Anchor recommendations?
 

I need to buy a couple anchors for use in Maine and have been reading
the reviews on CruiseNews.net.

Does anyone think there is a real world difference between the "best"
and above average in these tests? Often tests like that just tell you
what was best on that particular day and location.

I like the look of the traditional plow and have a bow roller for one.
Is there a compelling reason to go with a Bruce or a Spade?

The boat has a bow locker for a Danforth type so I'll probably go with
that for the lunch hook.

--

Roger Long

Roger Long wrote:
I need to buy a couple anchors for use in Maine and have been reading
the reviews on CruiseNews.net.

Does anyone think there is a real world difference between the "best"
and above average in these tests? Often tests like that just tell you
what was best on that particular day and location.

I like the look of the traditional plow and have a bow roller for one.
Is there a compelling reason to go with a Bruce or a Spade?

The boat has a bow locker for a Danforth type so I'll probably go with
that for the lunch hook.

First question - does your boat have a windlass? If not, you want to
think carefully about the "heavier is better" school of anchoring technique.

For instance, a traditional 45 pound CQR will hold as well as a 35 pound
Delta, but is obviously somewhat more work to recover. Also the CQR has
trouble setting quickly in a hard bottom because it land on its side,
while a Delta land point down.

I've considered a Spade, but every time I get close I find a few reviews
that say the Spade is no better than a Delta, so I decide to wait. The
Bruce also has its supporters, but it is also rather heavy for its
holding power.

Danforth style anchors have tremendous holding power, set quickly on
many bottoms, and bury deeply in soft mud, but on other bottoms can
release and refuse to re-set. This is not a good primary anchor for the
Northeast, since you don't want to leave it unattended.

Here's my setup; Since I have a Catamaran, I went with the
"lightweight, high tech approach." This was after being advised by a
friend who has lived mostly at anchor for the last twenty years that if
I downsized I'd be happier. Since then I've found that the setup I use
has pretty standard among cat owners.

I use a 35# Delta as a primary, with 50 feet of chain, and 250# feet of
9/16 NE Ropes 3-strand nylon. As a secondary I use a Fortress FX23 (the
equivalent of a 23# Danforth, only 15 pounds) with only about 20 feet of
chain. This is used as a lunch hook or as second anchor. I also have a
spare Danforth and 2 extra rodes, plus a dinghy anchor.

One more thing to consider, especially if you don't have a windlass:
many anchoring problems arise because the skipper is unwilling to reset
the anchor if the first try doesn't end up where you want it, or if the
wind shifts, etc. When I had heavy gear (45 pound CQR, 90 feet of 3/8
chain) resetting was a major effort; now I do it perhaps a third of the
time that I anchor. If I don't like the spot, or if it drags when
backing under power, I just haul it up and reset. Since I started this
approach, I've never dragged, and never had a "midnight crisis."

How many times have you watched someone anchor upwind of you and then
drag down right beside you and refuse to move? Usually a comment, a
nasty look, or a crying baby will entice them to move, but with
lightweight gear, moving is an option.

One more thing - although using two anchors seemed complicated when I
started, its actually quite simple, and with a light Fortress its quick
and easy. The one weakness of the Delta (and many similar anchors) is
soft mud - in these cases the Fortress holds extremely well. Using the
two together guarantees you won't move, and allow you to anchor in
places with limited swinging room.

Yet another thing - don't buy the cheap imitations - get the real
version of whatever you choose. Use quality chain and New England Rope.

I like the look of the traditional plow and have a bow roller for one. Is
there a compelling reason to go with a Bruce or a Spade?

Hi Roger,

The type of anchor you choose should be mostly driven by the type of bottom
you expect to anchor in. Plow anchors are great in certain types of
bottoms, but not in all (like sand). As I'm sure you're aware, the size of
anchor is based on your vessels displacement, windage and "comfort level"
(ie., I always slept better knowing that I had a -big- anchor holding me in
place).

There have been a number of good anchor reviews written in "Practical
Sailor", and a thorough coverage of anchor selection in Dashiew's "Cruising
Encyclopedia" 2nd Ed. I'd get my hands on both of these, Dashiew's is
especially helpful.

