Dare I say it, the "A" word ... Anchor advice ....

Jonny_H

Jonny_H

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Dare I say it, the \"A\" word ... Anchor advice ....

[Feeling brave, so here goes .....]

Looking for a new bow anchor to use for blue water cruising (UK to Australia - so should get a fair amount of use!).

Looked at all manufacturers etc and 20kg looks like the size to go for, so the shortlist is now down to:

Spade
Sword (re-designed Oceane)
Manson
Rocna
Delta

Price wise the Spade and Rocna are way out in front. The Manson is around half the price of the Rocna yet looks very simalar and the performance appears simalar on the reported tests.
Delta has the poorest reported performance, but is equally the cheapest.
The Sword is the new design of the Oceane. The Oceane had a mixed bag in recent tests, yet it was stated that "the newly designed Sword should be more consistent and provide better holding and a true budget alternative to the Spade".
However, I cannot find any reports of how it actually performs now it is available?

I think the Rocna and Spade are out of budget.

So choice now appears to be Sword (but how does it fair?), Manson, or Delta.

I have already spoken to Craig (off line) from Rocna and had the sales pitch etc, so really do want to avoid another huge anchor debate if possible, but would appreciate any views from people who have used the above anchors (especially the Sword) and their feedback.

Thanks

Jonny

p.s. definately not a troll before anyone starts - we need a new anchor and want some genuine advice
 
Re: Dare I say it, the \"A\" word ... Anchor advice ....

Just to complete the list then ....

We have a CQR (45lb) which we intend to keep on the bow with the new one as a second anchor.

We also have a Guardian (Fortress made danforth) as a kedge, and a grapnel type that came with the boat and will surely be useful somewhere.

Can't find a local source for a Buegel, and in any case the appear to perform less than Manson and are more expensive.

We haven't had any issues with the CQR yet, but we want a second bow anchor and may as well get the best there is (within budget!) whilst we're at it. After all, the tests show how far anchor design has come on, so we may aswell move with the times.

Jonny
 
Re: Dare I say it, the \"A\" word ... Anchor advice ....

I have a pair of cqr's on the front and a BIG alluminium fortress as a kedge and touch wood have never had a problem (yet,though Im sure it will happen).

I am VERY impressed with the fortress as a kedge its very light weight and manageable and would happily chuck it of the front as well
 
Re: Dare I say it, the \"A\" word ... Anchor advice ....

Apart from Bruce and CQR I've got a Buegel and would say that I'm quite pleased with it. I agree that the Rocna looks sharp but it's a bit expensive too and they wheren't available a while ago.
Since the Buegel isn't protected by copyright anymore there are lots of cheap(er) copies available so that might be worth a second thought.

SVB and Toplicht sell the original for EUR 249 (16Kg) whereas AWN sells both the original as well as an inhouse version for EUR 149.

http://www.svb.de/index.php?sid=42a83421...703&anid=28

http://en.awn-shop.de/shop/produktdetails/0100346

Of course if you want to get a stainless WASI-Buegel that'll be slightly more expensive...

Patric
 
Re: Dare I say it, the \"A\" word ... Anchor advice ....

The problem I found with the Buegel design is that the recommended weight is very high, at least for my boat. Whereas Delta at 16 kg and Rocna at 15 kg are thoroughly adequate for it, the recommended Buegel is 22 kg. I felt this was just too much.

My answer to the OP - I have always been delighted with my Delta, it has never failed in 15 years until last season, when it dragged in very soft mud in Greece. I read all the tests and agree that the Delta comes out lower in ultimate pull than some others. However, my own view is that it would require remarkable conditions to generate sufficient pull for it to drag or pull out.
 
Re: Dare I say it, the \"A\" word ... Anchor advice ....

We have a Rocna, which we are very happy with. However, one thing to be aware is it's size - it has a very wide business end! We got ours from someone who'd bought it then found it wouldn't fit on their bow.

We're a Rival 32. We have to remove it from the bow when picking up a mooring. And no way could we carry two anchors at the bow even though the roller is a double. But for us, the benefits out-weigh the hassle.

JR
 
Re: Dare I say it, the \"A\" word ... Anchor advice ....

We have 5 anchors, sounds excessive but when you are in tropical areas you get tropical weather .
The anchor should not be thought of as something to budget for, buy the best you can get your hands as when you really need to stay put you will be glad you have the best,the cost of your anchors is going to be less than the price of your boat.
If you can carry the weight chain is also something to think about .
Anchor list for our 36ft cat(when we rig for storms/hurricanes we have 1off each corner plus the main)
Main bow :40lb Delta
Kedge is 38lb Pipper(sort of like an insideout Fortress)
Storm anchors 1 33lb Bruce,1 30lb fisherman, 1 20lb Danforth.
When we left the yUK we had 3 anchors and thought it was plenty, but through experience we added more and dont regret it.
We also have 2 5ft long sandscrews we use when we are anywhere for a long period, used as a mooring that can be installed,removed in about 1 hour
 
Re: Dare I say it, the \"A\" word ... Anchor advice ....

We have used a 20kg Manson for the last year no problems so far but it has not been tested in a storm.
 
Re: Dare I say it, the \"A\" word ... Anchor advice ....

I have used the Spade for 5 years in the Med and Caribbean and been very very happy with it (the steel, not the alu). And I've never met a Spade owner who was not enthusiastic.

Not saying the Spade is better than the Rocna (heard good things about that too) or the others - just reporting my experience.
 
Re: Dare I say it, the \"A\" word ... Anchor advice ....

