Are you a new jet ski owner? PWCs offer you a versatile watercraft for many activities in fresh and saltwater. The PWC is the aquatic version of the motorcycle, and it has a similar operation using a handlebar-mounted throttle and a long seat.
These watercraft get into spaces that traditional boats can’t. They are great for fishing trips, reaching dive spots, or just playing in the waves. PWCs come in various sizes and models, with varying motor capacities. Choose a luxury model for cruising or a performance jet ski for a heart-racing experience out on the water.
However, the PWC comes with a unique set of challenges for the user. As they are small craft, they are prone to floating away if you leave them unattended on the water, say when you’re spearfishing a reef. As a result, you need to learn the correct strategy for anchoring the jet ski.
This post gives you a guide to anchoring your PWC in shallow and deep water.
Contents
- Beaching Your PWC
- How to Anchor Your Jet Ski in Shallow Water
- How to Anchor Your Jet Ski Near Shore
- How to Anchor Your Jet Ski in Deep Water
- How to Anchor Your Jet Ski in Deep Water
- Do I Need a Chain Attached to My Anchor When Anchoring Offshore?
- How to Anchor Your Jet Ski in Soft Bottoms
- Best-Selling Jet Ski Anchors
Beaching Your PWC
Before we discuss anchoring, let’s go through the proper beaching procedure for your jet ski. One of the biggest advantages of the jet ski is its ability to move through shallow waters. As a result, it’s easy to ramp the jet ski directly onto the beach without much effort and with no risk of snagging the bottom on the way in.
You beach your PWC by accelerating gently towards the beach. Cut the throttle around 20 to 30-feet from the sand to stop the sand sucking into the motor. The throttle momentum will carry you to the shore, pushing your PWC up onto the sand for a safe landing.
The challenging part is estimating the right amount of throttle to apply as you approach the beach. Too much throttle, and you’ll hit the sand too hard, resulting in the inertia from the sudden stop throwing you from the PWC, leading to an injury or causing harm to someone else on the beach.
Applying too little throttle means that you won’t get far enough onto the sand, and the waves might pull the watercraft back into the sea. It’s a touch-and-go experience that depends on the water conditions, the tide, and the size of the PWC.
Beaching can also damage the hull, and the vibrations caused by a hard impact can damage components in the electrical system and the motor.
Pros
- You get the fastest way to land your jet ski, with no need for anchoring.
Cons
- It requires experience to beach the jet ski, so prepare for a few mishaps while learning.
- Beaching can damage the jet ski.
- You’ll need to move the ski to account for the shift in the tide.
How to Anchor Your Jet Ski in Shallow Water
Jet Skis can reach shallow waters thanks to the slimline draft of the hull and the propulsion motor. Anchoring in shallow waters requires a different approach to deep-sea anchoring. Here are the typical systems for anchoring your PWC in the shallows.
Anchor Poles
An anchor pole or pin allows for fast and secure anchoring in the shallows. You’ll pull the pole out when you reach your spot and drive it into the soft sand or mud bottom. We recommend driving the pole around 4-feet into the bottom for the best anchoring power.
Tie off the jet ski to the pole, and remove it when it’s time to head home. You have options for telescopic anchoring poles allowing for compact storage on the jet ski. This system is easy to set up and retrieve, and you don’t have to worry about setting an anchor to the bottom.
We recommend you tie a buoy to the anchor pole. If the pole dislodges from the bottom, you can retrieve it from the water without doing a blind dive for it.
Pros
- Easy to set and retrieve.
- Ideal for sand and mud bottoms.
- Telescopic versions are available for compact storage.
- Most versions are collapsible to make transport and storage easier.
Cons
- Not suitable for use in spots with strong currents or rough water.
- Not suitable for use on rock bottoms.
- You might lose it if it dislodges and falls in the water.
- NO MORE WORRIES: Are you tired of worrying if your anchor will hold? The SUPERSPORT ANCHOR will keep your jet ski. boat. or tritoon from hitting the beach, rocks, or another watercraft! “Tether” it off the beach in shallow water. Imagine a beautiful sunny day at the beach or sandbar WORRY FREE!!! It will be one of your favorite boating accessories!
