grapnels

Grapnels are a class of small nautical devices designed to hook or grip onto objects, bottoms, or hulls. In its most common form, a grapnel consists of a short shaft with multiple projecting hooks or flukes—typically four—arranged so that at least one fluke bites into the seabed, wreckage, or man-made objects. Grapnels can be used as simple grappling hooks or as the working end of a grapnel anchor, depending on the configuration and load requirements. They are usually attached to a line or chain and operated from a vessel.

There are two primary applications. First, grapnels used as anchors or mooring aids: in rocky, weed-covered, or compact bottoms where conventional anchors may not set, a grapnel’s hooks can grab and hold. Second, grapnels used for retrieval and salvage: they are employed to snag nets, towlines, cables, or submerged objects, and to secure boats to wrecks or debris. Specialized variants include heavier four-fluke anchors designed for temporary holds and lighter fishing or fouling grapnels used in salvage work.

Historically, grapnels have been used since ancient times to grapple enemy ships or lines, and later to assist in salvage and coastal mooring. Although modern anchors and towing gear have largely supplanted many traditional grapnels for routine mooring, they remain common in salvage operations, fishing, and small-boat handling where seabed conditions favor hooking rather than digging in.

See also: grappling hook, anchor, salvage equipment.