A couple other topics you'll need to think about (if you haven't already) is
how much and what size chain, and how are you going to pick it up (ie. do
you have an anchor windlass?). Dashiew's book cover these topics as well.

For cruising the West coast and Hawaii, we decided on a Bruce with 50% chain
for our main system, a Fortress with about 25% chain for a lunch hook and a
big, heavy Danforth with 25% chain as a back up anchor. We mostly anchored
in sand, a bottom these anchors do very well in. Our boat was an ultralight
displacement former raceboat and very sensitive to weight placement, thus
the reason for no more than 50% chain on the main anchor (in the forward
locker).

--
Paul

=-----------------------------------=
renewontime dot com
FREE email reminder service for licensed mariners
http://www.renewontime.com
=-----------------------------------=

Roger,

I would like to support everything that Jeff has said. We sail a 39 foot
ketch in Maine and I have a few anchors aboard. My main anchor is a 35 lb
CQR but I love the Bruce. It sets faster than any other anchor I use. The
only caution is to figure out how the anchors will stow on the bow before
you buy one. Our Bruce will not set on the bow roller so the cqr is the
primary because the bow roller was built for it.

Cheers

Ansley Sawyer
SV Pacem

"Roger Long" wrote .
I need to buy a couple anchors for use in Maine and have been reading
the reviews on CruiseNews.net.

Does anyone think there is a real world difference between the "best"
and above average in these tests? Often tests like that just tell you
what was best on that particular day and location.

I like the look of the traditional plow and have a bow roller for one.
Is there a compelling reason to go with a Bruce or a Spade?

It is never a good idea to have two anchors of the same pattern. I sell
Spades but I am putting a CQR on the second roller.

In the New England area I would sugggest either a CQR or a steel Spade. The
Bruce sets very easily but it just doesn't have the holding power. The
Spade sets very reliably if you let it settle a few seconds before putting
any tension on the rode and resets quickly on its own. Which is kinda
counter intuitive as it is usually under tension when it resets. (I haven't
figured that out yet.) It realigns extremely well IF you use a proper size
model. The CQR doesn't have quite the holding power of the Spade in most
bottoms but it seems to perform a little better in soft mud.

My customers must like their Spades as I offer 30 day return privileges for
any reason and after more than 200 anchors nobody has returned one yet.

--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com
Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com

What about the "buegel" (sp) anchor. I've been hearing alot of good things
about them. Widely used in Europe and now available in the states.


Jay


"Glenn Ashmore" wrote in message
news:2B5Md.113815$Wo.31960@lakeread08...

"Roger Long" wrote .
I need to buy a couple anchors for use in Maine and have been reading
the reviews on CruiseNews.net.

Does anyone think there is a real world difference between the "best"
and above average in these tests? Often tests like that just tell you
what was best on that particular day and location.

I like the look of the traditional plow and have a bow roller for one.
Is there a compelling reason to go with a Bruce or a Spade?

It is never a good idea to have two anchors of the same pattern. I sell
Spades but I am putting a CQR on the second roller.

In the New England area I would sugggest either a CQR or a steel Spade.
The
Bruce sets very easily but it just doesn't have the holding power. The
Spade sets very reliably if you let it settle a few seconds before putting
any tension on the rode and resets quickly on its own. Which is kinda
counter intuitive as it is usually under tension when it resets. (I
haven't
figured that out yet.) It realigns extremely well IF you use a proper
size
model. The CQR doesn't have quite the holding power of the Spade in most
bottoms but it seems to perform a little better in soft mud.

My customers must like their Spades as I offer 30 day return privileges
for
any reason and after more than 200 anchors nobody has returned one yet.

--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com
Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com

We have a 42' ketch that we have sailed the east coast of Australia
and are now in Phuket. We use the Brugel (25 Kg) as our primary anchor
and it is great to use. Sets quickly, resets the same and easy to stow
as it has no moving parts. We even had a second one made in Aust. All
up we carry 4 anchors, 2 Brugels, 1 Danforth and a plough. The only
time we have had a problem is anchoring in silt at the mouth of a
river.
Tony
S/V Ambrosia

On Wed, 02 Feb 2005 12:55:44 GMT, "Roger Long"
wrote:
I like the look of the traditional plow and have a bow roller for one.
Is there a compelling reason to go with a Bruce or a Spade?