- PERFECT FOR SHALLOW WATER, BEACH, SHORE, SANDBAR- all the places you want to take your Boat, Pontoon, Waverunner, Yamaha, or Seadoo. Never worry about it hitting the beach, rocks, or another watercraft! Tether off the beach in shallow water with your Sand Shark Anchor.
- DESIGN: Our quality built Super Sport sand anchor for boat is made of reinforced nylon, engineering grade plastic with high strength composite resin, and aircraft grade aluminum. The patent pending design has collapsible handles to turn the beach anchor down into the sand. Nylon padded case is included to protect your storage compartment. It will be one of your favorite Boating Accessories!
- WHY AN AUGER ANCHOR? When you screw the auger down into the sand, the hole fills with sand. Then, the water holds down the sand and creates a “suction” to prevent the anchor from “pulling-out”. This equals tremendous “HOLDING POWER” and gives you peace of mind and security to enjoy the hot summer days!!!
- 100% MONEY BACK GUARANTEE: If after you use your SUPERSPORT sand anchor you are not impressed with it's anchoring power, we will refund your purchase. Anchors are intended for use with “1” watercraft. SandShark is not responsible for products used under unusual weather and sea conditions, or multiple watercraft.
Screw Anchors
The screw anchor is similar to the anchor pole. This system is the ideal choice for use in depths of up to three feet. However, you get better holding power than you do with an anchor pole.
The auger design of the anchor allows you to screw it into the bottom, digging to deeper depths than the standard anchor pole. The screw anchor is better for securing the PWC in water conditions with strong currents and wind.
The screw anchor secures your jet ski in place using a stretchy rope or standard rope to accommodate different water depths. Like the anchor pole, we recommend attaching a buoy to the screw anchor in case it dislodges.
Pros
- It gives you more holding power than an anchor pole.
- Ideal for use in sand and mud bottoms.
- You have options for collapsible anchors to save on space.
Cons
- You might have to jump into the water to set the anchor.
- It’s challenging to retrieve the anchor quickly.
- Not suitable for use on rocky bottoms.
- 💪 STURDY & COMPACT - This 3.5 lb foldable boat anchor is the ideal size for any small watercraft. Galvanized, it’s rust-proof & durable. A must-have among your kayak fishing accessories, this small anchor will keep you still on the water.
- 🛶 MULTIUSE - Made for lakes, oceans, & rivers, this anchor is ideal for fishing kayaks & jet skis, & is easily adjusted to canoes, SUPs, inflatable boats, & dinghies. Take your fishing, snorkeling, & other water adventures up a notch with this small boat anchor kit.
- ⚓ EXTRA GROUND SCREW & CLEAT - Easily anchor your SUP or kayak in calm, shallow waters just off the beach with the included ground screw kayak anchor. And to ensure you can properly secure your watercraft, we’ve also added a cleat with stainless steel screws.
- 👌 MORE BONUS FEATURES - The included sturdy, extra-long 50 ft polyester rope increases the boat anchor’s holding power & is perfect for depths up to 10 ft. You’ll also be able to securely store your anchor kit in the additional padded carry bag. Never worry about damaging or scratching your boat.
- 🪢 DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS - The small anchor kit is specially designed for easy deployment from small watercraft, but it’s truly a breeze to use with our simple step-by-step instructions. Quickly, learn to use the anchor & tie key knots for top-notch boat security.
Sand Bag Anchor
The sandbag anchor offers PWC owners a great combination of convenience and functionality for their anchoring system. You fill the bag with sand or rocks found around your location and empty them when you leave the spot.
As a result, you get a very compact anchor that’s easy to stow away. However, you might have to get out of the PWC to fill the bag before deploying it as an anchor.
Most sandbag anchors provide a holding power of up to 35-lbs, giving you a secure and safe anchoring point for your jet ski. The sandbag anchor is ideal for use in shallow waters or for anchoring in calm waters just offshore.
Pros
- Compact storage on your PWC.
- Versatile filling using sand, rocks, or other heavy objects.
Cons
- Requires you to fill the bag when you reach the spot.
- Slower filling, anchoring, and retrieval than other models.
- May not have sufficient holding power for strong currents.
- Not suitable for rock bottoms that might damage the bag.
