Bruce or CQR

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by team karst

My anchor alarm went off an hour ago in a rainstorm. . Yep: 3:30 am. About a 75’ drag with another vessel dead astern. Got about 75’ of 5/16 and a bridle in front of the cqr. Ten feet of water. I’m done with it. Considering screwing on a 40# danforth just to get thru this trip.

What size and where ? What is the substrate?
75 ft of chain deployed? What were exact weather conditions?

[team karst]

6" Eel grass over sand. The boat swung 90 degs due to rainstorm. About a 15kt event. Not exactly viscous. The anchor was set using engine power to get a hard set. But, the anchor let loose at 90 deg. It reset itself after about 75' of drag.

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by team karst

6" Eel grass over sand. The boat swung 90 degs due to rainstorm. About a 15kt event. Not exactly viscous. The anchor was set using engine power to get a hard set. But, the anchor let loose at 90 deg. It reset itself after about 75' of drag.

Ok thank you for the response . With that substrate condition a 25 pound Danforth would be a good choice . A 40 would be overkill. As long as you can raise it by hand it's fine .
Lastly what size of CQR ?

[team karst]

45 lb "real" CQR

[AiniA]

Originally Posted by newhaul

I wonder how many posters on this thread that are expressing a negative opinion of the CQR. Have actually used one for any period of time .

Used a CQR for close to 40 years before going 'new gen' with a Manson Supreme. There is no comparison. Would never go back. The reverse question is also be valid how many of those who swear by CQR or Bruce (I used both) have extensive experience with a new-gen?

[kmacdonald]

Since you're hauling by hand, get rid of the chain and use a Fortress FX-11. Only 7 pounds. A few feet of chain will do fine.

[thomm225]

Originally Posted by kmacdonald

Since you're hauling by hand, get rid of the chain and use a Fortress FX-11. Only 7 pounds. A few feet of chain will do fine.

No way.

Now that I have the new chain on I'll be using that for years.

Plus I like to have the chain to help the anchor stay down. The chain I just put on the CQR is a bit thicker than the old chain.

The old chain is in a 5 gallon bucket below the rear section of the V Berth and will be attached to that Bruce I have.

I had lots of anchors with 3'-6' of chain and they worked OK for my fishing boats, but I'm glad I have the 40' of chain now.

As far as pulling by hand, it provides a way to get the old blood flowing

[Pelagic]

Originally Posted by Dockhead

Indeed.

Oversizing the anchor will just kill the dragging performance. But if you want really top dragging performance, skip the "new gen" and try to find a used CQR or Bruce, and keep it as small as possible.

Hi Dockhead,
Please do me a favor the next time you make a post like this and start with a warning of tongue in cheek

I chanced upon your post, which confused me and then, having respect for your opinions, had to backtrack and read this whole silly confusing thread, to realize so little value .

[thomm225]

The biggest thing you can learn from this thread is that you don't need to run out and totally gear up your boat with the latest equipment if you are not doing long distance cruising or if you are not leaving for a few years.

You can usually get away with whatever came with your boat which is what I have done with the anchors for about 10 years, electronics, about 7-8 years (still using the old depth finder), used the main and jib halyard for 8 years, still using the PO's dock lines, etc, etc....

I did paint the entire boat though over the years but a few areas every few years.

Just switched to new backup anchor chain but will stay with the CQR because it works so well here and will probably be fine down the entire East Coast and around to Pensacola FL in the Gulf which will be one of my first destinations.

Also folks need to understand that just because someone here is a very experienced cruiser doesn't mean they have a clue as to where you may be sailing or the seabed makeup where you may be anchoring

[goboatingnow]

I’ve dived my CQR , it never dug in sitting upright , it always lay on its side , my delta in comparison goes straight down , and regularly will plow under to the shank

There is no comparison , people expounding CQR simply haven’t tried any of the better anchors imho.

[thomm225]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

I’ve dived my CQR , it never dug in sitting upright , it always lay on its side , my delta in comparison goes straight down , and regularly will plow under to the shank

There is no comparison , people expounding CQR simply haven’t tried any of the better anchors imho.

It's either that or their CQR works fine for them where they sail and anchor.

The strangest thing I keep hearing from new gen anchor owners is that their anchor sets "immediately!"

That seems funny to me because my CQR always sets "immediately!"

As I let it go just before the boat stops.......then it's set pretty much. In other words, there is no use of the engine (which for me is a 5 hp outboard)

[wingssail]

Originally Posted by newhaul

I wonder how many posters on this thread that are expressing a negative opinion of the CQR. Have actually used one for any period of time .

Newhaul, we left Seattle on our world cruise with a CQR. It dragged though every port on the West Coast. Finally, in Mexico, I snorkled on it while Judy tried to set it. I observed that it was hinged 90 degrees and pulling along like a bulldozer blade and was never going to orient itself properly to set. We took a bus to San Diego and came back with a Bruce, which has held very well for many years (until now when I have learned that a 44lb Bruce cannot set or hold at all compared to a 90lb Mantus! Who knew? I am chagrined)

So my objection the CQR is based on my experience.

[kmacdonald]

thomm225, I have a 35 or 45 pound delta I would be willing to let go of for $10.00. Yep, 10 bucks and could drop it off to you on my way south this fall. Let me know if you are interested.

[team karst]

Do it Thomm. Delta worked very well on my last powerboat.

[smj]

I agree, a great deal