The boat has a bow locker for a Danforth type so I'll probably go with
that for the lunch hook.

=============================================

Both the Bruce and Spade are significantly easier to set than a plow,
and are more likely to reset if disrupted in my experience. The Bruce
has a reputation for creeping under heavy load but I have not
personally experienced this. I used a 44 lb Spade on my last boat and
hold it in very high regard. A 120 lb Spade is on order for the new
boat and will replace a 65 lb Bruce as primary anchor. The Bruce has
given no cause for concern but since the boat weighs 60,000 lbs fully
loaded, I'd like a heavier anchor.

The Danforth is fine as a lunch hook, or anywhere with a mud or sand
bottom. Use at least 5 to 1 scope, more if the wind is blowing hard.

On Wed, 02 Feb 2005 08:52:14 -0500, Jeff Morris
wrote:

I've considered a Spade, but every time I get close I find a few reviews
that say the Spade is no better than a Delta, so I decide to wait.

==================================================

I disagree on that one. I replaced a Delta plow with a comparable
weight Spade on my old boat and never even thought about going back.
I still have the Delta if you'd like to buy it. The Spade you will
have to pry from my fingers.

In article , "just me" wrote:
What about the "buegel" (sp) anchor. I've been hearing alot of good things
about them. Widely used in Europe and now available in the states.


Jay


Jay, for info on the Buegel Anchor try:

http://www.inter-yacht.com/Buegel/BuegelIntro.html

On Wed, 02 Feb 2005 12:55:44 GMT, "Roger Long"
wrote:

I need to buy a couple anchors for use in Maine and have been reading
the reviews on CruiseNews.net.

Does anyone think there is a real world difference between the "best"
and above average in these tests? Often tests like that just tell you
what was best on that particular day and location.

I like the look of the traditional plow and have a bow roller for one.
Is there a compelling reason to go with a Bruce or a Spade?

The boat has a bow locker for a Danforth type so I'll probably go with
that for the lunch hook.

I have been anchoring in Maine for 25 seasons and have found danforth
types (Fortress now) ideal for the usual clay bottoms. Occasionally a
weedy cover requires retrying, but not often.

Duck Harbor on Isle au Haut has a rocky bottom where a Luke or the
like would be wanted if you had one.




Rodney Myrvaagnes J36 Gjo/a


Does one child rape really change Strom Thurmond's lifetime record?
For better or worse?

On Wed, 02 Feb 2005 12:55:44 GMT, "Roger Long"
wrote:

I need to buy a couple anchors for use in Maine and have been reading
the reviews on CruiseNews.net.

Does anyone think there is a real world difference between the "best"
and above average in these tests? Often tests like that just tell you
what was best on that particular day and location.

I like the look of the traditional plow and have a bow roller for one.
Is there a compelling reason to go with a Bruce or a Spade?

The boat has a bow locker for a Danforth type so I'll probably go with
that for the lunch hook.

Do you have a windlass? I have a comment about the "lunch hook"
concept. I always use my main anchor, no matter. Whether I think I am
there for 10 minutes or 2 weeks, I use the REAL anchor. That way, I am
never going somewhere else for 5 minutes and worrying about my boat.
Get a windlass. Get a chain rode. Use your big anchor. If all chain
is not appropriate, use a snubber.

I love the Bruce. I have a 66 pound (the largest in our marina)
Bruce and all chain rode. It has never failed to set. Thousands od
cruisers use a CQR and they can depend upon it. The Luke has a good
reputation for difficult areas or deep anchorages.

Get the biggest anchor you can carry and a windlass to handle it.
Your ground tackle is the most important system on your boat. If it
fails, you lose your boat. Make it the best you can carry and use it.

My boat is only 32 feet and not set up for chain storage or windlass
installation. I'll have to with 25 - 50 feet of chain and nylon. I
have a few pear shaped lead weights of about 20 pounds with holes
through them. I'm going to run a short line with a snap shackle
through one. I'll keep it in the bilge and, if ever faced with a
really dire holding situation, hook it onto the end of the chain.