- Multipurpose anchor: Portable anchor design but also can use as a 20L dry bag to keep your stuff dry when separate anchor rope and dry bag.
- Smart design: Only need to fully fill sand in this heavy duty 500D PVC dry bag. Roll it up and become a boat anchor for Jet Ski.
- Highly visibility connection line with marker buoy: Yellow and green 12’ long dock rope with buoy design. It is easy to find out the location of your Jet Ski.
- High strength connection rope: High density PE material anchor rope provides maximum 2200lbs tension to hold up anchor which can stabilize boat perfectly.
- Convenient empty sand strap design: A handy bottom strap design can quickly and easily empty sand inside dry bag.
How to Anchor Your Jet Ski Near Shore
Anchoring nearshore allows you to dismount the jet ski and swim or wade to the beach while the ski waits for you in the water.
Obviously, this technique is only suitable for lakes, rivers, estuaries, or flat oceans. You can anchor the PWC in the waves, or they’ll force it onto the shore, damaging the watercraft.
Anchoring nearshore prevents the damage associated with beaching the PWC. With the nearshore anchoring technique, you’ll cut the engine and maintain stability in the PWC before dismounting.
You’ll carry your anchor pole or screw to the shore and tether the ski to the anchor on the beach. Using the rope, you gently pull the craft onto the sand without hauling it onto the beach. Snug the line, and enjoy a few hours on the sand.
Pros
- This anchoring method offers you easy access to the beach.
- You won’t damage the PWC.
Cons
- Only suitable for calm waters.
- Your hull may still experience damage if you pull the craft onto a rock.
- You have to adjust the tether as the tide moves in and out.
How to Anchor Your Jet Ski in Deep Water
Jet skis are great for visiting offshore fishing locations. The large luxury models have plenty of seat room, and there’s enough storage to get your equipment out onto the water to fish the reefs. However, these locations may be in water anywhere from 15-feet to 150-feet deep.
As a result, you’ll need an anchoring system with a rope and chain that can reach these depths. Carrying that much rope with you on the boat may take up a considerable amount of space. You’ll also need an anchor that’s suitable for use in sand and rock bottoms.
Here are our top choices for offshore anchors for your PWC when fishing in deep water.
Foldable Grapnel Anchors
The foldable grapnel anchor is the time-tested solution for smaller watercraft like PWCs and kayaks. These anchors feature designs with stainless steel or galvanized steel, and they have three or four flukes operating on hinges that fold up for easy storage on the PWC.
These anchor systems are the ideal choice for single-seater or two-seater jet skis. They provide enough holding power to keep the ski secure, even in choppy water. Using two grapnel anchors in choppy water is ideal for securing any ski.
The flukes on the grapnel anchor work well in sand, mud, and rock bottoms, grabbing onto crevices and rocks to anchor the jet ski. The anchor is also relatively easy to set, and you should only need a few tries to secure it to the bottom.
When retrieving the anchor, you’ll find it’s easier to remove than most of the other models on this list. After retrieving the anchor, fold the flukes, pack it away, and head home. Grapnel anchors are available in specialized sets designed for PWCs. The collection includes the anchor, rope, float, and storage bag.
Pros
- Crossover for use on sand, mud, and rock bottoms.
- Good holding power for PWCs.
- Many manufacturers offer complete kits.
- Good mix of convenience and holding power for most PWCs
Cons
- Heavier and harder to set than shallow-water systems like anchoring poles.
- Less effective in sand bottoms than on rock.
- 【Features】This folding boat grapnel has anti‑rust blue coating, stylish and dependable. and it has compact size, can be opened and shuted, easy storage.
- 【Brand New】100% brand new high quality boat anchor, strictly full tested to ensure the best quality before shipment, safe to use.
- 【High Quality】The folding anchor is made of high quality aluminum alloy material, which has high strength, high reliability, anti-corrosion, wear resistant, durable in use.
- 【Widely Application】This aluminum alloy anchor has widely application, sutiable for kayak, canoe, raft, sailing fishing boat, etc. it is easy to install, direct replacement for the old or broken one.
- 【Service Guarantee】Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions after received our products, we will try our best to solve your problem.
