Fortress Anchor

[Neeves]

Mariadz, you will also find your FX 55 used as a primary to be exceptional if you anchor in sloppy mud (or soft sand) as other anchors, most, are pretty average. I'm not sure that you will find it quite so useful in a tandem set up (no reflection on the Fortress) as tandem anchoring leaves much to be desired. There were some worrying conclusions on tandem anchoring in Practical Sailor. It will be invaluable in a 'V arrangement if the winds are going to be fairly constant - and has some reputable proponents on these forum.

Like Zoiberg I'd like some more detail on your storage arrangement for the Fortress.

The solution to the length of winter nights is to get to 'the lucky country' as quickly as you can - and stay here as long as possible . Just spent the day installing new sunscreen protection over the cabin windows, 'T' shirt, shorts, hat - makes a change from reading of those extolling the virtues of Planar heaters!

Jonathan

 

[NormanS]

I can't make out the detail of Mariadz' storage bracket, but my FX23 is stowed in the same position. Imagine a miniature rugby goal, made of 8mm stainless round bar, welded at 45° to a baseplate which is bolted to the upstand of the toerail. The crown of the anchor sits on the crossbar, the posts stop it falling off, and the shank and flukes have a lashing onto the taffrail.

 

[noelex]

The Mantus anchor bracket is worth a look. It is designed to store an anchor on the stern rail and is adjustable to fit a range of anchors.

It will apparently take up to an FX -37.

 

[Neeves]

The Fortress website has a range of options for mounting an assembled Fortress that are, unexpectedly, from US sources. I suspect there are similar options for 'other' fluke anchors available in Europe.

http://fortressanchors.com/anchors/fortress/mounting

None of these devices are very complicated and could be fashioned quite easily in a reasonable workshop - if they are not available in the UK.

Norman - I suspect your device, and your other ideas are exceptional so I have great confidence in your design, will not be dissimilar to those on the Fortress website - but an image might be easier to understand

Our FX 23 fits neatly in our bow locker, assembled (alongside the spare rode - in its milk crate). We have no need for a bracket. But now we have replaced the FX 23 for a FX 16 it does look a bit lost in the locker and we might go for a bracket and have been casting around for ideas.

Jonathan

 

[Fortress Anchors]

Not directly related to setting or retrieving a Fortress anchor but hopefully not a thread drift since people with Fortresses (or considering them) may be interested.

We have an FX-55 and wanted this to be deplorable quickly if required. So we have created a rail mount for it. It is a bulky anchor, and right sized for the boat, but I think this works.

https://mariadz.com/2017/11/03/is-it-a-plastic-boat-or-a-stainless-steel-boat/

 

[Fortress Anchors]

Not directly related to setting or retrieving a Fortress anchor but hopefully not a thread drift since people with Fortresses (or considering them) may be interested.

We have an FX-55 and wanted this to be deplorable quickly if required. So we have created a rail mount for it. It is a bulky anchor, and right sized for the boat, but I think this works.

https://mariadz.com/2017/11/03/is-it-a-plastic-boat-or-a-stainless-steel-boat/

Thanks for your post and I would appreciate if you could send me detailed photos of the mount you have created for the FX-55, particularly since I am not aware of any other rail mount which will fit that large model size.

In the meantime, Windline has rail mounts which will fit from the Fortress model FX-7 to the FX-23 and please find below an image of their PM-1 product. I apologize for not knowing for certain whether this product is available in the UK from your shops:



Since we recommend permanently installing the Mud Palms, Windline has created a "Mud Palm Adapter Bracket" which will fit on one of the Mud Palm metal plates and allow you to slide the Fortress anchor into the PM-1 with the Mud Palms installed.





Here's another interesting mounting product for the Fortress called the "Anchor Nanny" which was designed for houseboats, but I believe it can be used on any type of rail:



And a link to their web site:

http://www.anchornanny.com/

 

[mariadz]

Apologies for the delay, work getting in the way of all things boaty......

I have now updated the blog with some pictures of the rail mount although the mirror like properties of the stainless don’t help!

https://mariadz.com/2017/11/03/is-it-a-plastic-boat-or-a-stainless-steel-boat/

 

[NormanS]

That looks tidy, but I much prefer mine which keeps the anchor inboard of the rail.

 

[zoidberg]

I have now updated the blog with some pictures of the rail mount although the mirror like properties of the stainless don’t help!

That's helpful, and looks a 'proper job' - although the East Coast Stainless boys don't speak that language.....