Is Bruce better than Danforth?

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wipe_out

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Not sure if it's my imagination but the old boat had a bruce anchor and when dropping it in and around Poole harbour (mostly sand) it seemed to set really well and really quickly.. New boat has a Danforth and it just doesn't feel like it sets as quickly or as well.. Am I imagining it or is a Bruce better than a Danforth?
 
I like my Bruce. Works well in East Coast mud and sand. As I am mostly solo I fine it is quick to stow which is helpful in strong currents.
Also I like the fact that there is little chance of catching my fingers in moving parts.
The disadvantage could be the occasional glob of smelly mud that comes up sometimes. I have a small Danforth stored as a spare/kedge as it stores flat in the locker. Never used it actually.
 
A Bruce is a LOT better than a Danforth in most situations. Danforth is good in soft sand and mud but if there are stones they can wedge between the tines. You can't rig a Danforth to trip, and the only good feature is its ability to fold flat. I would have a Delta/plough or Bruce any time.
 
I guess by the sound of it it's not my imagination then.. Looks like I need to start looking into what the right size Bruce is for my boat and putting it on the wish list.. :)
 
wipe_out said:
I guess by the sound of it it's not my imagination then.. Looks like I need to start looking into what the right size Bruce is for my boat and putting it on the wish list.. :)
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I read a great book on the subject "Staying Put" that helped in my anchor selection as well as enhancing my anchoring technique, along with some great articles from PBO on the subject.

I've had a few different anchor designs in the past and the Delta is now my preferred choice.

I also use a Danforth (actually a Fortress) as a kedge anchor, as it's easy to stow in a locker and lightweight for throwing from the stern.

I had a Bruce (stainless) on my previous boat that just didn't seem to cut the mustard (dragged a few times even when well set).

My current Delta gives me a lot of confidence in a mix of sand, mud and single - no dragging to date.

Bottom line, it's down to specific conditions you'll be dropping the hook in, as well as your boat design as to what works best for you.
 
wipe_out said:
I guess by the sound of it it's not my imagination then.. Looks like I need to start looking into what the right size Bruce is for my boat and putting it on the wish list.. :)
Click to expand...

The Danforth type generally holds well once it is set but fares less well if the direction of pull changes. Not such a good general purpose anchor. Genuine bruce anchors are no longer available and the cheap copies are often poor.

Best bet for a general purpose anchor is a genuine Delta. Not expensive at around £90 for a 6kg.
 
I am not a fan of the Danforth I found it does not hold well.

I had Bruce anchors on previous boats, and I had when the wind changed moored over mud the flukes of the Bruce full of a ball of mud skipping over the seabed.

I currently have a Delta which I have confidence in.
 
On Sunday i popped into Newtown creek for lunch. I have a Danforth and it did not hold well at all. I have used it in the same place once before but this time it dragged no matter what i did. When i got it up it was just a ball of thick mud.

Think i will be looking for something new soon.
 
Anyone have a size guide for the different anchors?

The Danforth we have is 10KG and seems big for a 7m (23ft) boat but might be right.. What size bruce/delta would be needed for a Merry Fisher 695?
 
Look at the manufacturers websites for size recommendations or the Jimmy Green site. A 6kg Delta is the size for your boat.
 
best anchor for a variety of sea beds is Rocna. I have dragged bruce, danforth, CQR and delta - my Rocna is like putting the handbrake on a car. very good in sea grass too.
 
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