Bruce or CQR

[MicHughV]

These anchor threads are always interesting...for sure....I've been at this for almost 40 years now, know what I like and don't like, and unlikely to change my mind. Not much interested in new fads, ideas, studies, opinions, etc..I provide "my" opinion and let it go at that. Not here to score points, make friends or sell a product.

There is more to anchoring than simply anchor selection.... a lot more... I could write pages on the subject...but I won't.

I know a lot of old salts like me, who are equally set in their ways. They know what works for them, most likely thru' hard earned experience, and are unlikely to change.

Most any experienced sailor I've come across has a whole arsenal of anchors at his disposal. Myself, at least 5. Plus an assortment of chain, rode, etc.

There should be a " ban" on anchor threads on this forum.

[smj]

Originally Posted by MicHughV

These anchor threads are always interesting...for sure....I've been at this for almost 40 years now, know what I like and don't like, and unlikely to change my mind. Not much interested in new fads, ideas, studies, opinions, etc..I provide "my" opinion and let it go at that. Not here to score points, make friends or sell a product.

There is more to anchoring than simply anchor selection.... a lot more... I could write pages on the subject...but I won't.

I know a lot of old salts like me, who are equally set in their ways. They know what works for them, most likely thru' hard earned experience, and are unlikely to change.

Most any experienced sailor I've come across has a whole arsenal of anchors at his disposal. Myself, at least 5. Plus an assortment of chain, rode, etc.

There should be a " ban" on anchor threads on this forum.

You don’t have to write pages on anchoring when it comes to the new gen anchors.
Buy anchor, attach chain and rode, drop over side and back down.
See, all done in one poorly written rambling sentence. Now that’s the beauty of the new gen anchors!

[MicHughV]

[rgleason]

Sorry, at a weak moment, I asked a stupid question. The real question is will I eventually part with some green to find out, or will I continue with the Bruce until it needs to be galvanized again. Even I don't know the answer, but there are other things that have higher priority right now.

[thomm225]

Originally Posted by smj

You don’t have to write pages on anchoring when it comes to the new gen anchors.
Buy anchor, attach chain and rode, drop over side and back down.
See, all done in one poorly written rambling sentence. Now that’s the beauty of the new gen anchors!

Sounds like my good old CQR except I don’t have to back down to set it. Drift set works just fine.

[mrcarson]

and in the old days. Genuine or copy.
The first thing you did to your pick was. CQR, Extra lead melted into the tip of.
Admiralty.Oversized Tips. Pear shaped to a point Welded over the existing tips. Breaks through any weed and into sand/mud rough ground.
Giving a better grip. Just have a trip rope with float on head of stock to tip up if one gets hooked underchain/Cable/Rocks etc.
And in Coastal/Traffic waters.
A good Stern Danforth with short chain and plenty of NYLON (Stretchy not snappy) is the least seen on modern yachts.
One day. Stern brake..
There are idiots on the waters as well as on the roads. Or an old lift road bridge that breaks haifway up and you in full flow stream. 70+stick. Genny unrolled. Me below having a leak. girl on wheel. stern wind.
Narrow channel. can't turn small shipping. no radio warning. oops. We go through 6 days a week) Interesting.

[mrcarson]

People with the BRUCE. Read up on it.
They were designed for SHORT scope on rigs and drilling platforms. B4 the 4 point hold work boats.
They hold better on real short scope. (Or used to)

[boatman61]

Why.??? I've been using them with success since 1985 and, despite using a wide variety of other types of anchors on boats I have delivered I have no inclination to switch to anything else for my boat, past or future.
If it ain't broke, don't try and fix it..

[MicHughV]

To me....the matter is simple...

Use what you like...

If you like Bruce...use Bruce...

If you like CQR....use CQR...

If you like something else...use something else...

it's your boat, use whatever anchor YOU want.....don't ask me....'cuz I'll tell you what I use....I don't care what you use.....

[rslifkin]

Don't forget, there's often a big difference between what's worth using if you already have it vs what's worth spending money to buy if you're in need of a replacement.

[thomm225]

I'm guessing my CQR is close to 30 years old.

I may replace it in the next 5 years or so.....but well see how it does.

I did replace the upper shackle on the chain but it was fine just below the rust and would probably have been good for a few more years but since I (the PO) had some spares onboard I replaced it.

[rslifkin]

Originally Posted by thomm225

I'm guessing my CQR is close to 30 years old.

I may replace it in the next 5 years or so.....but well see how it does.

Looking at the pictures, that thing is clearly worn out and past its useful working life. That hinge doesn't show a little bit of wear, it shows a hinge that's so worn it should have been retired years ago.

[thomm225]

Originally Posted by rslifkin

Looking at the pictures, that thing is clearly worn out and past its useful working life. That hinge doesn't show a little bit of wear, it shows a hinge that's so worn it should have been retired years ago.

Yeah, it has looked like that for the last 10 years.......

and has saved my butt several times with temps in the low 40's anchored 70 yards of the beach overnight with 20-25 knot onshore winds and no protection. Of course the winds waited until midnight or so to crank up when I would have no escape with my 5 hp outboard.

Sort of like this video except the winds were onshore and I was closer to the beach......and it was dark

These days I try and find a nice protected spot to anchor and have replaced the old rode and chain with the PO's spare a heavier, longer chain and new never used rode. 2nd video.

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFoM2zVYkxY

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by thomm225

Yeah, it has looked like that for the last 10 years.......

Looks like time to sleve the hinge so the pin will fit tight again . Easy repair just tack weld the insert on the shank side.

[thomm225]

Originally Posted by newhaul

Looks like time to sleve the hinge so the pin will fit tight again . Easy repair just tack weld the insert on the shank side.

Just tack weld!

Nice I know soldering not welding.

When I'm ready I'll just replace the anchor with a New Gen anchor or a 25 lb-35lb CQR if I happen to stumble upon one.

There's a 25 lb CQR on the never used boat beside me, but it's not for sale. It would be a perfect replacement for my 20 lb CQR. See photo.

Plus I have this spare one-off Bruce