I've always dealt with tough anchor pulls by taking the nylon rode
around a halyard winch. I wouldn't ride to it for obvious reasons but
it makes pulling the boat up to the anchor if I can't or don't want to
start the engine a lot easier.

--

Roger Long

I've read through all the reviews and replies. I'm going to put a
Spade on my wish list of stuff to buy for that cruise to Newfoundland.
In the meantime I think a CQR, which the boat is already set up for,
is probably my best choice.

Is there any significant difference between the genuine CQR (which is
still more than I want to spend in the same year we paid for the boat)
and the Kingston or Sascot versions?

--

Roger Long

You might want to take a look at item #4524695234 on Ebay!



"Roger Long" wrote in message
...
I've read through all the reviews and replies. I'm going to put a Spade
on my wish list of stuff to buy for that cruise to Newfoundland. In the
meantime I think a CQR, which the boat is already set up for, is probably
my best choice.

Is there any significant difference between the genuine CQR (which is
still more than I want to spend in the same year we paid for the boat) and
the Kingston or Sascot versions?

--

Roger Long

On Thu, 03 Feb 2005 03:13:32 GMT, "Roger Long"
wrote:

I've read through all the reviews and replies. I'm going to put a
Spade on my wish list of stuff to buy for that cruise to Newfoundland.
In the meantime I think a CQR, which the boat is already set up for,
is probably my best choice.

Is there any significant difference between the genuine CQR (which is
still more than I want to spend in the same year we paid for the boat)
and the Kingston or Sascot versions?

I have not heard anything bad about these new versions. Whatever
anchor you get, get oversize and use plenty of chain. Do not use
connecting links in your chain. Most chain failures are due to a "weak
link" from using a connecting link. Use only a shackle rated at least
as strong as your chain.
Remember that your ground tackle is the system that lets you sleep
in comfort. It's not your mattress or your heater that really gives
you comfort during the night; it's your anchor and rode.

On Thu, 03 Feb 2005 02:07:14 GMT, "Roger Long"
wrote:

My boat is only 32 feet and not set up for chain storage or windlass
installation. I'll have to with 25 - 50 feet of chain and nylon. I
have a few pear shaped lead weights of about 20 pounds with holes
through them. I'm going to run a short line with a snap shackle
through one. I'll keep it in the bilge and, if ever faced with a
really dire holding situation, hook it onto the end of the chain.

I've always dealt with tough anchor pulls by taking the nylon rode
around a halyard winch. I wouldn't ride to it for obvious reasons but
it makes pulling the boat up to the anchor if I can't or don't want to
start the engine a lot easier.

I used a primary (sheet) winch before I installed a big Maxwell
windlass. It has a good capstan for line rodes in addition to the
chain gypsy.

"Skipper" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 03 Feb 2005 03:13:32 GMT, "Roger Long"
wrote:

I've read through all the reviews and replies. I'm going to put a
Spade on my wish list of stuff to buy for that cruise to Newfoundland.
In the meantime I think a CQR, which the boat is already set up for,
is probably my best choice.

Is there any significant difference between the genuine CQR (which is
still more than I want to spend in the same year we paid for the boat)
and the Kingston or Sascot versions?

I have not heard anything bad about these new versions. Whatever
anchor you get, get oversize and use plenty of chain. Do not use
connecting links in your chain. Most chain failures are due to a "weak
link" from using a connecting link. Use only a shackle rated at least
as strong as your chain.
Remember that your ground tackle is the system that lets you sleep
in comfort. It's not your mattress or your heater that really gives
you comfort during the night; it's your anchor and rode.

Remember that your ground tackle is the system that lets you sleep
in comfort.

Well this prompts me to put in a plug for the Bruce. Every test I've read
shows that the Bruce anchor resets itself 100% of the time and quickly. If
the wind swings around 180 degrees while you are sleeping this could be
rather important. The only downside on the Bruce is the modest holding
power. In the real world I'm not sure how important this is. If you are
going to ride out a gale you will probably want to set an second anchor .

I'm swinging (no pun) to the Delta. I read a review (sorry, forgot to
save the link) by someone who compared it to the CQR over a long trip.
As a designer, I found one point (again, no pun) compelling. The
hinge isolates much of the anchor weight of the CQR from pressing the
tip down. It also makes the anchor more of a pain to handle.

