Suggestions for a second anchor

TomLee

Member
Joined
Jun 29, 2020
Messages
5
Fluid Motion Model
C-302 SC
Hull Identification Number
FMLT3144C414
Vessel Name
Roam & Respite
We have R31-CB with Bruce anchor on bow. We want to get a second anchor either for the stern or to use in an emergency. What type of anchor would you recommend, with how much chain?
 
The Fortress aluminum is a good anchor. It is light, stores well, holds well, and gets great reviews.
FX11 up to 32', FX16 up to 38'.
 
As stated by hannsvillejohn, the Fortress is a good anchor given the right bottom, especially sand or mud. We used to carry one as a spare on a previous boat. Liked it because it was very lightweight and folded into a very small package. Having said that, I would not choose a Fortress or other danforth style anchor for our R-31CB. They are notoriously hard to set in weeds or grass and unreliable on a rocky bottom. That may be more of an issue here in the PNW than in your area on the east coast.

We have a Rocna 15 as our primary anchor and carry the OEM claw (“Bruce”) as our spare. If I were going to spring for a better spare, I would get the Mantus 15kg, which I believe is equal to or better than the Rocna, but (unlike the Rocna) disassembles to store in a more compact package. The best place I have found to store the spare anchor is under the forward portion of the V-berth.

A spare anchor should generally have a similar length of rode as that needed for the primary anchor, though you may want to reduce the portion that is chain. One rule of thumb says that you should have at least one boat length of chain.

I’m pretty sure other people will weigh in here since the subject of anchors is usually a hot topic and people have strong opinions.

John
 
For all you want to know about anchors, visit "SV Panope" on Utube.
 
I had the fortress aluminum. Quite frankly I had it for ten years and never used it. I would do as mentioned, get a new bow anchor like a Rocna or Manson Supreme and use the bruce as a spare. I stored my spare with chain and line on a bracket at the bow. That made it easy to deploy quickly if necessary and was out of the way.
 
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