact and made of metal. When it’s collapsed, it’s only one foot long! It arrives in a small case to protect your storage bin from damage, and a bungee cord around 6’ long.

Are you hesitant about whether this anchor is for you? You shouldn’t be, as SandShark offers a 100% Money Back Guarantee, which means 0% risk for you!

When do you need a screw anchor? If you’re looking for an anchor for beaching and for shallow water use, but one with a remarkable holding power!

2. Sand Bag Anchors

Many PWC owners are afraid to keep a heavy anchor in their storage bin. They waste valuable storage space, increase the curb weight, and they just bump around in the jet ski’s hull which can cause damage in the jet ski or to other gear!

That’s why many riders choose sand bag jet ski anchors. This is one of the most popular anchors on the market, and for good reason!

When it’s not in use, it’s just a simple, small bag, so you can use it to store ropes or other smaller items. Or just roll it up and place it anywhere; it requires almost zero storage space!

Before using it, you need to simply fill it up with rocks or wet sand. Hence, the bag will weigh around 30-50 pounds depending on the model, but with its weight, it can hold your jet ski in place. What an awesome and flexible device!

Drawbacks?

In fact, you can use these sand bag anchors only in shallow water and when the weather is calm, so their usability is limited. However, there are some tricks if the weather is a little rougher and you want to use a sand bag to anchor your jet ski.

The first trick is to put an additional big rock on the top of your sand bag. You can use this same trick with regular metal anchors as well! This way, the waves and the wind won’t lift your anchor up any time from the bottom.

The other common solution is to use two anchor bags at the same time. The best practice is if you attach one of them to the bow hook, and the other to the stern hook. Two sand bags can anchor your ski surprisingly well, even on choppy water.

What’s more, you can use the bags for storing other stuff, and it never hurts if you have a spare if one your friends need to borrow one!

Despite their drawbacks, these bags are still one of the best jet ski anchor systems on the market.

When do you need a sand bag anchor? If you’re looking for the lightest anchor with zero weight and want to use it only in shallow water.

3. Mushroom Anchor

When it comes to metal anchors, many owners prefer the mushroom jet ski anchors, as they work well on different surfaces. This design also lacks  sharp edges, so it won’t injure the jet ski’s hull or even people.

When it comes to its size, the rule of thumb is more weight means more holding power, just like in the case of any other metal anchors. Usually, mushroom anchors with a weight of 8 pounds can do the job, but the best choices are the mushroom anchors at around 10 pounds.

When you’re shopping around, it’s recommended you choose a model that is covered with plastic. This coating can protect your anchor from corrosion and your jet ski hulls from scratches at the same time.

When it comes to the cons, it’s a fact that mushroom anchors work well only in calm weather conditions. They don’t dig themselves deeply enough into the surface when the weather turns rough, so your anchor can be dragged around the bottom.

Due to its shape, mushroom anchors are usually harder to store compared to other PWC anchors. When you store them, protect your storage bin as well. The best practice is if you wrap the anchor in a soft material (like a towel) and secure it in the bin when it’s not in use.

When do you choose a mushroom anchor? If you prefer metal over plastic, as these units are considered one of the best jet ski anchors made from metal. Also note that they’re only recommended if you have a lightweight jet ski or you just want to anchor in calm weather conditions.

4. Folding Anchor System

Jet ski folding anchors have regained popularity due to their small size and versatility. They also have really good holding power and work great on different surfaces like sand, mud, rocks and even gravel.

Their main advantage is that they are collapsible so you can store them on your jet ski much more easily.

Since they’re available for kayaks as well, you can find folding anchors in several different sizes and weights. When it comes to jet skis, owners usually choose 3-4 pounds folding anchors.

The main problem with the folding anchors is that they can be trapped easily on the bottom of the ocean or lake floor, so many of them have been lost throughout history.

But with this easy trick with a zip tie, you can reduce this risk radically:

When to choose a folding anchor? If you’re looking for a versatile anchor that you can use on several surfaces and weather conditions.

5. Danforth PWC Anchor

Danforth jet ski anchors (aka fluke anchors) are really popular.  This is the type you can see on most boats. These anchors are made of metal and unlike folding anchors, they’re unfortunately not collapsible which is a great disadvantage when you want to store them.

As these anchors are designed for boats, finding a small Danforth PWC anchor may be a challenge. In spite of these difficulties, many PWC owners still choose this model as they can hold bigger jet skis really well.

The Danforth anchors work well in sand or mud but are not ideal on rocky surfaces as they have to dig themselves into the bottom to provide their best holding power. Additionally, if the bottom is rocky or covered with rocks or shells, these anchors can bite into the surface much harder. You also have to pay close attention to your fingers as the anchor’s hinge can be dangerous for them.

When to choose a Danforth anchor? If you’re looking for a heavy-duty anchor with serious holding power and you can store this bigger piece of metal in your storage bin securely!

6. Cooper Jet Ski Anchors

Cooper jet ski anchors became more popular over the years and for good reason. They’re made of durable plastic, which means these models are really light and won’t damage your storage bin!

In spite of their small weight, they have really good holding power.  That’s why these anchors get many good reviews from jet ski owners all around the world.

The cooper anchors do a really good job in 2-6 feet of water, as they dig themselves deeper into the bottom of the ocean or lake, but you can easily retrieve them as well.

They offer 4 different models.  The manufacturer offers the blue model (2.2 lbs) for jet skis, but some PWC owners buy the black one (3.3 lbs) for better security.

When to choose a cooper anchor? If you prefer lightweight plastic anchors with remarkable holding power and durability.

7. Security PWC Anchors

Security jet ski anchors are definitely not a device that you can store under your seat. But if you want to leave your jet ski overnight in the water, you can make good use of them.

If you leave your jet ski near the dock without supervision, you risk the jet ski’s hull being damaged due to waves or wind while you’re away.

Instead of the dock, you can lock your jet ski into the security PWC anchor so you don’t have to worry if the weather turns suddenly rough.

Choosing The Best Jet Ski Anchor

What kind of anchor do you need for your jet ski?

As you can see, every anchor system is different, and each design has its own pros and cons, so there is no winner here. Although many owners consider the mushroom, the sand bag and the folding anchors as the best jet ski anchor systems on the market.

Finally, what anchor you ultimately need depends on several factors like the surface of the bottom, weather conditions, your jet ski’s weight, storage capacity and many others.

In general, if you’re looking for an easy anchor for beaching and for shallow water use, you can’t go wrong with the most popular sand bag anchor, a cooper anchor or even a screw anchor.

When it comes to metal, the entry-level anchors are the mushroom anchors. You can use this model in shallow water and calm weather conditions.

If you’re looking for a heavy-duty metal anchor with great holding power, the folding anchors or the Danforth PWC anchors (known as fluke anchors) are for you.

This was our short review about the best PWC anchor systems. We hope you find it useful!