preferred anchor?

[takefive]

Comparing Delta, CQR, Fortress and Danforth anchors. Here in South Florida bottom is sandy/mud or sometimes grass. Looking for best hold, fast set and least weight.
Thanks

 

[Pascal]

It really comes down to personal preferences

For pure holding power in so Fl it s hard to beat the Fortress although like all danforth it doesn't dig in grass and doesn't reset well as it gets clogged with mud. In so Fl where we usually don't anchor in tidal current it s not a big deal. I have an FX55 on my 53 and it works

Otherwise my favorite is the Bruce / Claw. Some say it doesn't set well but I ve been using one for about 3 years now on the 70 footer i run and it sets 99.9% of the time on the first try, that s from Georgetown Exumas all the way to cape Cod.

Last wed we were anchored on Edgartown outter harbor (Martha s vineyard) when nasty storm came thru blowing about 45 kts. Didnt move a foot, and that was with a 70' Swan tied alongside! In the spring I held in 60+ kt in a creek near charleston

The key (true for any anchor) is to oversize it. I used to have 110 pounder which ran out of power at around 40kts. I have yet to find the limit with the 176 pounder, I know it s over 65kt. That s on a high windage skylounge 20' beam 70 footer

Many are big fans of Rocna, i never used one... And the delta which indont find to be that good in soft mud although it s good in sand, harder mud and grass

But the most important factor isn't the anchor, it s the captain...

 

[bobk]

Lots of us coastal cruisers like the SuperMax adjustable. I have used one since the late '90s. I have the 75# version on Chateau de Mer. No issues, except not the easiest to get set in grass.

Bob
Chateau de Mer
1981 48my

 

[daniel r morrison]

on my 42c I have tried the following. fortress fx37 which held well in one direction only with tide or current change no good, would not set in even light grass. 66 lb claw, set good but in a hard blow woiuld drag and ball up mud or grass like a spoon taking a scoop of ice cream. final anchor 88 lb delta with 200' 3/8 g4 chain, major overkill but I can sleep through any storm, wind or current change outside a full blown hurricane. now I watchg the sailboats drag by as I hold firm. forgot to mention 44lb delta set well but not enough for some of my anchorages

 

[DCMY #92]

I've used a 35# CQR on our 41 DCMY since we bought her in '82. It has only failed to set once in very heavy grass (Florida Bay). It has broke loose only once (Key West). Otherwise, it has been very reliable and trouble free. I use a rope rode with 12' of chain. By the way - if you decide on CQR there is a 45# SS one listed for sale at our club. I'll be glad to ask if it's still available if you like.

 

[MikeP]

It's all about the bottom in the cruising area. I would go with whatever folks use who do extensive anchoring in the same area you will be anchoring. Our 65 pound plow anchor that was bulletproof in LI Sound is useless in Ches bay mud, for example, dragging in nearly no wind; a fortress fx55 is the bulletproof anchor for us now. So get the anchor that works where you are going to be.

 

[labrador]

My fortress FX37 for a 41', not a Hat, seems to do the trick here in N.C. Muddy bottom with 45' of chain and nylon rode. Sets real well 1st time although I make sure to dig it in hard the 1st time. Out almost every weekend since labor day and haven't dragged at all. Now I hope I haven't just jinxed myself!!!!!!!

 

[labrador]

Sorry, ment Memorial Day

 

[Paul45c]

Here in Florida I've had the best luck with Fortress for a Danforth type, and Delta for a plow. I had some pretty poor experiences with a CQR -- just never seemed to want to set right the 1st and 2nd times. When I changed up to the Delta, I was hooking on the 1st try every time, pretty much. The Deltas stand upright, whereas the CQR lays on its side. Supposedly the primary virtue of the CQR is its ability to stay set while the boat swings 180 deg. You can keep it.

My most common anchoring is either in shallow protected coves where just about anything would work, or on reefs along the coast. The Delta fits well on my pulpit and does the trick. If you have the room for the long length (comparatively) of the shank on the Fortress, that might be your best bet all-around.

 

[MV Mystery]

Anchor preferences are like a political argument - so tread carefully!

I Just replaced my old anchor with a 88Lb Rocna and so far I've had good results (with one odd dragging incident). The Rocna bites in frist time and has held well in strong winds where I've dragged before under similar conditions with a 66Lb Bruce.

I also had very poor experiences with a 65Lb CQR that came with the boat (It was difficult to set)and then moved to the 66Lb Bruce which was Okay, but has let go under gusty winds conditons one too many times. The Bruce always seemed to set with one "ear" dug in on its side, so I can see why its holding is limited.
In contrast the Rocna sets upright and digs in quickly (so far). I've only had it a few weeks now, but it is already setting and holding better than any anchor I've had before, I just hope it is consistent over time.

Its pretty expensive, so I'd consider the Manson Supreme, which unfortunately wasn't available here in the size I wanted, so I ended up going with the Rocna.

I've just in the past two weeks upgraded my Chain from 1/4 BB to 3/8 HT so that should also help.

You can read about my expereinces with this anchor here:

http://www.samsmarine.com/forums/showthread.php?17953-Rocna-88Lb-First-Use&highlight=rocna