The very experienced builders of these boats

http://home.maine.rr.com/rlma/Challenger_Class.HTM

love the Bruce and we put one on the last one.

I'll probably get a Spade when I finally head off for Newfoundland but
money is flying out the door right now equipping this boat and the
Delta looks like a good compromise. I'm one of those people who take
a lot of care setting my anchors so the easy set of the Bruce isn't as
compelling.

--

Roger Long

On Wed, 02 Feb 2005 15:50:52 -0800, Skipper
wrote:

Do you have a windlass? I have a comment about the "lunch hook"
concept. I always use my main anchor, no matter. Whether I think I am
there for 10 minutes or 2 weeks, I use the REAL anchor. That way, I am
never going somewhere else for 5 minutes and worrying about my boat.

Can't argue with your logic or experience. However, I have always
interpreted the phrase "lunch hook" as "the anchor you put down on a
light-air day in a bay or off a beach when you want to read a book and
have some sandwiches under the bimini".

Hence the term "lunch". In my case, that's a 15 lb Danforth on 7 to 1
scope, with a 5/8" nylon rode. My main anchor is a 15 kg. Bruce on 200
feet of nylon with 20 feet of chain and a kedge if necessary and a big
old yachtsman's if something goes wrong and I drop the Danforth (which
is an alternate stern anchor).

My boat's 33 feet and 10,000 lbs. loaded. Why the hell would you leave
the boat when you've got just the "lunch" hook deployed? Leaving the
boat implies "shore hook" or "every hook because I'm not aboard to
check my anchors" .

Get a windlass. Get a chain rode. Use your big anchor. If all chain
is not appropriate, use a snubber.

You can also provision for chafe gear on deck and a snubber in the
form of a hitched on line to a second cleat.

R.

On Thu, 3 Feb 2005 07:04:38 -0600, "just me"
wrote:

You might want to take a look at item #4524695234 on Ebay!



It is either not a CQR or it is not 316 stainless steel. Stainless
steel anchors that look like a CQR are very expensive anchors.

Here's the review:

http://www.multihullsmag.com/magazin...cles/delta.htm

I just got back from the marine supply store where I put a CQR and a
Delta of the same weight side by side. It is very convincing. All
the weight of the Delta is digging it in whereas the hinged shank of
the CQR is actually relieving the weight on the tip. Furthermore,
handling both, I realized what a pain it would be to have the head of
the CQR flopping around.

There was also an aluminum Spade of the same size but quite a bit
lighter, of course. It had about the same fluke area. I'm sorry
Glen, I really like your web site but it just doesn't feel like an
anchor to me. I probably would like the steel version better. If I
had a weight sensitive boat, it would be the way to go. The Delta
feels enormously reassuring just to pick up and hold. The Bruce's
just didn't grab me although I'm sure they can grab other things.

--

Roger Long



"Roger Long" wrote in message
...
I'm swinging (no pun) to the Delta. I read a review (sorry, forgot
to save the link) by someone who compared it to the CQR over a long
trip. As a designer, I found one point (again, no pun) compelling.
The hinge isolates much of the anchor weight of the CQR from
pressing the tip down. It also makes the anchor more of a pain to
handle.

The very experienced builders of these boats

http://home.maine.rr.com/rlma/Challenger_Class.HTM

love the Bruce and we put one on the last one.

I'll probably get a Spade when I finally head off for Newfoundland
but money is flying out the door right now equipping this boat and
the Delta looks like a good compromise. I'm one of those people who
take a lot of care setting my anchors so the easy set of the Bruce
isn't as compelling.

--

Roger Long

Yes, they are. It's not a CQR (brand) but it is 316 stainless

--

"Skipper" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 3 Feb 2005 07:04:38 -0600, "just me"
wrote:

You might want to take a look at item #4524695234 on Ebay!



It is either not a CQR or it is not 316 stainless steel. Stainless
steel anchors that look like a CQR are very expensive anchors.

On Thu, 03 Feb 2005 21:33:27 GMT, "Roger Long"
wrote:

Here's the review:

*snip!
The Delta
feels enormously reassuring just to pick up and hold. The Bruce's
just didn't grab me although I'm sure they can grab other things.


