You have different options, depending on the size and type of boat you own. Your choices are:
¥ All-rope anchor rode
¥ Combination rope/chain
¥ All chain

The best rope is made of nylon because this material is elastic. The rope should be three-strand or braided. If you are using a windlass, the three-strand line should be medium lay because soft lay strands can untwist and separate. To keep the three-strand line flexible and to prevent salt saturation many professionals recommend to clean it with fabric softener and this will keep it flexible. Chain has a lot of benefits. For example it decreases the angle of pull on the anchor, chafe from rocks or sharp surfaces on the bottom doesnÕt affect it, it absorbs shock loads in heavy weather. A benefit that that the all-chain rode has is that it requires almost half the scope for the same holding power as rope. The most common chain for anchor rode is proof coil, because it is made from low-carbon steel and it is adequate for most marine applications. It is a good idea to use BBB chain because it is slightly stronger than proof-coil. Hi-test chain is made from higher carbon steel that has been surface-hardened. It can reduce the weight in the bow without sacrificing strength.
Chain Length Many professionals suggest using the following formula to determine the minimum length of chain lead you will need:

Minimum Lenght of Chain Lead =	(Anchor Weight in lbs.) X (Anchor materials factor) / Unit weight of Chain lbs/ft

Where anchor materials factor= 1 for steel or 1.6 for aluminum

If you have a 7-lb. Fortress aluminum anchor with a 1/2Ó twisted three-strand nylon rode, you would need to use at least 11.2 lbs. of 5/16Ó proof coil chain, which weighs 1.15 lbs. per foot. Therefore, you will need at least 9Õ8Ó of chain.
Setting the Anchor It is critical to pay out the proper amount of scope and assure that the anchor rode is set in the proper direction with the bow pointing into the weather. Always choose your spot carefully and consider the shelter it offers.
Set your own anchor down wind behind other vessels already in an anchorage. This will minimize the risk of your boat drifting into theirs. Access your place slowly, and when youÕre over the ideal location put the boat in reverse. When the boat begins to gather sternway, lower the anchor to the bottom, and slowly pay out the rode. First select a site with a sandy or mud bottom where the anchor will hold. If rocky bottom is your only option, just be sure to use appropriate anchor. Access your place slowly, and when youÕre over the ideal location put the boat in reverse. When the boat begins to gather sternway, lower the anchor to the bottom, and slowly pay out the rode. It is best to rig a section of chain rode, if not entirely of chain, so that the angle of the anchor pull is low to the bottom.
Take a turn around the bitt, snugging up the line and causing the anchor to "bite." Then pay out the rest of rode to the appropriate scope. You can check the position of the anchor using any of these two methods:
1. Choose two objects abeam that form a range, and check your position periodically in relation to them. If there is any change in their bearings that means that you need to try it again.
2. Use a buoyed trip line and reverse slowly. You will know that everything is right if the buoy bobs up and down in one spot. If the buoy is being pulled backwards with you, then something is wrong.

Scope Pay out 7 times as much rode as depth of water making the 7 to 1 ratio. This is the proper scope for all-rope in average conditions. Keep the angle of pull as close to horizontal as possible. When you anchor in adverse conditions this situation may demand a longer scope. Always keep in mind how your boat will swing in relation to your neighbors.

Retrieving the Anchor A handy device is an anchor retrieval system, which uses a buoy attached to the rode to help break the anchor free.
Your boat's ground tackle system is its greatest safety feature. Buy the best anchor kit you can afford and frequently check the gear for signs of chafe and wear.