Let’s talk anchors 😎

[madhatter1]

Let’s talk anchors

On my 34 using a true danforth I have done very well in all conditions. Same style not so much on the 46 convertible. We want to safely stay the night at the pass to the Gulf but tidal changes will completely reverse pull and need an anchor that will reset. Or is that not reliably possible. We can also use a larger backup anchor and set forward, drop back and set stern, and then move back up. Bottom is sand and some mud.

What anchor style and size is best based on others experience?

 

[Jammin']

Re: Let’s talk anchors

Having done quite a bit of reading to answer the same question for myself, I came across a lot of people satisfied with different anchors. 75# Super MAX, 66# Bruce, Rocna Vulcan and more. I think I'm going to try a Spade S140 with a Fortress backup. The question I'm having trouble answering is, what is a compatible bow roller? Mine was installed just before the sale of our boat on a new pulpit and is not sufficient.

 

[Pascal]

Re: Let’s talk anchors

Problem with Danfoeth (steel or FX) is that they don’t reset well in a Tidal anchorage.

As to to Rocna / CQR / delta / Bruce.. use enough chain. And they will pretty much work.

I like Bruce/Claws. Been using them for over 10 years and they be held us thru some serious storms. On the way back to Miami after 5 weeks in the Exumas, only 6 days docked, that Big Bruce once again hasn't let me down

 

[madhatter1]

Re: Let’s talk anchors

For a claw the size jumps from 44lb to 66lb. We do have a windlass but need to manually pull up once chain is up. Am I better off with the 44lb and more rode?

 

[divert00]

Re: Let’s talk anchors

Just purchased a 1986 Hatteras 63 Motoryacht. It has a Fortress FX-85 aboard that does not fit on the
bow roller that well. We do long distance cruising and need a serious anchor. Printed a template of a
50kg Rocna and it would not fit on the bow roller without modification. What large non-danforth type
anchors have members found that fits on the standard Hatteras bow pulpit/roller. Short of that, what
modifications have you made to accomodate such an anchor?

John McCarley
Water Colors
Wrightsville Beach NC

 

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

Re: Let’s talk anchors

Just purchased a 1986 Hatteras 63 Motoryacht. It has a Fortress FX-85 aboard that does not fit on thebow roller that well. We do long distance cruising and need a serious anchor. Printed a template of a50kg Rocna and it would not fit on the bow roller without modification. What large non-danforth type anchors have members found that fits on the standard Hatteras bow pulpit/roller. Short of that, whatmodifications have you made to accomodate such an anchor?John McCarleyWater ColorsWrightsville Beach NC

Ultra 77 fits and deploys well.

 

[Westfield 11]

Re: Let’s talk anchors

I have a 55kg Rocna Vulcan on my 63 cpmy and I am very happy with it. As you swing on the tides it seems to dig itself deeper. The setting is a bit different: I found that backing down to set was not as successful as simply dropping it down and letting it snub the boat on its own. I did have to notch the stainless steel at the very front of the pulpit in lieu of relocating the roller. It seemed easier to use a cutting wheel to make a notch than to burn up a bunch of drill bits. This was to allow the anchor to tuck up closer under the pulpit. I’d like it an inch or so higher and maybe someday I’ll get around to relocating the roller, meanwhile this works fine.

 

[Passages]

Re: Let’s talk anchors

Spade or Rocna. By both and use one as spare.

 

[jim rosenthal]

Re: Let’s talk anchors

I have wondered about Ultras; they are beautifully made. Do they dig in and hold well, and do they reset well?

 

[Passages]

Re: Let’s talk anchors

Ultra's are good but cost 4x other brands.

 

[madhatter1]

Re: Let’s talk anchors

New question on the sweet looking stainless ones. If used a lot do they look like crap after a while or do they hold up well? Any slight scratches would be very visible. We will set the hook a lot so maybe not for us. But if they do hold up I will pay the upgrade.

 

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

Re: Let’s talk anchors

I have wondered about Ultras; they are beautifully made. Do they dig in and hold well, and do they reset well?

Jim, I'm not a big anchorer. Ultra says they hold and reset perfectly (Who doesn't claim there's is the best?). The times I've anchored, the Ultra set easily in our muddy bottoms. But, I've never used it in a reset situation or in other than moderately bad weather--say 35 knots and 3' on a sound.

They are beautifully made for sure--boat jewelry. And as I've pointed out before, I'm sorta reluctant to drop anything that expensive over the side on purpose. I'd put a big Master padlock on it if I knew I could find the key when I needed it. You can bet your bottom dollar it don't go over without a 1/2" trip line on.

 

[Reefgeorge]

Re: Let’s talk anchors

In most anchor tests a Fortress or Danforth has the greatest holding power once set but problems resetting. This problem gets much worse if the bottom is not pure sand. More chain and the proper rode ratio helps all anchors. You are getting plenty of good choices here.

Most plow types work well. I use a Delta on the bow and a Spade as back up because it rates well and breaks down for storage. Gave up on Danforths a long time ago.

We are getting old when boat anchors start looking sexy.

George