Calculate exactly how much anchor chain or rope you need based on water depth, tide and conditions. Essential for anchoring safely in Malta's bays.
⚓ Enter Conditions
Height from waterline to bow fairlead
Malta tidal range is small (~0.2–0.5m)
MINIMUM SCOPE NEEDED
0m
total rode length
0m
Chain
0m
Rope
5:1
Scope ratio
⚠️ Swing Radius
Your boat will swing in a circle of approximately 0m radius. Allow this space from other anchored vessels and hazards.
💡 Anchoring Tips for Malta
Malta's tidal range is very small (0.2–0.4m) which simplifies scope calculation
Sandy bottoms in bays like St Thomas Bay and Mellieħa Bay hold well
Rocky seabeds around the cliffs require more caution — use trip lines
Set a GPS anchor alarm at 1.5× your swing radius
Frequently Asked Questions
What is anchor scope?
Anchor scope is the ratio of the length of anchor rode (chain + rope) to the depth of water from the bow fairlead to the seabed. A 5:1 scope in 5m of water means you need 25m of rode. More scope gives better holding power because it keeps the anchor pull more horizontal.
How much anchor chain do I need in Malta?
For typical Malta anchorages (5–15m depth, calm conditions), a minimum of 5:1 scope is recommended. In most bays you'll anchor in 4–8m, so 20–60m of rode should cover most situations. A typical recommendation is 40m of chain plus 40m of rope for a boat up to 10m.
Where can I anchor in Malta?
Popular anchorages in Malta include St Thomas Bay (Marsaskala), Mellieħa Bay (north Malta), St Paul's Bay, Anchor Bay, and various bays around Gozo. Always check for prohibited anchoring zones (especially around Posidonia seagrass beds, which are protected in Malta).