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**noelex 77** · 27-12-2015, 22:42

Every few years I like to do a survey of anchor numbers at a boatyard. In this part of the world the anchors are usually dropped to the ground next to the boat so it also provides a good opportunity to see potential problems. I also like to see how the anchor behaves in the setting position on dry ground eg the amount of toe weight and the stability (or hopefully lack thereof) when the anchor is not in the setting position. I think this provides some useful insight into anchor performance.

This year I only counted yacht anchors (and ignored power boats). I also ignored stern anchors but I counted both bow anchors if 2 were present. Only a small number of boats (5% ?) had no anchors. It is possible that the more expensive anchors were perhaps stored out of sight, but theft is not much of a concern here and there were plenty of near new Rocna's and Spades left on the ground. One powerboat (so not included in the survey) even had two large Ultras.

There were no charter yachts. These were all cruising boats, although most of these do not anchor over the worst weather in the winter period.

Delta 55
CQR 38
Rocna 23
Bugal (copy) 15
Kobra 13
Bruce 12
Brittany 11
Plow 11
Spade 9
Brake 6
Manson Supreme 4
Claw 4
Jambo 3
Shark 3
Mantus 2
Bugel 2
Danforth (copy) 1
Danforth 1
Excel 1
Fortress 1
FOB rock 1

As in my last survey, the Delta was by far the most popular anchor, although 3 of the models had been modified by their owners, perhaps indicating they were less than happy with the performance. I was surprised by the number of CQR anchors. I am now seeing very few of these anchors in the anchorages, so the count is probably not representive of the boats anchoring often.

Rocna was by far the most popular new generation anchor.

CheekyMonkey · 28-12-2015, 00:01

Anchors are the source of idle minds...you may want to find another hobby.

**noelex 77** · 28-12-2015, 00:46

Some interesting anchors were seen in the yard. More to follow.

This Spade had completely lost its lead ballast. Presumably the anchor has been re-galvanised and the lead had melted out, or has it just fallen out? Presumably it is poured in one piece which would make the later unlikely?

I left a note for the owner. The anchor will not work without the ballast.

It was hard to photograph the ballast chamber, but hopefully you can see it is empty:

CheekyMonkey · 28-12-2015, 01:55

Let me get this right...you walk around boat yards leaving messages on peoples anchors? Aren't you in the Med to be sailing and enjoying the sites?

Salty Mike · 28-12-2015, 02:17

@Noelex 77 Knows his anchors.... Does that make him "The Anchor Man"?

Good catch on the missing lead. Could they simply melt and poor some in to refill it?

four winds · 28-12-2015, 02:37

CheekyMonkey, Craig Ferguson fan? Enjoyed his show but haven't seen the new one.

Looks like you're new here so maybe you don't know about Noelex77's contribution to the forum on the subject of anchoring.

You stated, "Let me get this right", ...... well, you didn't.

CheekyMonkey · 28-12-2015, 02:50

No, I'm quite certain I did.

wayne.b · 28-12-2015, 03:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by CheekyMonkey

No, I'm quite certain I did.

===

Well you certainly succeeded in being cheeky if that is *your* goal in life.

As a cruiser who anchors out much of the time, I find this sort of discussion interesting, particularly about the Spade that lost its ballast. I own a 60 kg Spade that was used hard for 8 or 9 years until it started showing signs of structural rust in the area of the ballast pocket. Since this may be indicative of a general design or construction issue, I retired mine and replaced it with a Rocna. In fairness to the Spade its performance was always excellent. With a little grinding, welding and re-galvanizing it could probably be brought back to full spec condition.

CheekyMonkey · 28-12-2015, 03:59

So walking around placing notes on people's anchors is normal practice for you? If somebody left a note on my anchor, I'd be sure to staple it to his head.

zeehag · 28-12-2015, 04:08

dear noelex. i LOVE my 30kg bruce. it ROCKS. i also have a cqr and a few danforth and a yachtsman, but i dont use em.
if you leave me a note on my anchor, please let me know where we will be eating pizza....

Lizzy Belle · 28-12-2015, 04:16

I would have guessed there'd be more Rocna's and less Delta's / CQR.

Anyone noticing an issue with my boat('s gear) and letting me know will usually end up invited back over for a beer / wine or something.
If a thread isn't interesting to you, you could just skip it ...

goat · 28-12-2015, 04:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by CheekyMonkey

So walking around placing notes on people's anchors is normal practice for you? If somebody left a note on my anchor, I'd be sure to staple it to his head.

If I had an anchor that wasn't going to work, I wouldn't mind finding a note on it. I could always toss the note. Hopefully the owner of the anchor had it on the pallet in order to fill the void with lead.
If you've been following 'the' anchor thread you'll find noelex has been taken to task for not telling us he warned people about their anchor not being set properly.

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ng-126073.html

goat

Yes, he is an anchorholic.

Blue Crab · 28-12-2015, 04:32

I would have guessed there'd be more Rocna's and less Delta's / CQR.

The word is getting around. The local consignment store has a whole bunch of used CQRs.