I like the look and feel of the Delta. I might get an 85 pound
Delta instaed of a CQR. My Bruce does grab and has never failed to
set. The Bruce design was made to dig in and set within twice its
length. I like the Bruce.
In soft mud I would use a Fortress or Danforth. Anything else, a
Bruce or a plow-type.

Roger Long wrote:
Here's the review:

http://www.multihullsmag.com/magazin...cles/delta.htm

I just got back from the marine supply store where I put a CQR and a
Delta of the same weight side by side. It is very convincing. All
the weight of the Delta is digging it in whereas the hinged shank of
the CQR is actually relieving the weight on the tip. Furthermore,
handling both, I realized what a pain it would be to have the head of
the CQR flopping around.

There was also an aluminum Spade of the same size but quite a bit
lighter, of course. It had about the same fluke area. I'm sorry
Glen, I really like your web site but it just doesn't feel like an
anchor to me. I probably would like the steel version better. If I
had a weight sensitive boat, it would be the way to go. The Delta
feels enormously reassuring just to pick up and hold. The Bruce's
just didn't grab me although I'm sure they can grab other things.


A good choice.

On Thu, 03 Feb 2005 15:33:46 -0500, rhys wrote:




Hence the term "lunch". In my case, that's a 15 lb Danforth on 7 to 1
scope, with a 5/8" nylon rode. My main anchor is a 15 kg. Bruce on 200
feet of nylon with 20 feet of chain and a kedge if necessary and a big
old yachtsman's if something goes wrong and I drop the Danforth (which
is an alternate stern anchor).

My boat's 33 feet and 10,000 lbs. loaded. Why the hell would you leave
the boat when you've got just the "lunch" hook deployed? Leaving the
boat implies "shore hook" or "every hook because I'm not aboard to
check my anchors" .


I started with a 23' sloop and used an anchor rated for your boat.
I have never dragged and I have slept through several storms in
comfort.

I bought one of those from Glenn, an A-80 and have used it extensively
up and back from the Inside Passage, Florida and Lake Superior. I
dragged once in Florida when it balled up a bunch of weeds and couldn't
get down into the good stuff to set.

As Glenn mentioned, its only peculiarity is that it likes to find its
own way into the bottom, so give it a little time before you back down
on it.

Capt. Jeff

On Thu, 03 Feb 2005 18:40:53 GMT, "Roger Long"
wrote:

I'm swinging (no pun) to the Delta. I read a review (sorry, forgot to
save the link) by someone who compared it to the CQR over a long trip.

==========================================

I have a 44# Delta that I'm willing to sell if you are interested
(excellent condition).

Drop me a note and we can work out the details.

Roger Long wrote:
I'm swinging (no pun) to the Delta. I read a review (sorry, forgot to
save the link) by someone who compared it to the CQR over a long trip.
As a designer, I found one point (again, no pun) compelling. The
hinge isolates much of the anchor weight of the CQR from pressing the
tip down. It also makes the anchor more of a pain to handle.

My experience:

35# CQR - o.k. holding power but not great

35# Delta - much better holding power than the CQR, better setting.
Not good in mud where the CQR seemed to do better. Held our 30'
rather high windage cutter in winds so strong that my wife and I had
to yell into each other's ears from 6" away to be heard.

I don't know how hard it was blowing but it was _lots_ more than 40
knots. (I've sat at anchor in 40 knots on same anchor with other
boats beside me reporting windspeed on their anemometers and it was
not blowing anything near that hard). The spray off the ocean with
very short fetch (a few miles) was spreader high.

33# Bruce - limited holding but very fast set. I've seen people drag
*twice* with a Bruce and literally pull them up with a nice bowling
ball size rock jammed in the flukes. I've got one on my new boat now
and don't trust it.

Avoid anchoring near the kelp up there with any anchor! Have a fun trip.

Evan Gatehouse



In a gale you sometimes don't have time to row out a 2nd anchor if the
wind rises fast enough.