Mushroom Anchors
Grapnel anchors are the best choice for smaller jet skis. However, they won’t have the holding power required for larger luxury models. For luxury skis, you’re going to need to invest in a mushroom anchor for securing the watercraft in deep water.
The mushroom anchor looks like a mushroom, with the head digging into the bottom to anchor the craft. The mushroom is heavier than the grapnel, but you get better holding power making it the ideal choice for large, luxury jet ski models.
Like the grapnel, the mushroom comes in stainless steel or galvanized options, and you also have vinyl-coated models available for added corrosion resistance in saltwater.
This anchor offers a better setting in sand or mud bottoms than the grapnel. The added weight and round design of the mushroom head allow it to dig into the bottom, and it’s a great choice for sand and silt and rock bottoms.
The additional holding power for heavier PWCs makes it the best all-around choice for luxury jet ski owners. The mushroom is available in complete kits from online retailers like the grapnel.
Pros
- Added holding power for larger luxury jet skis.
- Better setting to sand and mud bottoms.
- All-round setting in sand, mud, and rock bottoms.
- Available in complete kits from online retailers.
Cons
- It may be challenging to find the storage space you need for the anchor.
- Heavier than grapnel models.
- Less effective on rock bottoms than the grapnel anchor.
- Complete mushroom anchor kit includes 8 lbs. anchor, 25' anchor line and marker buoy
- Perfect for canoes, inflatables, skiffs and other small boats up to 10' in length
- Durable vinyl coating protects both the anchor and the boat
- Best suited for use in protected inland waters with mud, silt or weedy bottoms
Danforth Fluke Anchors
If you’re looking for the best holding power for your jet ski, we recommend going with the Danforth fluke anchor for your watercraft. This anchor is overkill for a jet ski, but this model is the best choice if you need to anchor in strong currents offshore.
If you can’t seem to get the holding power you need from a grapnel or mushroom, then you’ll get it from the Danforth fluke anchor system. This anchor offers excellent holding power in almost any bottom. It sets in sand, mud, gravel, and rock, with little effort required.
Typically, these anchors suit full-size boats. However, you get smaller models that fit onboard PWCs. A two or three-pound fluke anchor is small enough to store on larger jet skis, and you get the best holding power available in rough water.
Before you decide on the fluke for your PWC, take a look at the dimensions of the anchor and see if it will fit in the storage compartment of your jet ski. It’s important to note that you’ll have to make room for the rope as well.
Pros
- The best choice for spearfishermen or divers that are underwater for considerable periods.
- Ideal for use in all bottom conditions.
- Exceptional holding power for the heaviest jet skis.
Cons
- Heavier than other models.
- It may not fit aboard smaller PWCs.
- Less effective in rock bottoms than in soft bottom conditions.
- Recommended for Boats up to 34 FT, Controlled shank/fluke angle for reliable sets. Great in sand and good in mud aplications
- This Pivoting Fluke Danforth Style is Built with High Quality Hot Dipped Galvanized Steel for long lasting protection
- This Five Oceans Fluke Anchor weight is 16 LB(7.25 KGS)
- The dimensions of this anchor are 30 3/8 inches (772mm) Shank Length, 21 inches (533mm) Stock Width, 12 inches (305mm) Fluke Length and 13-1/2 inches (343mm) Fluke Width
- Not recommended holding in grassy, rock or clay bottoms. FIVE OCEANS, 40 YEARS developing High-Quality Marine & Outdoor Products
How to Anchor Your Jet Ski in Deep Water
When you’re anchoring your PWC offshore in deep water, you’re going to need an anchor with sufficient holding power and enough rope to reach the bottom. After arriving at your fishing spot, cut the motor and stabilize the jet ski in the water.
Toss the anchor in the water at the boat’s bow, with the anchor line connected to the bow. Slowly release the line to the bottom.
Don’t let the anchor free-sink, or the line may catch around the base, causing entanglement and incorrect setting. Put the jet ski in reverse after the anchor reaches the bottom and slowly move backward until you feel the anchor set on the bottom.
When the line is taut, you’ll have anchored your boat. Wait for a few minutes before leaving to ensure that the anchor is set correctly to the bottom. When you’re ready to retrieve the anchor, shift the jet ski into drive and remove the tension from the line. Jiggle the rope to release the anchor and pull it up to the ski.
