Shopping for a new anchor, need suggestions

wpdragan · #1 (**permalink**) 03-31-2011

I sail Long Island Sound out to the Cape. Anchorages are mostly sand or mud. I am looking to replace an old Danforth that doesn't fit on the bow roller. The boat is 36 ft and weighs about 16,000 pounds loaded. I have no windlass, so the lightest anchor that will safely hold in a blow is preferred. Any suggestions on type and size to consider?

sailingfool · #2 (**permalink**) 03-31-2011

My opinion for what you describe is a 35 lb Delta, works in most any bottom. Sadly, it will be a bit heavy on the back.

Maine Sail · #3 (**permalink**) 03-31-2011

You can't go wrong with a Manson Supreme, Rocna or a steel Spade though the Rocna and Spade's are more $$$$..

Grendler · #4 (**permalink**) 03-31-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by wpdragan

Any suggestions on type and size to consider?

You might be interested in the video describing pros and cons for different types of anchors.

Anchor test.

Video is in Turkish but I believe the image is the key in that presentation.

Grendler.

DoubleEnder · #5 (**permalink**) 03-31-2011

I've had great luck in the past with a Bruce. Originally had a CQR but it just didn't work well for me. I sail Buzzards Bay and the islands. (Maine also)

The bad part is the original Bruce anchors are no longer made and I don't know if the knockoffs work as well.

That being said i just bought a Rocna for my new boat as I like what I've been reading on them.

I would suggest a anchor in the 35# range for a 16,000# boat. You want to be able to sleep well at night in Cuttyhunk.

Brian

svHyLyte · #6 (**permalink**) 03-31-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by wpdragan

I sail Long Island Sound out to the Cape. Anchorages are mostly sand or mud. I am looking to replace an old Danforth that doesn't fit on the bow roller. The boat is 36 ft and weighs about 16,000 pounds loaded. I have no windlass, so the lightest anchor that will safely hold in a blow is preferred. Any suggestions on type and size to consider?

Frankly, for the bottom conditions you describe, a Danforth style anchor is probably best and the best of those is certainly the Fortress, perhaps the FX-23, which can be manhandled. As a practical matter, on a boat your size it would make sense to add a vertical windlass (albeit a costly option). With that I'd suggest either a Rockna or Manson Supreme, probably a Rockna 20.

FWIW...

turbulicity · #7 (**permalink**) 03-31-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grendler

You might be interested in the video describing pros and cons for different types of anchors.

Anchor test.

Video is in Turkish but I believe the image is the key in that presentation.

Grendler.

Great video. Much more so for me since I am Turkish. Anyway, he was describing the goods and bads of known anchor types. The last anchor shown was their own design which they were calling ultra. In their design, the handle was hollow to reduce the weight that is detrimental to initial setting. They embedded lead weight to the blade itself instead. In the test, the anchor set easily and didn't unset even when turned 180 degrees on both sand and gravel. It seems like a very promising design. But I would be skeptical about this test's validity as the real scale and underwater conditions could be a significantly different environment.

Let me know if you have questions about the video. I can try to translate for you.

wpdragan · #8 (**permalink**) 03-31-2011

The weight of the Delta will strain my back, what is the recomended weight for the Manson?

RichH · #9 (**permalink**) 03-31-2011

As MainSail posted Rocna, Manson or Spade.

For low density MUD suggest a large aluminum Fortress with variable 'set angle' (sand or mud).

There have been some suggestions by others of using a short 'stainless cable pendent' between the Rochna, Manson, Spade and the chain rode for better setting in mud .... as my experience is that these anchors need to 'settle down' into the SOFT mud before pulling final strain ... sometimes up to 20-30 min. I plan to add a 'cable pendant' and see what happens; but, I also carry a 'double angle' Fortress especially set for soft MUD but it doesnt really reset all that well during a frontal passage with reversing winds.

For 'basic overall' anchoring I use an old Spade.

Perithead · #10 (**permalink**) 03-31-2011

I am also in the market for a new anchor for my little 17'er. I plan on doing some week long and longer cruising on her so I want an anchor that will hold me when I am swinging 360 degrees and in a heck of a blow.

I found this video a few years ago and it sold me on a Rocna anchor.........

Although it is about $210 for an 13lbs galvanized anchor for my little boat, piece of mind is priceless.