Stainless Steel Anchors - yes/no/where?

[ohiohatteras]

Guys....just got the boat completely awlgrip'd and they started putting it back together today....anyway, we set the old, wrong color white, chipped, scratched and battered danforth in the bow chocks and it looks like crap!
So....does anybody know where I can find a stainless steel one? Do you think it would look better? Or should I just keep repainting it? Mine is 27" wide at the base and 35" tall.....any help is appreciated!
Thanks
Todd

 

[Nonchalant1]

Probably the best anchor overall is the CQR. They're drop forged steel that's hot dip galvanized zinc. Our 53MY has had one for 10 years, hanging out on the bow roller, anchoring in rocks, mud and sand and no rust. Not sure you need stainless steel just to keep it looking good without paint.
Our backup is a Fortress, which is an alloy that never rusts either, but I don't know if one would work on your boat.

Doug Shuman

 

[Liquid Asset]

I use a Delta Plow, which is better than anything in the Gulf. I am not sure if it woudl work for you, but I have used it without even having it drag a foot. I guess that you need to describe what type of bottom you anchor in.


If your anchor works for you, then you may want to stick with they style. What about sandblasting it and having it powdercoated? that is always an option.

 

[Genesis]

I had a Delta 44 on Gigabite and liked it a LOT. Instant sets and it STAYED PUT.

That's the point of an anchor, so there you have it......

 

[GaryNW]

If you google "stainless danforth" or "stainless anchors", you will get hits. Looks like there are stainless clones of pretty much every common type. I would carefully review strength ratings of any clones against the name-brand originals.

Painted anchors can look good on a boat and hold up o.k. if your useage is only occasional. Unless you are unhappy with the performance of your current anchor, you could save a lot of $$$ with a good paint job or at least buy time to research/procure the best replacement.
Gary

 

[StratPlan61]

You asked about a source for a stainless steel danforth anchor - I would try Bosun Supplies. They offer ss anchors in every major style, danforth, bruce/claw, plow, etc. They also offer the necessary swivels, connectors, shackles, etc., to accompany your selection.
I use a 66# ss Bruce anchor and find it very effective (I'm about 100,000# wet). Once you invest a $1,000 or so in a nice ss anchor - don't be afraid to use a separate trip line w/float when anchoring in those questionable areas. Leaving one on the bottom is a crappy way to ruin your day!
I agree with the one thread which suggested a nice paint job on your Danforth - it is a geat compromise and makes lot of $$$ sense to me. Powder coating is a nice touch and lots cheaper than a ss anchor.

Bear'
1984 61' MY Strategic Plan

 

[Timeless56]

West marine just sent out their summer catalog that includes a section on stainless-steel anchors. I would suggest the Delta Fast-set anchor. The 22lbs for $819.00 would look good on your boat. Page 57 of the summer catalog or check out www.westmarine.com

 

[Maynard Rupp]

A delta is good, but I think a CQR is a little better. They do make them in cast stainless, but the galvenized ones are just fine. We use our boat for sailboat race committee work and anchor in open water, huge seas, and lots of wind. We laugh at the anchors on most powerboats. Don't skimp on an anchor unless it is only for window dressing.

 

[Fanfare]

It's just one more of those things that makes life so complicated. If you use your anchor it gets chipped and scratched. All those rocks and empty rum bottles on the bottom! And white shows everything. I don't have any experience with stainless anchors, but I just got a scratch on one of my new (Sam's) stainless bow chocks somehow. PMO. I finally gave up on painting my anchors. I just get my Danforths regalvanized every decade or so. The zinc weathers to a nice grey-white and I don't have to worry. Maybe the scrapes should be regarded as battle scars showing we actually use our anchors and go places with our boats.

 

[luckydave215]

Just keep if mind guys, when it comes to anchors, stainless is heavier (good) and far weaker (BAD!BAD!BAD!) than common mild steel. And heat treated alloy steels can have 5+ times the strength of stainless steels. The only stainless steel that has the corrosion resistance and strength suitable for an anchor is 17-4PH, a heat treatable stainless. The problem is, no anchors are made out of this steel ($$$$$). Commercially available ones are fabricated from 316SS which stays shiny but is pretty lame when it comes to strength.
Are you going to use your anchor, or just look at it?

 

[Genesis]

Just get it re-galvanized. You can have it hot-dipped every 5 years or so and forget about it.

I personally LIKE the look of a good gray galvanized anchor on the front of a boat. It looks shippy.

 

[jim rosenthal]

The best bargain in a Danforth-type anchor, that won't rust, is a Fortress. Suncor makes SS anchors, and Bosun is a good place to look also, but you would get a much better value on a Fortress. Fortresses don't rust, they hold extremely well, parts can be replaced if they are damaged, and they are easy to handle because they are lighter. They come in equivalent sizes to common steel Danforth types; you may be able to find one that fits.

A SS anchor is going to be very expensive and as pointed out not a great value for the money. What might be a better deal is an aluminum Fortress with stainless anchor chain. This is what I have and it looks great and works great.

Good luck in the search. You will probably have to try several anchors in there before you find one that fits exactly. Well, that's the fun part.

 

[Genesis]

I have an FX-37 for sale. Used, has a very slightly bent stock (Fortress will replace for the cost of shipping, but IMHO its not worth worrying about), works great.

PM me if interested.... its light enough to stuff in a box (disassembled) and ship.

 

[jim rosenthal]

Saw a nice SS Suncor anchor today at WM..about 550$. No doubt available for less at several other outlets. Big enough for a 45-55' boat, I would imagine.