What is the primary purpose of the flukes on an anchor?

• A. To rotate the anchor
• B. To dig into the bottom and provide holding power
• C. To attach the chain
• D. To keep the anchor light

Answer: (B)

The flukes are the digging blades of the anchor. When the anchor is let go, the flukes orient to bite into the bottom, and as the boat pulls against the rode, they penetrate the seabed and create resistance. That penetration—how deeply and firmly the flukes bite into sand, mud, or other bottoms—provides the holding power that keeps the boat in place.

Other options don’t supply the primary function: rotating the anchor isn’t driven by the flukes themselves, the chain attachment is a separate connection point, and keeping the anchor light isn’t accomplished by the flukes.