Bruce or CQR

[kmacdonald]

Skip the chain and put the weight in the anchor. Don't oversize the anchor. Use more scope in poor conditions.

[goboatingnow]

My CQR was nothing more then a bad mud weight. My current delta does a reasonable job and tends to dig in correctly when I dive it to check

Not quite as good as a rocna but not bad

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by smj

I’m sorry, but I just couldn’t do that to a fellow boater. And that would be to both the recipient of the anchor and all those unfortunates that anchored next to him. [emoji4]

Indeed. CQRs should not be sold, nor given away. We should set up a fund to collect money to reward people to melt them down.

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by newhaul

No I don't want a Delta they don't hold as good as the CQR in 99% of the substrates I have ever anchored in . Good luck unloading it . Check for a local forge they may want it to melt down to make knives with .

I have hundreds of nights at anchor with both CQR and Delta, and my experience is opposite to this. Delta a big leap forward compared to the CQR, aka "The Dragger", sometimes called "The Seabed Skate". But I wouldn't have a Delta, either. Inherited Deltas on two different boats; gave both away.

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by smj

The first anchor we went to after the CQR was a Delta, held so much better. But now the new gen anchors hold so much better than the Delta.
Of course this is just personal experience as is yours

Just your experience, but actually the exact same experience as mine and that of thousands of other sailors.

An anchor that sets every time and holds on short scope on an iffy bottom can be a major safety asset.

I've experienced that a couple of times in the last month. Med mooring a 67 foot boat to its own anchor in a crosswind - no space for big scope, no time to screw around getting it set, it's got to set RIGHT NOW, and the first time. The 176 pound Spade I chose for this boat did just that, averting some expensive fiberglass work.

Another time sailing the same boat onto her anchor (failed main engine) with rocks less than a cable downwind from the anchoring spot, no mainsail, and no second chance if the anchor doesn't bite.

I'm not in favor of cutting corners, where anchors are concerned. The biggest which will fit, the best you can afford. Send Newhaul all those CQRs and Deltas to melt down to make something actually useful with.

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by Dockhead

Just your experience, but actually the exact same experience as mine and that of thousands of other sailors.

An anchor that sets every time and holds on short scope on an iffy bottom can be a major safety asset.

I've experienced that a couple of times in the last month. Med mooring a 67 foot boat to its own anchor in a crosswind - no space for big scope, no time to screw around getting it set, it's got to set RIGHT NOW, and the first time. The 176 pound Spade I chose for this boat did just that, averting some expensive fiberglass work.

Another time sailing the same boat onto her anchor (failed main engine) with rocks less than a cable downwind from the anchoring swill happily melt the deltas down pot, no mainsail, and no second chance if the anchor doesn't bite.

I'm not in favor of cutting corners, where anchors are concerned. The biggest which will fit, the best you can afford. Send Newhaul all those CQRs and Deltas to melt down to make something actually useful with.

I will happily melt the deltas down to make whootz Damascus steel for knives and such .

I will not melt down the CQR's unless the knuckle is worn out

[team karst]

Originally Posted by newhaul

Never had to use a kedge anchor or a stern anchor? How about a bohemian anchor set with stern as well

If i cruise in Bohemia, I will have other issues.

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by newhaul

I will happily melt the deltas down to make whootz Damascus steel for knives and such .

I will not melt down the CQR's unless the knuckle is worn out

You make Damascus steel knives? Way cool; hats off.

[thomm225]

It seems so strange to me that an anchor that works great for some would be classified as junk to others.

I guess you have to remember that even though we are "talking" to each other in our living rooms, kitchens, vehicles we could be 10's of thousands of miles apart dealing with totally different conditions

Also some folk own their "cruising" boat for 20 years before they actually go cruising more than 150 -250 miles from their slip so many have chosen to just use the equipment that came on their boat.

The only upgrade I have made so far after 10 years with this boat is to replace the chain and rode on my CQR with the new heavier chain and rode from my backup anchor which is a one off Bruce. The old chain and rode is now available for that one although not hooked up yet.

The new chain is heavier and I can definitely feel the difference when I pull in the anchor ....... the old CQR.

[bgallinger]

Originally Posted by thomm225

So after another night in a narrow spot with maybe 50 yards of space before the depth went to 2' ( I draw 4') with winds near 20 knots most of the night, I was thinking maybe I should replace my rusty chain and possibly use the one off Bruce anchor that came with the boat (along with the CQR on the bow).

The CQR has held in 20 - 30 knots with onshore winds and 2'-3' waves so it has been a good anchor..

The chain attached to the Bruce is heavier and maybe 40' and has never been used nor has the rope rode.

This last time I was in protected waters and went in close to get out of the waves but the wind was still shooting thru there and I was in so close I had very little space as the boat turned circles with the tide.

It gives you things to consider at 11, 12, 1 am, 2am, and 3am as you continue to wakeup with the rope rode stretching and moving on the bow.

Neither one. Go with the new generation anchors! Rocna or Mantus. Oh, and get some restful sleep.

[thomm225]

Originally Posted by bgallinger

Neither one. Go with the new generation anchors! Rocna or Mantus. Oh, and get some restful sleep.

In that spot my sleep would have been restless with any anchor because the wind was high and I had almost no room for error but the old CQR held as usual

I did replace the chain, lower rusted shackle, and rode though.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by bgallinger

Neither one. Go with the new generation anchors! Rocna or Mantus. Oh, and get some restful sleep.

I don't think a change to any other anchor will stop the squeaks and groans from a nylon rode under stress on the bow..

[thomm225]

Originally Posted by boatman61

I don't think a change to any other anchor will stop the squeaks and groans from a nylon rode under stress on the bow..

Rode damage from windy nights at anchor......

and one shot of damage repaired.

[malbert73]

Originally Posted by bgallinger

Neither one. Go with the new generation anchors! Rocna or Mantus. Oh, and get some restful sleep.

I wouldn’t go Rocna. Mantus is worlds better, as is Spade, Excel, Viking
Just watch these videos and I think there’s a lot of info that helps us understand safety margin on better anchors. Yes the CQR actually does ok in perfect conditions in Steve’s testing. But in other tests not so much

Videos of Anchors Setting
https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...d.php?t=155412

[thomm225]

Originally Posted by malbert73

I wouldn’t go Rocna. Mantus is worlds better, as is Spade, Excel, Viking
Just watch these videos and I think there’s a lot of info that helps us understand safety margin on better anchors. Yes the CQR actually does ok in perfect conditions in Steve’s testing. But in other tests not so much

Well now you tell me.

Anchored in video below with CQR

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okRZs6os5Eo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gcZKr25UUM