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**noelex 77** · 24-02-2014, 06:10

At the moment I am in South Australia. I am always intrigued by the the local choice of anchors. Cruising boats ideally need an anchor that will cope with a wide variety of substrates, but local boats can afford to pick anchors that work for the specific conditions that they encounter.
Anchor choice is also heavily influenced by cost and availability.

The area has a reputation for weedy anchorages. My limited diving (and I do mean limited there are lots of White Pointer Sharks in these waters) gave me the impression of only moderately thick weed in places and lots of cute seals (see photo where they were brushing the camera with their whiskers)

A large percentage of boats had a specialist weed anchor. About 60% of boats had a Marsh stockless anchor (see photo) 10% a fisherman anchor. 20% were Rocna or Manson Supreme only a tiny number of CQR's, plows and Delta anchors (amazing) 0 Bruce anchors ( equally amazing) and only 1 Sarca anchor (surprising given their Australian manufacturing base) 0 Spade anchors ( not surprising given their poor distribution and high cost in Australia)

Kokanee · 17-09-2014, 10:59

Yup, We love our Marsh stockless anchors here in South Oz.
It's not just because of the weedy bottoms. Its the weed cover over limestone. The Marsh stockless will grab onto a ledge in the limestone better than most which tend to slip over the hard flat surface.

They're not much use in mud, but other than the Port River its all limestone bottoms here, sometimes with a bit of sandy covering or a bit of reefy buildup.

I've only dragged mine once, when I had insufficient scope in deep water. It then held firm after increasing scope to 4:1.

They're cheap and they work. What more can you ask for in an anchor?

**noelex 77** · 17-09-2014, 11:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kokanee

They're cheap and they work.

Thanks for the feedback. They look like a great way to get the penetration of a Fisherman anchor without the difficult storage and handling.

I am surprised you mentioned that they are cheap.

Anchors are expensive in Australia for reasons I don't understand. For example a New Zealand made 20 kg Manson Supreme is $670 AUD =$605 USD from Whitworths, Australia's major discount retail chain. In the US Defender sells the same anchor for $394. New Zealand is next door to Australia.

The cheapest price for a 20kg in Australia seems to be $450. The 20kg at Marsh has a small fluke area and I would imagine, like the Fisherman anchor, it needs to be considerably oversized.

GILow · 17-09-2014, 15:45

Tell me about it. Our Anchor is useless here in South Oz and the marsh stock less for our boat will set us back nearly $700. Found one secondhand and it was still $500.

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MarkJ · 17-09-2014, 16:59

I've never heard of, or seen a Marsh stockless.

Thanks for the story!

GILow · 17-09-2014, 17:14

It's no great suprise to find that they are manufactured here in South Oz.

Industrial Springs - Aurora Springs

Walking around our club, over 80% of the boats have this type.

Matt

El Pinguino · 17-09-2014, 17:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by noelex 77

there are lots of White Pointer Sharks in these waters.......... and lots of cute seals (see photo where they were brushing the camera with their whiskers)

The seals probably think you are also seal.... as will the great white sharks which think seals are yummy....

I'd be staying out of the water as well......

MonkeyMe · 08-12-2015, 19:35

Hi
Realise this is an old thread,but need help with choosing anchor for SA. We are looking to buy Marsh anchor for our 38" Wharram Catamaran approx 5t. Have had advise from 22 to 28 kg. Cruising around SA then heading over to WA in early new year.😨 Our other anchor in Sarca 6t. Have had dragging issues around Tassi but not since increase chain to 10ml. All responses appreciated
Cheers Monkeyme.

GILow · 08-12-2015, 20:06

Hi MonkeyMe,

Did you get that figure from talking to the guys at Industrial Springs? If so, it will be correct according to everyone I have spoken to.

I am heading down to the club this arvo, so I will see what similar sized boats to yours are carrying.

FWIW I am still using our Sarca as our main anchor. No problems so far in the Gulf St Vincent but I am careful to aim for sandy patches when dropping it, apparently the Marsh is needed for the weedy bits where the Sarca will skip along the top according to the experienced sailors at the club.

Matt