anchors: prices

[jsl]

Why are genuine CQRs so very very much more expensive than the imitations? Yes, I know: I gets what I pays for - but what am I getting? Strength? Cleverer design? Obviously not weight: I could buy a huge cheapo anchor for the price of a modest CQR. Perhaps I should cut the cackle and go for a Bruce instead, if I can stow it.

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[Joe_Cole]

I think that's it's because they are forged rather than cast. It makes them stronger, but costs more to make. Whether or not the extra manufacturing cost really justifies the extra selling price is another matter!

Joe

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[Ohdrat]

Re: Forged CQRs

isn't that illegal? /forums/images/icons/wink.gif

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[Joe_Cole]

Re: Forged CQRs

When I wrote it I thought that someone would pick up on it, but I couldn't think of another word for "forged"!

Joe

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[PeterGibbs]

Do you anticipate ever being in a position where hurricane Bertie is about to rip you out of your hideyhole and scuttle you? If not, I have no doubt that an anchor from a sound supplier - ie a firm of some probity - will do just fine. I do not have a "genuine CQR" but have every faith my "similar to" is just fine.

Here's a test - in a limited budget situation, would a lookalike that is 10kg heavier than a genuine CQR be just about as capable? Interesting eh?


PWG

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[HenryB]

I have to disagree on this - cast iron has very little tensile strength and can easily fail when loaded, say if the wind veers through 90 degrees so that the pull is sideways on the anchor shank. I've seen the results of this happening on a yacht which dragged because the only thing left at the end of its anchor chain was half the shank of a plough anchor.

There were also reports a few years ago in PBO about cast anchors breaking after being dropped (just a few feet) onto concrete.

If I didn't want to pay the price of a genuine CQR then I would buy a reputable anchor made from steel plate, rather than risk one of cast iron.



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[MainlySteam]

Cast iron indeed does have low tensile strength but I would hope no one would contemplate buying a plough anchor made from cast iron, and I would have to wonder where one could actually find one.

However, even the classification societies certify cast steel CQR plough types, which have high tensile strength, from some manufacturers and one would assume that they therefore provide satisfactory service (if from one of those manufacturers or of similar quality).

While I am aware of failures across differing anchor types, including those made of steel plate, I would be surprised if there was any worrying one with the quality cast steel when compared to forged stock plough anchors.

John

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[jleaworthy]

I don't know of any anchors made from cast iron but if it was SG (spheroidal graphite) iron I would be perfectly happy with it. After all many engine crankshafts are made of this material and they take a fair hammering.

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