STAINLESS ULTRA ANCHOR

[boomerangben]

Ask Steve of SV Penope as he did the tests. The Bruce is not as good as a fishermans or Herreshoff in rocks. Some folks like to be able to anchor offshore in mixed type sea bed areas, and some anchorages have mixed sea beds. If you go exploring interesting islands or coastlines, you can easily end up needing to anchor up in dubious holding including kelp, so it's good to have anchors like the Ultra or Herreshoff that make that possible.

Rock/Boulder Seabed. Anchor Test Video #145 - YouTube

Ooops! The CQR won with the Fortress a close second and the Rocna last, BUT Steve did not include any more serious fishermans anchors in the test. An Admiratly pattern fishermans or a Herreshoff would have won if they had. Alas an Ultra was not in the test.

As Steve says in that video, there were no winners in that test. The only takeaway from the video is that you are not safely secured to that type of seabed with those anchors. You claim a fisherman’s style anchor would do better but until you post a video like that proving it’s holding capacity, no one is going to believe you. Even then since a rocky bottom is so variable, I doubt I would hang my pride and joy on that sort of seabed. Having an emergency isn’t going to change it either - it doesn’t matter what is going on on the surface, the anchor and seabed don’t care about that. So please provide proof of your claims and then we can all be properly educated

 

[geem]

Ask Steve of SV Penope as he did the tests. The Bruce is not as good as a fishermans or Herreshoff in rocks. Some folks like to be able to anchor offshore in mixed type sea bed areas, and some anchorages have mixed sea beds. If you go exploring interesting islands or coastlines, you can easily end up needing to anchor up in dubious holding including kelp, so it's good to have anchors like the Ultra or Herreshoff that make that possible.

Rock/Boulder Seabed. Anchor Test Video #145 - YouTube

Ooops! The CQR won with the Fortress a close second and the Rocna last, BUT Steve did not include any more serious fishermans anchors in the test. An Admiratly pattern fishermans or a Herreshoff would have won if they had. Alas an Ultra was not in the test.

You are taking Penope info as if its gospel. I believe his videos are discredited, based on limited testing in unreliable seabeds. The CQR anchor is an extremely poor performer in the Caribbean as is the Bruce and Delta. Penetration of thick seagrass is the main attribute an anchor needs here. If the anchor drags even a metre it is likely to collect a shank full of grass that stops the anchor setting. Nobody uses a fisherman or any variation of that anchor here. There is enough sand that there is no need for rock anchor. The Ultra is an over priced variation of a Spade anchor that appeals to those who like bling hanging off the front of their boat. I really don't believe it outperforms the cheaper Spade anchors in any way except corrosion resistance

 

[noelex]

. There is enough sanThe Ultra is an over priced variation of a Spade anchor that appeals to those who like bling hanging off the front of their boat. I really don't believe it outperforms the cheaper Spade anchors in any way except corrosion resistance

The Ultra is a very interesting anchor. It is incredibly beautiful and technically excellent.

In many ways as you note it was a development of the Spade using many of the same fundamental design principals, but with a few tweaks. Given the excellent performance of the steel Spade I expected the Ultra to be a superb performing anchor.

However, the results I have seen so far are while very good, have not been as good as the standard set by the best of the new generation anchors that I have seen such as the Mantus M1, steel Spade and Rocna. The caveat is that I have only seen perhaps 15 -20 of these Ultra anchors working underwater and while I have also spoken to many owners, few have used other good new generation designs, The results of my encounters can be seen in another thread, but below is just one of the examples that I felt performed below my expectations.

The puffs of sand are caused by the anchor slowly creeping backwards without burying more. This is quite common for the many convex plough anchors, but is very rare for the better designs. In this case the scope was quite short at 3:1 in only 4m of water, but I would have still expected better performance in only light-moderate wind. I have many other photos of the Ultra working in the real world and I am happy to post more examples if requested, but I am reluctant to clutter up the forum and stifle other views.