Evan Gatehouse

Try the ussailing.org site for lors of anchor testing stuff.
G
"Wayne.B" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 03 Feb 2005 18:40:53 GMT, "Roger Long"
wrote:

I'm swinging (no pun) to the Delta. I read a review (sorry, forgot to
save the link) by someone who compared it to the CQR over a long trip.

==========================================

I have a 44# Delta that I'm willing to sell if you are interested
(excellent condition).

Drop me a note and we can work out the details.

I have a 22 lb Delta that I've used on my 30 foot sloop for years and
which has saved my bacon on more than one occassion. I decided to get
another good anchor and went with a 33 lb. steel Spade that I bought
from Glen. I also have a danforth style West Anchor but I don't trust it
unattended or overnight because of resetting issues. My experience with
the Spade so far has been excellent and if, over time, it performs as
well or better than my Delta I will be very happy indeed.

Gordon wrote:
Try the ussailing.org site for lors of anchor testing stuff.
G
This is an interesting site, but I was always annoyed that they compared
the Delta 33 to the larger anchors. Its always hard to do apples to
apples comparisons, but this report ignores that fact that the target
boat, a 40 to 45 foot cruising sailboat, is near the high end of the
recommended range for a Delta 33. Saying that the 33 "fails" the test
for 63 knots ignores the fact that it is not rated for those conditions,
and clearly the Delta 44 would have had a much better chance of passing.
The 44 would have also set much easier in some of the problem areas.

On Sat, 05 Feb 2005 17:15:12 GMT, "St. Pete Sailor"
wrote:

I have a 22 lb Delta that I've used on my 30 foot sloop for years and
which has saved my bacon on more than one occassion. I decided to get
another good anchor and went with a 33 lb. steel Spade that I bought
from Glen. I also have a danforth style West Anchor but I don't trust it
unattended or overnight because of resetting issues. My experience with
the Spade so far has been excellent and if, over time, it performs as
well or better than my Delta I will be very happy indeed.

I like the look and feel of the Delta. I want to hear more from
users before I buy an 80 pounder.

On Sat, 05 Feb 2005 13:22:43 -0500, Jeff Morris
wrote:

Gordon wrote:
Try the ussailing.org site for lors of anchor testing stuff.
G
This is an interesting site, but I was always annoyed that they compared
the Delta 33 to the larger anchors. Its always hard to do apples to
apples comparisons, but this report ignores that fact that the target
boat, a 40 to 45 foot cruising sailboat, is near the high end of the
recommended range for a Delta 33. Saying that the 33 "fails" the test
for 63 knots ignores the fact that it is not rated for those conditions,
and clearly the Delta 44 would have had a much better chance of passing.
The 44 would have also set much easier in some of the problem areas.

Right. I wouldn't dream of leaving my 46' boat with a 33 pound
anchor. Even my Danforth is 40 pounds. My opinion of the right size
Delta is more like 80, with plenty of chain.

I grew up sailing in the lower caribean(Colombia and Panama Coast). All my
life we had a Catalina 30. We used what I believe is called a plow. Since we
do get strong trade winds and strong storms my father bought one that was
slightly bigger. It worked in every condition and all types of floors. For
those who have known the coast of Panama, they know it has a season of
chocosanos. Lots of people have lost their boats there and we survived
through all of it after many years so that should be a good indication.
In my personal opinion its not about what type of anchor you get, its how
you use it. Make sure you give it lots of rope, the more the better. Avoid
dropping the chain on it. Make sure you give it a good tug in reverse to
make it ground itself. Another thing Ive learned is that after sailing so
much you become keenly aware of what is going on even when sleeping. A drop
of wind and a sudden drop in temperature(onset of a chocosano) or you can
even feel the boat drifting will wake you up.
Oh and always keep a spare around ready to be deployed.

Sebas

"Roger Long" wrote in message
...
I need to buy a couple anchors for use in Maine and have been reading
the reviews on CruiseNews.net.

Does anyone think there is a real world difference between the "best"
and above average in these tests? Often tests like that just tell you
what was best on that particular day and location.

I like the look of the traditional plow and have a bow roller for one.
Is there a compelling reason to go with a Bruce or a Spade?

The boat has a bow locker for a Danforth type so I'll probably go with
that for the lunch hook.

--

Roger Long