In article ,
Gogarty wrote:
In article ,
says...
I have often wondered about the fortress. I envy its light weight
but am concerned about the holding power. I have often noticed that
the CQR sometimes does not dig in at all but lies on its side.
Therefore the only thing holding us in the spot is the weight of the
anchor and the weight and caternary of the chain. If there is any
current or wind the CQR will anchor in though.
Can anyone advise why the weight of the fortress is not a factor for
concern? I would love the light weight to load in the dinghy when
using it as a kedge.
The Fortress is marvelous when it digs in. It doesn't always. Its
light weight can cause it to fly over the bottom but its design
really makes it dig in once it strfats to set. Recently our windlass
has been on the blink putting the Delta 35 with all chain rode out of
business. (We could free-fall the anchor but getting it back would be
far more than this back could endure.) So we used a Fortress FX-11 on
ten to one rope rode and it held our 16,000 lb O'Day 37 perfectly.
Had a hell of a job breaking it out. We also have an FX-23 as storm
anchor. It has 40 ft. of chain and can be managed without a windlass.
To answer your question, The Fortress has tremendous holding power in
most bottoms but not weeds. The angle of the flukes can be changed
for use in soupy mud.
The flying and difficulty in breaking out are problems that the Fortress
shares with the Danforth, from which it was derived. Though either would
be adequate for the Chesapeake most of the time, I have relegated such
to secondary use after trying out the SPADE. Doesn't fly, is much easier
to break out, and won't trip out in a wind shift.
--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
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http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
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