Anchor Locker
An anchor locker is the forward compartment beneath a yacht's foredeck that houses the anchor chain when stowed. It is paired with a **windlass** that hauls chain up through a chain pipe to the bow roller and the anchor housings, and on larger yachts it includes drainage, ventilation and a chain washdown.
What is a yacht anchor locker?
An anchor locker is the dedicated compartment, sited forward beneath the foredeck, into which a yacht's anchor chain falls when the anchor is recovered. It sits directly below the windlass, with a vertical chain pipe (also called a spurling pipe) feeding chain from deck level down into the locker, where gravity self-stows the chain in a pile.
The core components are consistent across builders. A chain stopper on deck takes the working load off the windlass once the anchor is set. The chain pipe seals the deck against down-flooding. Inside the locker, a hard point anchors the bitter end of the chain via a short length of rope or weak link, so the rode can be slipped in an emergency. Drainage runs to a sump with a dedicated bilge pump, and a chain washdown - a high-pressure saltwater nozzle at the bow roller - rinses mud, sand and seabed contaminants off the chain before it enters the locker.
Capacity is dimensioned to a working scope of roughly 5 - 10 times the maximum anchoring depth, which on a 50m+ yacht typically translates to 100 - 200m of chain per side. Most superyachts above 40m carry port and starboard lockers with independent windlasses and bow rollers, providing redundancy and the ability to lay a second anchor in exposed anchorages.
Why it matters for yacht owners
The anchor locker is one of the quietest quality signals on a yacht. A properly engineered locker keeps the anchor system reliable in heavy weather, eliminates the foredeck rumble that telegraphs poorly stowed chain through the owner's deck below, and prevents the seabed coming inboard with the chain. A neglected locker, by contrast, is a recurring survey item: corrosion of the locker shell, blocked drainage, a failed bilge pump and a degraded chain washdown all flag fast on a pre-purchase inspection.
For buyers, the locker matters at two moments. At survey, a class-certified chain with current tensile-test certificates, a sound locker shell and a functioning washdown are non-negotiable. At refit, upgrading from a basic stern-bias locker to a fully drained, ventilated and washdown-equipped installation is a focused intervention that meaningfully improves both operational reliability and resale narrative.
Key facts
- Typical superyacht chain capacity is 100 - 200m per side, dimensioned to roughly 5 - 10 times the maximum intended anchoring depth.
- Common chain diameters on 30 - 80m yachts run 16 - 26mm, in grade U2 or U3 stud-link to IACS UR A1 standards.
- Leading windlass brands include Maxwell, Lewmar and Data Hidrolik; Maxwell's larger models handle stud-link chain up to 22mm.
- Maxwell recommends minimum windlass pulling power of 3× the total ground tackle weight; Lewmar recommends 4×.
- A chain stopper on deck takes the working load off the windlass once the anchor is set - assumed in every class installation.
- Port and starboard lockers with independent windlasses are standard on 40m+ yachts for redundancy and dual-anchor capability.
- Chain washdown with a high-pressure saltwater nozzle is standard on 40m+ yachts to prevent seabed contamination of the deck and locker.
- The bitter end of the chain is secured via a short rope or weak link to a hard point inside the locker, so the rode can be slipped in an emergency.
Buying a yacht
View moreFAQ
What is the difference between an anchor locker and a chain locker?
In practice the terms are used interchangeably for the compartment beneath the foredeck that stows the anchor chain. Where a distinction is drawn, an anchor locker can refer to the wider stowage that also houses anchor-handling gear and the bitter-end attachment, while chain locker narrowly refers to the well into which the chain falls and self-stows through the chain pipe.
Where is the anchor locker on a superyacht?
The anchor locker sits forward, beneath the foredeck, directly below the windlass and chain pipe. On yachts above 40m it is usually split into port and starboard lockers with independent windlasses serving separate bow rollers. The locker is positioned along the centreline as deep as the hull allows, so gravity self-stows the chain without crew intervention.
How much chain does a superyacht carry?
A 30 - 50m yacht typically carries 80 - 150m of chain per side; a 50 - 80m yacht 150 - 200m; and above 80m yachts often carry 200m+ per side, plus a secondary anchor on the foredeck. Scope is dimensioned to roughly 5 - 10 times the maximum intended anchoring depth, which in Mediterranean and Caribbean anchorages means deep-water capability without resorting to mooring lines.
Why does a yacht need a chain washdown?
A chain washdown rinses mud, sand, weed and seabed debris off the chain before it enters the locker. Without it, contaminants accumulate inside the locker, block the drainage sump, accelerate corrosion of both chain and locker shell, and carry odour into the forward accommodation. On any yacht above 40m a chain washdown is treated as standard installation rather than an option.
The Superyacht Partners
For any owner, the choice of who will be personally in charge of your relationship with Superyacht Partners, is just as important as the company and the team as a whole. With extensive experience in managing, operating, and building superyachts, our team excels in all aspects of yacht brokerage. We offer comprehensive legal, commercial, and operational expertise, ensuring every angle of the sale, purchase, and operation is meticulously evaluated.
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