Reginald P. Smithers wrote:
wrote:
JimH wrote:
wrote in message
oups.com...
Want to buy a Bruce anchor?

Better do so quickly.

Bruce transferred the manufacturing rights to an Italian subsidiary a
few years ago, and that subsidiary stopped making anchors earlier this
spring.

No doubt there will be some knock-offs and good used anchors around,
but the supply of new Bruce is terminated (for at least a while).

For the conditions in my area I have always been partial to Fortress
anchors
as they have always performed flawlessly for me even in the most
demanding
conditions.

Realizing that I am in the process of purchasing a Fortess FX-7 for our
current boat. The generic type anchor the dealer threw into the deal
when
we purchased the boat last August does not cut it, as evidenced when we
tried to anchor near the beach last Monday.

Are Bruce/plow type anchors popular in your area Chuck? How reliable
are
the knock-offs?

Bruce anchors hold fairly well in a wide variety of bottoms. The thing
with a Bruce is that
it isn't usually considered the * very best* anchor for most bottoms,
but it is very adaptable.

For instance, I almost always anchor in mud, so I use a Danforth with
good success.
Now a Bruce will hold just fine in mud, but IMO maybe not quite as well
as a Danforth. However, go to a rocky bottom and the Bruce will
normally hold much better than the Danforth. The major advantage of the
Bruce is its versatility.

I would consider a Bruce when I need to replace my primary anchor.

Here is a nice review of anchors and their adv./disadv.

http://www.ussailing.org/safety/Anch...d.htm#Synopsis

and

http://www.noteco.com/bulwagga/multi...pdf_Jan_01.pdf

When you compare the results, you can see why many cruisers carry 2 or 3
different anchors.

As Chuck said, Practical Sailor found that Bruce set well in different
bottoms, but it's holding strength was very average. The SPADE was more
difficult to set, but had the best holding strength once set.

Here is a down and dirty simple review of anchors:

Anchor Types:
Spade - Excellent but expensive anchor for all-round use. Aluminum
models are lightweight with excellent holding power.
Delta - Excellent all-round anchor.
CQR (plow) - Excellent all-round anchor.
Bruce - Good all-round anchor, but may drag in soft mud or sand.
Danforth - Excellent sand and mud anchor, poor in rocks or shells. Does
not reset well after wind shifts.
Mushroom - Mooring anchor use only, effective when extremely heavy, far
too heavy for use as an anchor on board.

--
Reggie

That's my story and I am sticking to it.