 

[TNLI]

The Ultra is a very interesting anchor. It is incredibly beautiful and technically excellent.
In many ways as you note it was a development of the Spade using many of the same fundamental design principals, but with a few tweaks. Given the excellent performance of the steel Spade I expected the Ultra to be a superb performing anchor.
However, the results I have seen so far are while very good, have not been as good as the standard set by the best of the new generation anchors that I have seen such as the Mantus M1, steel Spade and Rocna. The caveat is that I have only seen perhaps 15 -20 of these anchors working underwater and while I have also spoken to many owners, few have used other good new generation designs, The results of my encounters can be seen in another thread, but below is just one of the examples that I felt performed below my expectations.
The puffs of sand are caused by the anchor slowly creeping backwards without burying more. This is quite common for the many convex plough anchors, but is very rare for the better designs. In this case the scope was quite short at 3:1 in only 4m of water, but I would have still expected better performance in only light-moderate wind. I have many other photos of the Ultra working in the real world and I am happy to post more examples if requested, but I am reluctant to clutter up the forum and stifle other views.

It takes a very long time to test an anchor, even then the tester needs to check different weights. I think Steve was very correct to say it's up with the best of the best of the NG anchors, BUT it does seem to work with any type of bottom.

I don't like the Mantus or the Rocna as they have too many issues with 180 degree veer test failures and structual issues relating to weak shanks. Steve has a real poor opinion of the Rocna in particular and any kit built anchors.
The Spade is very good if you don't mind the yellow paint falling off, and wash it down with fresh water after use, like the RNLI does.

So for a general purpose anchor I don't think there is a better peforming modern rust free anchor. For short scope rope roders, I've not seen a better anchor than the 2 piece bronze Herreshoff, that is also a very tough general purpose anchor.

I might be right in saying that nearly all of the new generation anchors are based on either the Lewmar Delta or the Brugal. The only radically different and very effective mud and sand anchor is the Bulwagga, a real class act in design terms.

3 to 1 of chain is OK for an intial drop, but it should be 4 to 1 for a final setting unless the anchorage is too full, then you need to use a secondary for sure.

PS; If you have any links to negative comments about the Ultra, post them, as I've been looking for a reason why the Ultra might not perform as well as other NG or OG general purpose anchors but can't find one single example. All anchors should be set with a 4 to 1 plus all chain scope, even if you then reduce that scope due to an over crowded anchorage.

 

[TNLI]

You are taking Penope info as if its gospel. I believe his videos are discredited, based on limited testing in unreliable seabeds. The CQR anchor is an extremely poor performer in the Caribbean as is the Bruce and Delta. Penetration of thick seagrass is the main attribute an anchor needs here. If the anchor drags even a metre it is likely to collect a shank full of grass that stops the anchor setting. Nobody uses a fisherman or any variation of that anchor here. There is enough sand that there is no need for rock anchor. The Ultra is an over priced variation of a Spade anchor that appeals to those who like bling hanging off the front of their boat. I really don't believe it outperforms the cheaper Spade anchors in any way except corrosion resistance

I look at a variety of different sources like Practical Sailot, Practical Boat owner, You tube and Yachting monthly. The incredible thing as that I've never found one complaint about the Ultra other than the price, all of the different folks testing the anchor were very impressed, and a study of its structural strength revealed it would be very difficult to bend.
I know the Caribbean area fairly well and can't think of any anchorages with a significant amount of grass. The only anchor I used there was the CQR, although I did see a lot of Bruce, Delta and Danforths in use. I agree there is no need to use a fishermans unless you wish to anchor in an area of rocks and heavy weed outside of the main anchrages.

Obviously you have to pay more for a real good stainless anchor with a hollow shank, and no ne has said it outperforms the Spade. As far as I'm aware the Ultra has a lifetime warranty that includes bends, and the only other anchor that has that is the Bulwagga. The Ultra is not a copy of the Spade, and in historic terms both anchors are derived from the Brugal. Everyone likes a rust free nice shiny anchor that has a great reputation. In the end you do get what you pay for !!

 

[AntarcticPilot]

Let me try and help TNLI out with a bit of basic geology.

There are a number of scales of sizes for the various grains, pebbles, cobbles , etc to be found on the sea bed. Here's an International scale.

It is evident that a 'cobble' might jam one model of a Bruce, but one might need a 'boulder' to jam a larger anchor. Thus one can only say that "Bruce anchors jam in cobblestones", if one defines the size of the Bruce, from which one can derive the size of the 'maw' of the anchor and relate that to the sea bed type .

