anchors

[RodSheaffer]

I have a 28 oday with a 13 lbs. Delta and 30 feet of 5/16 chain. No problems in the Chesapeake.

[Maine Sail]

I have used a Delta a CQR 35# and for the last three years have relied solely on a 33# Bruce. My CQR is now my back up! The Bruce anchor sets faster and re-sets with a tremendiously high reliability rate compared to my CQR. I sail the Maine coast and most of the bottoms are thick clay like mud. The Bruce works about 30% better than any other anchor I''ve used. My anchor arsenal consists of a Bruce 33 a CQR 35 and a Fortress FX 16 as a lunch hook or stern anchor. I sold the Delta and was very unimpressed with it because it did not re-set well in a tide or wind shift. In most Maine anchorages it''s not very far to a rocky shore and usually by the time you hear the anchor alarm on the GPS it''s to late! Just my .02 worth....

[marked]

I''d be interested in other''s opinions regarding the best type of anchor and the most effective technique for anchoring in very soft sand and silt. What''s the best way to avoid simply plowing up the bottom? Assume adequate scope and an appropriately weighted anchor. Thanks!

[feprice]

Danforth -- if the bottom''s not weedy.

[RobGallagher]

I have an FX 16 that I use on my C&C 30. I have had trouble with weeds and dragged once after setting and backing down hard. I was off the boat when the wind picked up and my boat was rescued by some VERY nice people in the anchorage. Other than that one event I have been happy with the FX16. I carry 2 backup anchors but they are both danforth types. I am considering purchasing a plough or bruce type but I''m not sure what to go with.

[GordMay]

The Fortress is a great anchor, but unless it''s practical to "dive" the anchor (& hand set), not great in Grass. Grass is tough!
I''ve used both 35# Delta & 22# Bruce (as well as FX23) on my C&C29, and found the Delta to be adequate in Grass (tho'' I always dive my anchors if uncertain).
A 22 Lb (about 10 kg) DELTA is roughly equivilent to your FX16, but neither is a great storm anchor for your C&C30 (I''d prefer 1 size up - FX23 & 35# Delta).
The Bruce (like most anchors) does poorly in Grass.
Regards & thanx to good boat neighbours ,
Gord

[windship]

''the Bruce does poorly in grass''however it''s does do better than the others.

Dennis

[Priceless]

I''ve used a 35# CQR on a Catalina 30 for years and a 45# CQR on a 17,000# 33'' motorsailer for several years, all in SE Alaska. No problems with weeds. Only problems I''ve had with these anchors is trying to anchor on solid rock, which happily is not often the situation. The motorsailer has 35 fm of 5/16" chain. Love it!

Cheers, Frank