Abstract: A boat anchor having pivoted flukes and a readily detachable loop or pocket shank is provided on opposite sides of each fluke with a pair of free-swinging crown plates whose pivot axes are coaxial with the fluke pivot axis. Fixed stop elements on the crown plates engage the stock of the anchor to limit swinging of the crown plates independently through wide arcs. In any position assumed by the anchor on the bottom and for all positions of the free-swinging crown plates, the flukes will quickly penetrate into the bottom in response to tension on the anchor chain or line transmitted through the shank. If the flukes or crown plates, or both, become fouled on the bottom, the anchor can still be retrieved without difficulty by pulling in the proper direction on the shank due to the free-swinging ability of the crown plates and the flukes relative to the shank. Simplicity of construction, economy of manufacturing, and ease of storage in a small space are important features.