Apologies for the column in the table which shows inches. As that excellent physicist Gauss said, "The needless precision of accuracy..."

Geologists have used similar definitions with added dimensions for degree of roundedness and shape since Noah was a lad (or possibly the PreCambrian!)

 

[geem]

I look at a variety of different sources like Practical Sailot, Practical Boat owner, You tube and Yachting monthly. The incredible thing as that I've never found one complaint about the Ultra other than the price, all of the different folks testing the anchor were very impressed, and a study of its structural strength revealed it would be very difficult to bend.
I know the Caribbean area fairly well and can't think of any anchorages with a significant amount of grass. The only anchor I used there was the CQR, although I did see a lot of Bruce, Delta and Danforths in use. I agree there is no need to use a fishermans unless you wish to anchor in an area of rocks and heavy weed outside of the main anchrages.

Obviously you have to pay more for a real good stainless anchor with a hollow shank, and no ne has said it outperforms the Spade. As far as I'm aware the Ultra has a lifetime warranty that includes bends, and the only other anchor that has that is the Bulwagga. The Ultra is not a copy of the Spade, and in historic terms both anchors are derived from the Brugal. Everyone likes a rust free nice shiny anchor that has a great reputation. In the end you do get what you pay for !!

You have to be kidding! Seagrass in Caribbean anchorages is super common. Its in most anchorages in the Caribbean. Have you never been snorkeling?
How can you say you know the Caribbean and not be aware of seagrass? When were you last in the Caribbean?
We rarely see, CQR anchors or Bruce anchors being used here. Danforth anchors even less so. Charter boats seem to be equipped with Delta anchors and have terrible problems anchoring.
With regards to the eye wateringly expensive Ultra anchor, would you be telling people it was crap if you have blown £3k on it? I don't expect it's any better than the Spade, I have found the Spade to be an excellent anchor with atrocious galvanising. I will not be buying another one due to this very annoying flaw

 

[vyv_cox]

As far as I'm aware the Ultra has a lifetime warranty that includes bends, and the only other anchor that has that is the Bulwagga.

It has been pointed out to you many times that Fortress offer a lifetime guarantee to the original purchaser. Does anyone buy a Bulwagga? It's a joke anchor.

The Ultra is not a copy of the Spade, and in historic terms both anchors are derived from the Brugal.

There is no such anchor as a Brugal. The recognised forerunner of all NG anchors is the German made Bügel.

 

[Bouba]

I think anyone giving lifetime guarantees on anchors isn’t taking much of a commercial risk

 

[TNLI]

It has been pointed out to you many times that Fortress offer a lifetime guarantee to the original purchaser. Does anyone buy a Bulwagga? It's a joke anchor.
There is no such anchor as a Brugal. The recognised forerunner of all NG anchors is the German made Bügel.

It's a joke, cos Brugal is a rum made in Dom Rep. The Bulwagga is in current production in the USA in stainless or galvanised steel, and it came a close second to the Spade and just ahead of the genuine CQR in the famous Practical Sailor test series.

Back on topic, this is a great clip on the Ultra:
Best anchor in the world? Is the Ultra better than a Rocna, Spade or Mantus anchor?! - YouTube

Yet another less than great clip on the Rocna veer failure issue that Steve of SV Penope also reported. If I was given one I would bin it, as anchors that set well but pull out when veered, or when they get contaminated by a small amount of weed, are dangerous:
Ep.235 The Rocna Anchor FAILS - YouTube

Finally another good look and blog comments:
Ultra Anchor Review by Real Boaters & Ultra Swivel Reviews (citimarinestore.com)

 

[TNLI]

You have to be kidding! Seagrass in Caribbean anchorages is super common. Its in most anchorages in the Caribbean. Have you never been snorkeling?
How can you say you know the Caribbean and not be aware of seagrass? When were you last in the Caribbean?
We rarely see, CQR anchors or Bruce anchors being used here. Danforth anchors even less so. Charter boats seem to be equipped with Delta anchors and have terrible problems anchoring.
With regards to the eye wateringly expensive Ultra anchor, would you be telling people it was crap if you have blown £3k on it? I don't expect it's any better than the Spade, I have found the Spade to be an excellent anchor with atrocious galvanising. I will not be buying another one due to this very annoying flaw

