Anchors are essential gear, but they’re bulky, messy, and hard to stow properly without damaging your boat. Whether you’re prepping for a day at the sandbar or crossing open seas, smart anchor storage is crucial for safety, convenience, and protecting your gear. Here are five creative ways to store your anchor — with honest pros and cons for each method.

1. AnchorSuit® (Neoprene Anchor Cover)

Overview:
The AnchorSuit® is a high-quality neoprene cover that encases your Fortress or Danforth-style anchor, chain, and rope in one safe, protective sleeve.

Pros:

• Protects your boat: Prevents scratches, dings, and trip hazards on deck.

• All-in-one: Holds anchor, chain, and rope together neatly.

• Quick deployment: Easy to unzip and launch when needed.

• Lightweight and durable: Built for heavy marine use.

Cons:

• Limited sizing: Best fit for Fortress and Danforth anchors up to a certain size.

• Still needs secure placement: Won’t anchor itself; you still need a spot to tie it down or store it safely.

Best For: Boaters who want maximum protection for their gear and their deck, especially on smaller boats where space is tight.

2. Stowaway Bag (for Disassembled Emergency Anchors)

Overview:
This rugged bag is designed to store disassembled emergency anchors like the Fortress Commando kit — anchor, parts, and rode — in a compact, portable setup.

Pros:

• Ultra-compact: Takes up minimal space.

• Portable: Great for emergency use on small vessels or as a backup on larger ones.

• Organized: Keeps all anchor components together in one place.

Cons:

• Assembly required: Not ideal if you need to deploy an anchor immediately.
  Stowaway Bag
• Primarily for emergencies: Not a daily-use solution.

Best For: Boaters who want a small, secondary anchor ready to go for emergencies, beaching, or unexpected overnights.

3. AnchorStow™ System

Overview:
An integrated molded anchor locker system that’s easy to install and use.

Pros:

• Built-in: Looks clean and professional.

• Out of the way: Keeps the anchor out of the way, preserving aesthetics and reducing tripping hazards.

• Drainage: Designed to manage water and mud runoff.

Cons:

• Installation required: may take up too much space

• Size limits: May not fit larger anchors or oversized gear.

Best For: Owners of new boats or those doing major refits who want seamless, permanent anchor storage.

4. Rail-Mounted Anchor Bracket (Modified for Fortress-Style Anchors)

Overview:
Rail brackets let you mount your anchor outside the boat, often on the bow rail or stern rail. Important: To fit a Fortress properly on a rail bracket, you must remove the mud palms (the side fins that improve holding in soft bottom).

Pros:

• Saves deck space: Anchor stays completely outside the boat.

• Quick access: Fast deployment in emergencies.

• Simple installation: Basic DIY project with common tools.

Cons:

• Modification needed: It won’t fit the Fortress Mud Palms. Removing mud palms reduces anchor performance in soft mud.

• Exposure: Anchor and bracket are exposed to weather and potential impacts.

• Security: Can be vulnerable to theft if not locked down properly.

Best For: Boats with limited locker space or boaters who prioritize fast deployment over maximum holding in every bottom type.

5. Custom Storage Solution

Overview:

There’s some great companies out there that do custom storage solutions, like RPM CNC Customs

Pros:

• Seamless integration: you can get something that fits your boat and looks great

• Custom-fit: Will fit the anchor you have

Cons:

• DIY or fabricator required: Not a plug-and-play solution.

• $$: Can be expensive

Best For:
Boat owners who want a stealthy, out-of-the-way place to store an emergency or secondary anchor setup without sacrificing deck space.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right anchor storage solution depends on your boat size, your priorities (speed, protection, ease of use), and how often you need your anchor ready to go.

If you’re serious about keeping your gear — and your boat — in top condition, options like the AnchorSuit® and Stowaway Bag offer modern, boat-friendly solutions. If you’re willing to make a few compromises for instant access, a rail-mounted bracket might be worth the trade-off.