Ultra Anchor

[Dave100456]

Having searched the forum, I cannot find much about the ULTRA anchor. Are there any detailed threads/posts on this item?

Without wishing to start a lengthy debate on new generation anchors, etc, etc, can someone with first-hand knowledge of the ULTRA give me the benefit of their impressions of it.

Thanks
Dave

 

[vyv_cox]

No direct experience but I have looked at a few and talked to a couple of owners. Beautifully made and seem to be well designed. The shank in particular has been designed to give best possible bending strength for minimum weight in order to maximise tip loading. Fluke design seems to be in accordance with thinking of other new generation manufacturers. The reason you don't see many comments about them here is that they are so incredibly expensive in Europe but if you can buy one at Turkish prices they are probably well worth having.

 

[charles_reed]

I was alongside a Turkish boat of a size similar to myself in Mandraki, Kos. He was using a 10kg Ultra. Despite a 42' Janneau leaning heavily on him when the Janneau dragged its anchor during the meltemi crosswind, the Ultra didn't budge (I was relieved because my 6kg aft Delta wouldn't have stood the strain).
A smart (stainless) anchor, there have been problems as with all the other concave anchors, with the stock bending - hence the latest ones have a two-part hollow one and all are guaranteed for life against bending/breaking. Prettier than the other new-generation anchors, it seems to stow better in a normal anchor roller, than the others.

 

[Dave100456]

Hi Vyv, Charles
Thank you for your comments. I agree they look a good product and I understand that the hollow shank now has an internal reinforcement 'web'.
I think its perhaps time for a change and will be interested in 'local' prices when I next visit the boat.
All the best
Dave

 

[Monique]

I will look at a 45kg as an option to a ROCNA 44kg. Dealer will meet me in Gocek. How nice is that?

Pricey though... 33% more than a 44 kg Rocna (albeit not the SS Rocna but the galvanised one)

 

[Dave100456]

I will look at a 45kg as an option to a ROCNA 44kg. Dealer will meet me in Gocek. How nice is that?

Pricey though... 33% more than a 44 kg Rocna (albeit not the SS Rocna but the galvanised one)

The 45kg Ultra is a big anchor and Ultra suggest it is suitable for up to 37 ton 17+metre sailboat. Whilst I can see the benefit in oversizing, if its for your Bavaria 46, can I ask why you feel the need to go up to this size? The next model down; Ultra 35 suggested use is on a 26 ton sailboat of 16 meters length. I'd welcome your thoughts.

 

[Monique]

The 45kg Ultra is a big anchor and Ultra suggest it is suitable for up to 37 ton 17+metre sailboat. Whilst I can see the benefit in oversizing, if its for your Bavaria 46, can I ask why you feel the need to go up to this size? The next model down; Ultra 35 suggested use is on a 26 ton sailboat of 16 meters length. I'd welcome your thoughts.

Hello Dave,

As we cannot modify the details in our avatar, you were tricked.

Pegasus was sold 1 1/2 years ago and I purchased a suitable RTW cruiser. At 45kgs, it's big but we wish peaceful nights regardless of the winds. I purposely oversized for this reason.

This new "to me" is likely my last boat and I will pamper myself until there is no moolah left for my 3 children; each of them already owes me 2 Porsches for their education...

 

[[81549]]

Hi

We have been using our 35kg ultra on our 12.4m 18tonne home for the last 3 years.

Used it most nights march to november from the north west of Scotland to the aegean,( we do not like marinas or town walls!), never failed us once, and we have had it draughty a few times!

I now do not even think about it once we have set it, and I must stress we do set it properly with 2500 revs or more in reverse for 30 seconds once it has eased into the bottom with the wind. The problem with most anchors is not the hardware but the owner not using it properly. I cannot believe some of the drops we have witnessed over the years from other boats, but as long as they stay downwind of us they can drag all they like!

It sets usually in its own length and digs deep.

Like other anchors it will not tolerate thin layer of sand over rock!

Expensive, yes but i took the view that it would be just about the most important piece of equipment on our boat, so why skimp on a cheap anchor that will be forever dragging? So far so good!

Ps we have a long bowsprit, so rocna, mantus etc would not fit, anyway i chose the ultra on design for holding not design to fit the boat.

C.

 

[Monique]

Sulaire,

Obviously, we think alike. Serious pull in reverse is also my technique... and plenty of scope makes for easy nights.

 

[[81549]]

Yep, monique, its the only way to do it.

I have learned to attach a short line with an easy on off hook to the chain BEFORE applying lots of reverse, this takes the strain off the windlass, which is not designed for such abuse! Once I am happy , i take off this temporary line and attach my heavy duty super bridle with built in dock line rubber shock absorbers, which ensures a quiet rumble free night.

Sitting in 25kts now and it feels like we are floating free with no sudden shocks or rumbles... Bliss, aegean sea with no other boats in site...

 

[Monique]

I will be on my way there next week from SOF...

 

[Dave100456]

Sulaire
Thanks for the update. I see you are using the anchor one size up from the recommended and good for me to have first hand info on how these perform. Like you I have a bowsprit and reckon the hoop types will need me to modify this in order to get a good stowage position.
Much appreciated.