SEA GRASS is not a significant grass, (Unless it's a Rocna), as it allows 99% of anchors to penetrate into the sand. It can get a lot thicker in some areas inside Australias barrier reef river estuaries, Escape river in particular, where it creats a flase bottom effect on the fish finder.
Thick grass or kelp beds can prevent many lighter anchors from reaching the bottom. The heavy plows all seem sort of OK in heavy weed but will take longer to set and should be set using repeated full astern allowing the boat to surge forward each time, just in case the anchor hangs up half way through the weed or kelp.

The Ultra is very heavy in terms of weight for a given size, so like a CQR or Delta should do well in more significant heavy weed or kelp, although kelp only grows in coldish waters. The only annoying thing thing about the Ultra, is that they do not include the incredible swivel, which is kind of mean !!!

Charter boats are often crewed by idiots that fail to use enough scope or dump their chain right on top of the anchor. Some don't even carry a second anchor. The Delta replaced the CQR in Blighty after they went out of production, as they are expensive to make. It's a good cheap fairly general purpose anchor that produces reliable results, and seems to be as tough as a genuine CQR or Bruce. The Ultra is in a class of its own as regards the way the shank is made and the welds.
It's a pity that some generous person does not lend Steve of SV Penope anchor testing fame a Lewmar SS CQR and a Lewmar SS Epsilon that is of a similar design to the Ultra. The stainless steel CQR has a fatter shape than the galvanised CQR, so I wonder if that will make a difference in performance terms.

The genuine CQR does not set and reset as fast as a Lewmar Delta, BUT it produces higher holding power. I was told that many moons ago, but Steve did confirm the difference in his tests. In a storm I would opt for using my unworn genuine CQR, but in a crowded anchorage I would use a Delta. I don't think you can regard the Lewmar SS CQR as an old generation anchor, as it has a different shape, so that's another reason why it would be good to see it tested against the lovely Ultra, which I have now added to my Christmas wish list, along with a swivel.

So for an 8KG Ultra with an Ultra swivel, it would cost a total of 1340 quid inc of VAT and free shipping. Oddly enough a 16lb 3 piece bronze Herreshoff would cost almost the same, as there is a long back order list for the Herreshoff I've decided to add it to my birthday wish list. The 2 working as a pair on different rodes would be the ultimate combination for a storm at anchor.

Ultra Anchor - one of the best anchors | Anchors | Anchors | Equipment | Yachting equipment, boat accessories, sailing clothing online shop | Compass24

REAL GOOD REVIEW OF MODERN ANCHORS:
Which Anchor? - YouTube

 

[vyv_cox]

It's a joke, cos Brugal is a rum made in Dom Rep.

Best not try a career as a comedian. Oh sorry, you already are!

 

[geem]

SEA GRASS is not a significant grass, (Unless it's a Rocna), as it allows 99% of anchors to penetrate into the sand. It can get a lot thicker in some areas inside Australias barrier reef river estuaries, Escape river in particular, where it creats a flase bottom effect on the fish finder.
Thick grass or kelp beds can prevent many lighter anchors from reaching the bottom. The heavy plows all seem sort of OK in heavy weed but will take longer to set and should be set using repeated full astern allowing the boat to surge forward each time, just in case the anchor hangs up half way through the weed or kelp.

The Ultra is very heavy in terms of weight for a given size, so like a CQR or Delta should do well in more significant heavy weed or kelp, although kelp only grows in coldish waters. The only annoying thing thing about the Ultra, is that they do not include the incredible swivel, which is kind of mean !!!

Charter boats are often crewed by idiots that fail to use enough scope or dump their chain right on top of the anchor. Some don't even carry a second anchor. The Delta replaced the CQR in Blighty after they went out of production, as they are expensive to make. It's a good cheap fairly general purpose anchor that produces reliable results, and seems to be as tough as a genuine CQR or Bruce. The Ultra is in a class of its own as regards the way the shank is made and the welds.
It's a pity that some generous person does not lend Steve of SV Penope anchor testing fame a Lewmar SS CQR and a Lewmar SS Epsilon that is of a similar design to the Ultra. The stainless steel CQR has a fatter shape than the galvanised CQR, so I wonder if that will make a difference in performance terms.

