The most important factor to consider when deciding on an anchor type is the bottom composition of your selected site. Some anchors are designed for specific bottom conditions, and if they’re deployed in the wrong environment, they won’t perform as intended. For example, a helical anchor might work great in sand but could dislodge from loose gravel. This image shows a breakdown of the bottom types recommended for each type of anchor. Knowing the consistency of the seafloor below your site will help you rule out certain options early on.