Fluke (Anchor)

A broad pointed part of an anchor designed to penetrate or bear against the seabed.

The number, area, angle and freedom of movement of flukes vary between anchor patterns. In suitable ground they develop holding resistance by burying and mobilising the surrounding seabed rather than by surface area alone.

No single fluke shape is best for every combination of mud, sand, weed, gravel, clay or rock. Setting technique, anchor orientation, scope and load direction determine whether the fluke engages, and inspection should cover distortion, cracks, wear and moving joints. The tail of a whale is a separate zoological meaning.