The genuine CQR does not set and reset as fast as a Lewmar Delta, BUT it produces higher holding power. I was told that many moons ago, but Steve did confirm the difference in his tests. In a storm I would opt for using my unworn genuine CQR, but in a crowded anchorage I would use a Delta. I don't think you can regard the Lewmar SS CQR as an old generation anchor, as it has a different shape, so that's another reason why it would be good to see it tested against the lovely Ultra, which I have now added to my Christmas wish list, along with a swivel.

So for an 8KG Ultra with an Ultra swivel, it would cost a total of 1340 quid inc of VAT and free shipping. Oddly enough a 16lb 3 piece bronze Herreshoff would cost almost the same, as there is a long back order list for the Herreshoff I've decided to add it to my birthday wish list. The 2 working as a pair on different rodes would be the ultimate combination for a storm at anchor.

Ultra Anchor - one of the best anchors | Anchors | Anchors | Equipment | Yachting equipment, boat accessories, sailing clothing online shop | Compass24

REAL GOOD REVIEW OF MODERN ANCHORS:
Which Anchor? - YouTube

Where do you dream up this stuff? You really know nothing about anchor performance but you make these sweeping statements as if they were gospel and you know what you are talking about. It is not worth my time answering this complete misleading, inaccurate pile of dross.

 

[john_morris_uk]

Where do you dream up this stuff? You really know nothing about anchor performance but you make these sweeping statements as if they were gospel and you know what you are talking about. It is not worth my time answering this complete misleading, inaccurate pile of dross.

The problem is several fold.
TNLI writes opinions as if they are facts. He has a gut feeling about something but doesn’t phrase it along the lines of, “… because of this and this, my feeling is this would happen..”. He has an opinion and writes it down. In black and white as it’s a proven fact. He obviously passionately believes some of the things he writes, but in his enthusiasm for his cause he writes in a very annoying way.
Secondly he doesn’t read or watch reviews critically (in a balanced sense). In other words he’s a master of confirmation bias. Titbits in reviews that support his opinion are seized on. The fact that several times in a review, the author says the opposite is ignored. Anything that doesn’t support TNLI’s strange view of anchoring and seabeds and (bizarre) understanding of scope is ignored. Anything that supports him is trumpeted as proof he’s correct.
A major sadness with anyone is their inability to learn.
I could go on.

 

[Neeves]

Kelp needs rock to anchor to - only an idiot would even think of anchoring in kelp, with any anchor. Kelp floats on the surface - and, I understand, would wrap itself round your prop.

I confess having found that the printing of kelp on charts is done so because it is a hazard - we have little experience.

Jonathan

 

[TNLI]

Kelp needs rock to anchor to - only an idiot would even think of anchoring in kelp, with any anchor. Kelp floats on the surface - and, I understand, would wrap itself round your prop.

I confess having found that the printing of kelp on charts is done so because it is a hazard - we have little experience.

Jonathan

Kelp beds can be a god spot to go fishing, so it's fairly normal to anchor in it or preferably along side it. I would use a fishermans in normal or a Herreshoff in more chalenging kelp bed conditions. I tend not to use my main anchor for fishing. If kelp was a hazard to anchors they would mark it as such. You do get some of it on the surface which helps ID where it is. Sargasso weed is far worse in terms of prop wraps and is often associated with debris. There will be some rocks, but if you use an anchor that functions well in rocks like some type of fishermans, it's not an issue. Some of the best fishing near me for Dover Sole is in or around rocky areas fairly near the cliffs.

 

[TNLI]

The problem is several fold.
TNLI writes opinions as if they are facts. He has a gut feeling about something but doesn’t phrase it along the lines of, “… because of this and this, my feeling is this would happen..”. He has an opinion and writes it down. In black and white as it’s a proven fact. He obviously passionately believes some of the things he writes, but in his enthusiasm for his cause he writes in a very annoying way.
Secondly he doesn’t read or watch reviews critically (in a balanced sense). In other words he’s a master of confirmation bias. Titbits in reviews that support his opinion are seized on. The fact that several times in a review, the author says the opposite is ignored. Anything that doesn’t support TNLI’s strange view of anchoring and seabeds and (bizarre) understanding of scope is ignored. Anything that supports him is trumpeted as proof he’s correct.
A major sadness with anyone is their inability to learn.
I could go on.

