What is an effective anchor type for canoes and small boats due to its low holding power?

The mushroom anchor is an effective choice for canoes and small boats due to its unique design, which allows it to be lightweight yet functional in areas with soft bottoms such as mud or sand. This type of anchor has a rounded, dome-shaped design that creates a reliable hold when it is set. The low holding power mentioned is compensated by the anchor's ability to burrow into soft substrates, making it suitable for smaller vessels that do not require the heavy anchoring capabilities of larger boats.

In contrast, plow-style anchors and fluke-style anchors are designed for greater holding power but can be more cumbersome for small boats and canoes, which typically operate in shallower waters where the strong hold of these anchors may not be necessary. A weight anchor, while it might provide some holding capacity, generally relies on heft rather than a design that could secure a smaller craft effectively in varying underwater conditions. The mushroom anchor's design and purpose align perfectly with the needs of canoes and small boats, making it an exemplary choice for those types of vessels.