Actually, the Fortress site recommends six feet of chain. If you tried deploy
that while moving, or while holding station in a strong current, it might not
get to the bottom. They don't specify size, so if you used 6 feet of 3/16
chain, you've only added 2.5 pounds, not enough to take it down in a current.

Its true that most any cruising manual will advise chain, but they are
invariably talking about "working" or "storm" anchors, not lunch hooks or mud
hooks. For instance, you wouldn't want chain on one of these:
http://www.flyfishusa.com/pontoon/po...or/anchor.html

I'm not knocking the Fortress; I've used one for a dozen years and strongly
recommend them. Also, I'm not saying you shouldn't use chain, although I think
some people use too much. I'm only saying its important to understand how
different anchors work in different situations, and to use them accordingly.


"SAIL LOCO" wrote in message
...
The Fortress, without a chain, would hover about 5 feet below the
surface. Six feet of chain was enough to take it down, but I ended up using 8
or 10 feet with it.

I think Fortress states in their instruction sheet that you should use chain.
I think every manufacture states that you should use chain. I think every
anchor assembly article I ever read states to use chain.
S/V Express 30 "Ringmaster"
"No shirt, no skirt, full service"

I think
some people use too much. I'm only saying its important to understand how
different anchors work in different situations, and to use them accordingly.


But...jeff, do you agree with Loco's decision to base 25% of his anchor choice
on it's looks?

RB

Actually, he was probably required to carry an anchor for racing, and the
Fortress FX11 is the lightest that could be considered "suitable" for a 30
footer. Its OK as a minimal lunch hook, and Loco has admitted to no further
ambition. Sounds like a good match.


"Bobsprit" wrote in message
...
I think
some people use too much. I'm only saying its important to understand how
different anchors work in different situations, and to use them accordingly.


But...jeff, do you agree with Loco's decision to base 25% of his anchor choice
on it's looks?

RB

Actually, he was probably required to carry an anchor for racing, and the
Fortress FX11 is the lightest that could be considered "suitable" for a 30
footer. Its OK as a minimal lunch hook, and Loco has admitted to no further
ambition. Sounds like a good match.


Agreed, but if you look back, you'll note that Loco says 25% of the reason for
the Fortress was looks.

RB

Ssssssssssssssssssss..what's that sound? Oh, it's bob**** deflating.

Loco ----- 100
boob**** - 0

"Jeff Morris" wrote in message
...
Actually, he was probably required to carry an anchor for racing, and the
Fortress FX11 is the lightest that could be considered "suitable" for a 30
footer. Its OK as a minimal lunch hook, and Loco has admitted to no
further
ambition. Sounds like a good match.


"Bobsprit" wrote in message
...
I think
some people use too much. I'm only saying its important to understand
how
different anchors work in different situations, and to use them
accordingly.


But...jeff, do you agree with Loco's decision to base 25% of his anchor
choice
on it's looks?

RB

Scotty wrote:

Loco ----- 25%
boob**** - 100.


Bwahahahahahahaha!

RB

I'm only saying its important to understand how
different anchors work in different situations, and to use them
accordingly.

That's correct and for my situation a Fortress w/chain works just fine and
it's no weight in the anchor locker. If I were crossing the Atlantic going to
the Med I think I'd have some other options on the boat to use in other
situations. But I ain't doing that. Having 3 anchors on board my boat that's
"cruising" the Chesapeake is sort of like having one of those wind vane
steering contraptions hanging on the stern on the many boats that I see that
never go anywhere.
S/V Express 30 "Ringmaster"
"No shirt, no skirt, full service"

Actually, he was probably required to carry an anchor for racing, and the
Fortress FX11 is the lightest that could be considered "suitable" for a 30
footer. Its OK as a minimal lunch hook, and Loco has admitted to no further
ambition. Sounds like a good match.

Exactly! However the Fortress FX-11 is more than a lunch hook for a 30 footer.
S/V Express 30 "Ringmaster"
"No shirt, no skirt, full service"

Exactly! However the Fortress FX-11 is more than a lunch hook for a 30
footer.

yes, it's also a FASHION STATEMENT!

RB

That's correct and for my situation a Fortress w/chain works just fine and
it's no weight in the anchor locker.


WAIT ONE SECOND!!! If it's in the locker, why did you make 25% of your choice
based on it's looks??!!!!

RB