Do I Need a Chain Attached to My Anchor When Anchoring Offshore?
If you’re anchoring offshore, we recommend attaching four to seven feet of chain from the end of the anchor to the rope.
The chain sinks to the floor, allowing the anchor to move along the bottom and set rather than lift from the bottom. The chain isn’t always necessary for freshwater anchoring. Many anchor sets available from retailers come with a chain included in the setup.
It’s also important to note that the anchor isn’t a guarantee that your jet ski will be there when you get back from your dive. So if you’re anchoring offshore, don’t stay underwater for too long unless you have someone waiting on the jet ski to keep watch.
How to Anchor Your Jet Ski in Soft Bottoms
If you’re anchoring in soft bottoms like sand, mud, or gravel, choose the right option for your jet ski. We recommend going with a mushroom anchor if you have the space onboard your PWC. You can drive into areas with one or two feet of water and anchor in sand or mud bottoms.
Anchor a few feet from shore in deeper water in areas with rocks. Keep at least two feet of water between the bottom and your hull at all times to compensate for drift and tides. The rode may allow the watercraft to drift when anchoring close to shore, running it aground.
When you retrieve the anchor, push the jet ski into deeper water before starting the motor. Starting it in shallow water may suck sand or mud into the intake, killing the engine.
Best-Selling Jet Ski Anchors
- Multipurpose anchor: Portable anchor design but also can use as a 20L dry bag to keep your stuff dry when separate anchor rope and dry bag.
- Smart design: Only need to fully fill sand in this heavy duty 500D PVC dry bag. Roll it up and become a boat anchor for Jet Ski.
- Highly visibility connection line with marker buoy: Yellow and green 12’ long dock rope with buoy design. It is easy to find out the location of your Jet Ski.
- High strength connection rope: High density PE material anchor rope provides maximum 2200lbs tension to hold up anchor which can stabilize boat perfectly.
- Convenient empty sand strap design: A handy bottom strap design can quickly and easily empty sand inside dry bag.
- Complete PWC anchor kit includes 3.5 lb. anchor, 25' rope and snap hook, marker buoy and storage bag
- Anchor: Folding 3. 5 lb. grapnel anchor, ideally suited for use in coral, rocky, or heavily weeded bottom conditions
- Rope: 25' hollow braid polythene rope with steel snap hook
- Marker Buoy: Durable marine-grade foam
- Storage Bag: Sturdy nylon storage bag with protective padding
- 3.5 lb Folding Grapnel Anchor.
- 25' Anchor Line with Snap Hook
- Marker Buoy
- Padded Storage Bag
- Marine grade
- Telescopic Design: Adjustable anchor length design meets different usage wherever your watercraft store in sand bar or shallow water area
- Lightweight but strong aluminum alloy body: Aluminum alloy casting with precision marine grade ABS withstands strong and durable use
- Portable to go: Comparing with traditional, lightweight but durable material with telescopic design sand anchor is easy to anchor and store.
- Zero crash accident: Strong holding power avoids watercraft drift away that crash with rock
- Excellent choice to your boat: Wherever sand bar or shallow water area, it still can give full confident for boater when relax moment after boating
- ULTRA-PORTABLE BOAT ANCHOR – Ideal for small fishing Jon boats, kayaks and canoes, or paddle boards, this 3.5-lb. folding anchor can be taken on every water adventure.
- IMPROVED STRENGTH AND HOLD – Crafted with galvanized steel this jet ski anchor holds ground better with more horizontal drag due to a smart, well-balanced fluke design.
- BUOY BALL AND DRAG LINE – Each canoe anchor also includes a 40ft grapnel anchor line with an attached buoy to help you easily identify and pull up your anchor in any water.
- MULTIPURPOSE PERSONAL USE – A compact, easy-to-store size, it works well for fishing or personal watercraft and grapples well on pond, lake, river, or ocean bottoms.
- SATISFACTION GUARANTEED - We take pride in our Olivia & Aiden Folding Dinghy Anchor. If you are not completely satisfied, please contact us for a 60-day replacement or refund.