Any useful links to post ??

Everyone has their own style when they post, some never post anything useful, they just rant on about others that post links and associated opinions, particularly if they own an NG anchor that fails to perform well in a test.
I've learnt a fair amount about anchors in this forum, in particular about how bad most NG anchors are in performance, structural stregth and corrosion terms. I've also finally discovered 2 great general purpose, (OK in any type of seabed), anchors. The new generation ULTRA and the old generation HERRESHOFF, which is my opinion and the opinions of many well disrespected experts and users, is about as good as you will ever get, BUT even if I manage to get someone else to foot the nearly 3 grand bill for those 2 great anchors, I will never be parted from what would become my 2 spare anchors, the incredible beat OG anchor, the genuine CQR, and the classic Danforth, they have saved me from dragging away to the races before, so I'm sure they can do it again.

PS: I love a nice sweeping statement, so how about the one below.

 

[john_morris_uk]

Any useful links to post ??

Everyone has their own style when they post, some never post anything useful, they just rant on about others that post links and associated opinions, particularly if they own an NG anchor that fails to perform well in a test.
I've learnt a fair amount about anchors in this forum, in particular about how bad most NG anchors are in performance, structural stregth and corrosion terms. I've also finally discovered 2 great general purpose, (OK in any type of seabed), anchors. The new generation ULTRA and the old generation HERRESHOFF, which is my opinion and the opinions of many well disrespected experts and users, is about as good as you will ever get, BUT even if I manage to get someone else to foot the nearly 3 grand bill for those 2 great anchors, I will never be parted from what would become my 2 spare anchors, the incredible beat OG anchor, the genuine CQR, and the classic Danforth, they have saved me from dragging away to the races before, so I'm sure they can do it again.

PS: I love a nice sweeping statement, so how about the one below.

There’s style and there’s peddling opinions as facts. Two different things.
Regarding your slightly snide swipe at my anchor: I’m very happy with my NG Spade anchor. It comes out at the top of all the tests. Some people criticise the fact that it’s paint falls off and it has a reputation for poor galvanising. But mine is still yellow after 16 years and most of the galvanised finish is still on and most importantly I haven’t noticed lack of either of these affecting it’s holding power.
It appears you’ve learned NOTHING about anchors on these forums. You ignore experts on metallurgy and scope and nearly all other facets of anchoring.
Please list some of these ‘many experts’ that agree with your bizarre views about bronze fisherman’s anchors. Even the RNLI have given up on them. Heavy, cumbersome to deploy and poor holding compared to all other contenders. The rock and heavy weed is trotted out but it’s a debatable advantage even there. And the only people who anchor in rock and weed are fishermen. And they often use a ‘disposable’ grapnel.
You're welcome to save up for your bizarre choices, but please stop claiming they’re better than everything else when none of the data agrees with you.

 

[TNLI]

There’s style and there’s peddling opinions as facts. Two different things.
Regarding your slightly snide swipe at my anchor: I’m very happy with my NG Spade anchor. It comes out at the top of all the tests. Some people criticise the fact that it’s paint falls off and it has a reputation for poor galvanising. But mine is still yellow after 16 years and most of the galvanised finish is still on and most importantly I haven’t noticed lack of either of these affecting it’s holding power.
It appears you’ve learned NOTHING about anchors on these forums. You ignore experts on metallurgy and scope and nearly all other facets of anchoring.
Please list some of these ‘many experts’ that agree with your bizarre views about bronze fisherman’s anchors. Even the RNLI have given up on them. Heavy, cumbersome to deploy and poor holding compared to all other contenders. The rock and heavy weed is trotted out but it’s a debatable advantage even there. And the only people who anchor in rock and weed are fishermen. And they often use a ‘disposable’ grapnel.
You're welcome to save up for your bizarre choices, but please stop claiming they’re better than everything else when none of the data agrees with you.