Another vote for the Rocna. We've used a 25kg very extensively and like it very much, especially for its versatility in a wide range of different seabeds. Gone up a size for our new boat, but are keeping the old one as a kedge, although we also have a Fortress (ditto all the comments about ease of handling, good holding) for running out with the dinghy, and a big fisherman for emergencies.

Whatever else I'd spend money on, anchors would be one area I wouldn't compromise - I like to sleep at night.
 
Re: Dare I say it, the \"A\" word ... Anchor advice ....

Jonny - I invested in a Manson Supreme last year. I was worried when I saw it that it would not fit well on the bows (westerly Ocean lord) However, it was not a problem, and sellf launches , and almost self recovers.

Gone are any thougts of special anchoring techniques - chuck it out - it seems to set even through thick weed, Sets within seconds of hitting the bottom. But it does tend to bury itself a bit. I have not endured anything more than a F7 at anchor - and it took a bit of coaxing to get out. Rather than drag, I think it just goes in deeper.

The other thing to be sure of is the quality of the steels used in manufacture. Manson guarantee the grade of steel it is made of to have a lloyds construction certificate.. I have not seen that onthe others - but may be wrong.
 
Re: Dare I say it, the \"A\" word ... Anchor advice ....

Thanks guys - all good advice.

Delta was my original idea, but the Sword is around the same price and Manson only around £60 more.

I hear all the suggestions for Rocna, but is it really worth double the price of the Manson?

I also hear the argument that £435 (Rocna price) sounds a lot but its only say 15 nights in a marina in the UK and therefore not too bad. My main bug bear with the Rocna is that the 20kg from the UK is £435, yet I can get the same anchor in the US for £320 or Canada for £300. I have tried to email Craig to see if I can buy direct from NZ (as I'm sure it would be cheaper than through the UK dealer) - but no reply to date.

Really in a quandry - Delta or Sword (still an unknown quantity by all accounts) or a little more and a Manson. Or, spend more (and therefore less in other areas) and get a Spade or Rocna

Hmmmmmm

Keep the opinions coming - all really appreciated

Jonny
 
Re: Dare I say it, the \"A\" word ... Anchor advice ....

Thanks - I have gone for a Guardian kedge (made by Fortress but not quite as high a finish quality - but same shape, materials etc) - got quite a heavy one (G37 - 8.1kg - the biggest one they do) - and looks good (but not used it yet).

The grapnel we have came with the boat but will be a good back-up for rock/coral etc.

Just need a main bow anchor to compliment the CQR.

My first thoughts were Delta, as its been around a while, widely used, and cost effective. But the anchor tests seem to suggest a significant improvement with the new ones..... why are things never straight forward?!

Jonny
 
Re: Dare I say it, the \"A\" word ... Anchor advice ....

/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif Blimey! I'm headed your way soon - I'm off to buy the extra (to my CQR, Delta and Danforth) Fortress tomorrow after reading that. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
Re: Dare I say it, the \"A\" word ... Anchor advice ....

[ QUOTE ]
why are things never straight forward?!

[/ QUOTE ]

Boats Eh??

I agonised over all this and, despite money getting type, and many demands having been discovered, I had decided that I was buying a Rocna or a Spade, come what may.

having dragged in weed at Andratx, and having worried at anchor in 30m in Vulcano, £500 or £600 for a top class anchor would be a small price to pay.

This was the site which kind of made up my mind, (as well as a few PMs from Rocna owners here):

http://www.morganscloud.com/stuff/stanchoring.htm

http://www.morganscloud.com/techniques_tips/ttqaanchoring.htm

These guys have more experience in much worse conditions than I would ever expect to encounter, so I guess I bow to their wisdom.
 
Re: Dare I say it, the \"A\" word ... Anchor advice ....

Given that you normal bower is a CQR and you want a second/spare have you thought about a good hefty danforth. Stows flat which is a big plus for spare then you dont need it sitting in the bow roller. Very good in softer conditions where the a CQR can slip a bit and half the price or less than newer models. I had a frends 50ft (26ton) mobo hooked up to a 45lb as second anchor for the winter couple of years back, it held in a f10 when the 150lb ship pattern dragged!! At then end of the winter I spent 3h on a very low tide recovering it with a spade and found it had not only gon down 3ft but had stretched the 3/8 shackle attaching it
 
Re: Dare I say it, the \"A\" word ... Anchor advice ....

I bought my Rocna from Rosch Marine in Holland, they are the European importers. Excellent on-line service.

Rosch Marine
Orgelmakersgracht 24
1544 CZ Zaandijk
tel. +31 (0) 75 6 218 072
port. +31 (0) 6 25 066 922
www.roschmarine.nl

From their original quote:
Pricing:
The Rocna 15kg is priced at EUR 394,96 (excluding tax.),
Shipping cost to Switzerland be EUR 37,75

No connection other than as a very satisfied customer.
 
Re: Dare I say it, the \"A\" word ... Anchor advice ....

Hi,

We have a big danforth (Guardian) for a kedge - but want to keep this as a kedge and have two bow anchors in addition.

The CQR has been ok, but if we're buying another I want to buy a new main anchor and keep the CQR as a secondary.

I'm coming round to the Rocna / Spade .... the wallet's going to take a bashing (again!) (got solar panel arriving this week, new batteries yesterday and wind genny mount is being fabricated this week, oh and the new fridge was installed at the weekend!!)

Rosch Marine are quoting €535 for a 20kg, which is £400 before postage.

Oh, erm, humm ....

Jonny

p.s. still no word on the Sword (despite an email to the distributors in Jersey) - any ideas??
 
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