Your boat’s anchor is one of the most essential pieces of equipment you have onboard. When you’re ready to drop anchor, you expect it to work quickly and effectively. Many boat owners utilize an anchor well or other storage compartment for housing their anchor when it’s not in use; but unfortunately, this type of anchor storage is not the most efficient—requiring the additional task of pulling the anchor out of storage, and then attaching it to the bow of your boat. This is where an anchor bow roller can help.

Let’s examine a few different factors to keep in mind when choosing an anchor roller for you boat.

What is an Anchor Roller?

Starting with the basics, the purpose of an anchor roller for a boat is to provide a permanent surface on the front of the bow for storage, deployment and retrieval of your anchor. Benefits of using a bow roller include easier retrieval of your anchor, as well as quick access and fast deployment.

An anchor roller wheel functions similarly to a bow pulpit (which you’ll typically find built into a boat’s original construction), but is far less expensive when purchasing an after-market replacement. You’ll typically see bow rollers in use anytime a boat is equipped with a windlass.

Different Types of Anchor Rollers

When deciding on the right type of bow roller replacement or new addition for your boat, you’ll want to ensure that the roller you choose is compatible with the anchor size and style you’ll be using.

Specifically, be sure to check that the anchor bow roller allows for a sufficient amount of space between the anchor and the boat when stored so it doesn’t cause damage to the bow. Likewise, you’ll want to make sure there’s plenty of room for the shank to fit through the roller. We highly recommend consulting the roller manufacturer’s selection guide, which outlines what anchors are well-suited with certain models.

In particular, Bruce/Claw anchors often fit well with a universal bow roller but are better accustomed for a specialized Bruce Anchor Roller. Another popular style is a self-launching roller, which can either be fixed or have a pivoting head.

A fixed or fairlead bow roller works well for most plow style anchors, while a pivoting, self-launching roller is designed for use with a Bruce/Claw anchor.

Other common anchor roller wheel designs to consider include a platform bow roller, or an articulated bow roller, which is also self-launching, that works well with Bruce and Danforth anchors.

Anchor Bow Roller Materials

While functionality and size are the two most important factors to consider when choosing the right anchor bow roller for your boat, you will have some other secondary considerations to keep in mind. In terms of materials, we highly recommend always using a bow roller made of stainless steel and plastic Delrin components.

Delrin is known to be one of the strongest plastics and is extremely durable, making it an ideal material for the roller itself. While the Delrin material is commonly utilized for the rollers, the additional components should be comprised of stainless steel to fight corrosion.

Lastly, most anchor rollers are offered with either a satin finish or are mirror polished. This choice is completely based on personal preference and what’s most pleasing for your boat’s appearance and overall aesthetic.

To purchase a bow roller replacement for your boat, be sure to visit Marine Depot Direct.

Which type of anchor roller do you have? Share with us in the comments below!

Visit MarineDepotDirect.com for a wide variety of cost-effective, top quality stainless steel marine hardware. You may also connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for the latest updates or call 818-215-4211 to speak with a representative.