Can you please list your post as OFF TOPIC, as you have said nothing about the Ultra or posted any links, and I've never disposed of a grapnel fishing, I just take them to a press and bend them back. They are not too good in any sea bed that is not cobblestones or rocks, so not too good in kelp as they lack the weight required to reach the bottom. The only time I used them was in stones, rocks, wrecks and debris, where they outperform a normal fishermans in weight terms. The late model Herreshoff is not a fishermans, although the early Mk 1 I've got is fairlyy similar to an Admiralty pattern fishermans apart from slightly bigger flukes. A discerning knowledgeable boater will still carry some type of fishermans, probably in a locker.

The one thing that kills a forum is off topic winging posts, and you seem to be intent on that type of reply. It's also bad news to post opinions without posting a link or three, which I try to do, and no one has posted a negative opinion about the Ultra based on test results so far, which is very rare.
Now as regards the Spade, if you only anchor in mud or light sand the weak yellow paint and thin galvanising Steve of SV Penope fame and fortune confirmed, will last a very long time. In the real world of mixed holding it does not. Steve did warn that it would be difficult to remove and the replace the lead to allow the anchor to be galvanised again. That's why I alamost gave the one that was given to me, to a local sailor who is part of the inshore RNLI crew, but has his own yacht. I was trying to sell him a rusty bar type fishermans and a red folding grapnel, but failed.

The stainless steel used for the anchor would be of the very best type and regardless of what a local a local metal worker might say, it will have been annealed or heat treated, work hardened, nitrided and polished before etching, not just polished like most Far Eastern stainless, so will have a real good fatigue life and shear strength figure, in addition to exceptional corrosion resitance. 310 quid is a lot for a stainles anchor joiner, but it does allow the Ultra to self stow correctly, like the anchor itself, the design is the work of a genius.

I've offically given up on a real cool bronze Herreshoff, as it's going to take far too long, even if I can get one ordered after my birthday. So I will pay the extra 20 quid to my local powder coating company to spray it in Gold paint.

Ultra fan vs NG anchor owner clip: Fawlty Towers: I know nothing - YouTube

 

[geem]

Can you please list your post as OFF TOPIC, as you have said nothing about the Ultra or posted any links, and I've never disposed of a grapnel fishing, I just take them to a press and bend them back. They are not too good in any sea bed that is not cobblestones or rocks, so not too good in kelp as they lack the weight required to reach the bottom. The only time I used them was in stones, rocks, wrecks and debris, where they outperform a normal fishermans in weight terms. The late model Herreshoff is not a fishermans, although the early Mk 1 I've got is fairlyy similar to an Admiralty pattern fishermans apart from slightly bigger flukes. A discerning knowledgeable boater will still carry some type of fishermans, probably in a locker.

The one thing that kills a forum is off topic winging posts, and you seem to be intent on that type of reply. It's also bad news to post opinions without posting a link or three, which I try to do, and no one has posted a negative opinion about the Ultra based on test results so far, which is very rare.
Now as regards the Spade, if you only anchor in mud or light sand the weak yellow paint and thin galvanising Steve of SV Penope fame and fortune confirmed, will last a very long time. In the real world of mixed holding it does not. Steve did warn that it would be difficult to remove and the replace the lead to allow the anchor to be galvanised again. That's why I alamost gave the one that was given to me, to a local sailor who is part of the inshore RNLI crew, but has his own yacht. I was trying to sell him a rusty bar type fishermans and a red folding grapnel, but failed.

The stainless steel used for the anchor would be of the very best type and regardless of what a local a local metal worker might say, it will have been annealed or heat treated, work hardened, nitrided and polished before etching, not just polished like most Far Eastern stainless, so will have a real good fatigue life and shear strength figure, in addition to exceptional corrosion resitance. 310 quid is a lot for a stainles anchor joiner, but it does allow the Ultra to self stow correctly, like the anchor itself, the design is the work of a genius.

I've offically given up on a real cool bronze Herreshoff, as it's going to take far too long, even if I can get one ordered after my birthday. So I will pay the extra 20 quid to my local powder coating company to spray it in Gold paint.

Ultra fan vs NG anchor owner clip: Fawlty Towers: I know nothing - YouTube

Why do you post this stuff? It's complete rubbish