Line In the Sand: 6 Amazing Slide Anchor Shore Spikes

When you arrive at the shore, you need to secure your boat. But if there are no docks or even a single branch to tie up to, what do you do? The answer is to deploy a slide anchor shore spike. That way, you can relax knowing your boat is secure, no matter where you are. And if you own a tender or inflatable dinghy, you especially need a slide anchor spike in your life. Slide anchor shore spikes are ingenious little devices that make wild mooring or beach mooring possible. I decided to look in more detail at six of the best slide anchor shore spikes and give you the lowdown on the merits and types available.
What Is a Slide Anchor Shore Spike?
A slide anchor shore spike is the simplest bit of kit you could think of, but also one of the most effective. It typically consists of a long straight spike, either with a T-bar handle or a grip on the top. Pull into the bay, and insert the slide anchor spike into the ground to give you somewhere to secure your boat. They're also inexpensive, lightweight and easy to store, making them the ideal sailing companion when landing ashore.The Best Use of Slide Anchor Shore Spikes
It's worth noting that a slide anchor spike is only worth using in the absence of a more secure means of tying your boat. However, if no other means exist, a slide anchor spike is designed to be easy to deploy and effective in shallow waters. All you need do is insert the spike into the sandy shore and push or twist it into position. The spike will work well in sandy, as well as shingle beaches, and even in grass or mud, should you wish to wild-moor. The best advice is to only deploy the slide anchor spike in light winds and fair weather. A sandy beach will hold your spike and boat in place, but if you allow too much strain on the line, it may work loose as the shallow sea bed moves with the lapping tide. Similarly, shingle, soil, and grass may not hold the weight of your slide anchor spike with the boat attached if the strain on the ropes gets too much. The other thing to remember is that slide anchor spikes are really only intended for shore use or in shallow waters. You will struggle to use one in six feet of water unless you want to dive down to the sea bed to deploy it. Ideally, a slide anchor spike does it's work most efficiently in 12 to 24 inches of water.The Advantages of Slide Anchor Shore Spikes
Every piece of marine equipment has a use and a place on your vessel, but a slide anchor spike is one of those essential items because it gives you peace of mind while ashore. So, what are the advantages?- Lightweight ” We all like lightweight equipment, right? "I'd like my slide anchor spike to be really heavy," said no-one ever!
- Easy to Deploy ” Either hammer, push, or twist them into position. It really is that simple!
- Secures Your Boat Anywhere ” As long as there is a bank or a beach, the slide anchor spike will secure your boat.
- Gives Peace of Mind ” You won't have to worry that your boat is floating away on the tide. Similarly, it means you can relax and enjoy the day safe in the knowledge that your boat is secure.
- Cheap to Purchase ” Some slide anchor spikes are as little as $40 or $50.
- Easy to Store Away ” Because they are long thin spikes, they store in a locker easily enough, and slide under bench seats in the dinghy.
Features of Slide Anchor Shore Spikes
Shore Spike Materials
- Plastic Resin ” Plastic resin is hardwearing, robust, and doesn't suffer from the ravages of the sea. It will last forever. The only disadvantage of a plastic spike is that it is intended for smaller or lightweight boats.
- Powder-coated ” Powder-coated anchor spikes are designed to be protected from the weather and the water. Often, when steel or other metal frames get exposed to the elements, they start to corrode, so by powder coating them, you reduce that risk and increase the lifespan.
- Galvanized Metal ” Galvanized metal, typically steel, has a coating of Zinc to protect it from rusting.
Shore Spike Styles
- Spike ” Typically, these slide anchors are long thin tubes of steel or resin, with a rubber handle to make them easy to deploy. They are arrow-like in shape and push into the ground.
- T-Bar ” These anchor spikes are twist-in-the ground types, with a crossbar along the top that acts as a handle. The spike end has a corkscrew-effect tip, that when twisted, grips the sand or soil to make a secure purchase in the ground.
- Corkscrew ” These operate on the same principle as the T-bar varieties, but the entire shaft of the spike is spiral, like a long corkscrew and twists into the ground.
What Size of Slide Anchor Spike?
- Small Anchor Spike ” Typically, a small anchor spike will take the weight of a boat up to approximately 21 ft in length. This does vary on the weight of the vessel and what kit you are carrying, but they are ideal for use with an inflatable dinghy, or a kayak. A small anchor spike is roughly two to three feet in length.
- Medium Anchor Spikes ” Intended for use with boats up to 35 ft. Typically, a medium spike is three to four feet in length.
- Large Anchor Spikes ” These are designed to hold the weight of vessels roughly 36 ft or above, and can be any size, depending on the requirements.
6 Amazing Slide Anchor Shore Spikes
Slide Anchor Spike
Slide Anchor SOSS Small Spike Galvanized
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- Material: Galvanized Steel
- Style: Spike
Sand Shark Beach Anchor
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- Material: Plastic Resin
- Style: T-bar
Ironwood Pacific Heavy-Duty Anchor
Ironwood Pacific Heavy Duty Sand Anchor Two Piece with Bag
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- Material: Powder-Coated Steel
- Style: T-bar
Ultimate PWC Premium Anchor
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- Material: Aluminum
- Style: T-bar
Greenfields Beach Spike
Greenfield 3028 Beach Spike, Black
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- Material: Powder-Coated Steel
- Style: Spike
Seachoice Beach Spike
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- Material: Steel
- Style: Spike