Which kedge?

[Misterbreeze]

I know this was discussed last year, but different anchors this time...

I've treated myself to a new anchor and now have to choose between keeping the existing 15lb plough kedge or using the otherwise redundant 7.5kg bruce instead. 28ft boat, east coast so mostly mud. Any preference?

 

[wonkywinch]

I bought a Fortress FX16 (16kg equivalent apparently but weighs just 4.5kg). Picked it up at West Marine in the USA for about £200 (£330 in UK for some reason). Flat packs nicely and quick assembly when needed.

 

[LittleSister]

My own kedge preference is for something that's
- lighter than the bower anchor, as likely be carrying it about in dinghy or on foot, and perhaps even throwing it; and which
- doesn't have a hinge (so ruling out CQR, Danforth, Fortress, etc.) to trap fingers, also easier to wallop point into the ground, should the need arise, without a hinge.

 

[noelex]

I don’t think there is a big difference between the two anchors. Soft mud, which is the typical substrate on the east coast, is a forgiving substrate. Both anchors should work well. It would be helpful to know the design of your plough anchor, as some models are poorer than others.

The ideal kedge in these substrates is the lightweight aluminium Fortress anchor, or for less money the Guardian equivalent (or possibly the new Lewmar LFX). However, these options are not ideal if the primary anchor is lost.