Manson Supreme Rock slot

[ontherocks83]

So I'm looking at getting a Manson Supreme anchor. The shank has 2 places to connect the shackle. There is the traditional hole at the end of the shank and there is the rock slot that runs the length of the shank so you can slide the shackle forward if it gets stuck and you can pull the anchor out backwards.

Is there a reason not to always leave the shackle in the rock slot? As opposed to switching between the 2 attachment points depending on floor conditions.

I would think that you can always leave it in the rock slot but was wondering if anyone had any experience as to why this would be a good or bad idea.

And no I am not looking for this to be a debate about what is the best anchor just the features on this anchor.

[skipmac]

Lot of previous discussion on this. The most common concern expressed with using the rock slot is the risk of pulling out the anchor in a situation where the tide or wind reversed. In this situation as the boat moves 180 degrees from the original anchoring angle it seems like there is a chance that the shackle would slide up the slot when the rode tensions in the other direction and pull out the anchor instead of resetting.

That's one of the reasons I didn't buy a Manson. Contacted them about it and informed them there was a lot of interest in an anchor without the slot but they were not interested in addressing the issue.

If you like the Manson I think they are very good anchors but would not use the slot as the regular attachment point.

[Vasco]

Lots of Manson Supremes being used now. Have yet to see anyone using the rock slot. Maybe it's because it's mostly mud and sand where we cruise.

[ontherocks83]

Originally Posted by skipmac

Lot of previous discussion on this. The most common concern expressed with using the rock slot is the risk of pulling out the anchor in a situation where the tide or wind reversed. In this situation as the boat moves 180 degrees from the original anchoring angle it seems like there is a chance that the shackle would slide up the slot when the rode tensions in the other direction and pull out the anchor instead of resetting.

That's one of the reasons I didn't buy a Manson. Contacted them about it and informed them there was a lot of interest in an anchor without the slot but they were not interested in addressing the issue.

If you like the Manson I think they are very good anchors but would not use the slot as the regular attachment point.

Understood and very good point!

Not to open a can of worms because I am sure that with out video of an anchor doing this it is ALL speculation but "theoretically" if the anchor pulled out wouldn't the roll bar side or "non pointy side" catch something (i.e a rock or even just the bottom), flip over, the shackle would slide back and then reset. Or am I being way to optimistic?

Again I apologize if I am opening Pandora's box with this one. Just trying to get a feel for pros and cons here.

Thanks for entertaining me on this one.

[noelex 77]

The rock slot is designed for short term stops where the boats position is constantly monitored.

A boat that has anchored for a couple hours to fish is a typical example.

If you use the rock slot there is a risk that any change in direction of pull will trip the anchor out. There is a reasonable chance it will reset on its own, but this is by no means certain.

Just use the conventional attachment point and forget about the rock slot if you are typical sailboat.

[SailFastTri]

I own a M-Supreme and would NEVER use that stupid slot unless it was a fishing stop or lunch hook. For overnight anchoring or leaving the boat it is out of the question, for the reasons Skipmac gave. The reason I called it stupid is because I view it as a marketing gimmick. If I was anchoring in an area known for rocks and debris I would use a trip line... much more reliable and better control about when it works (the only drawback being risk of interference from other boaters).

[ontherocks83]

Originally Posted by noelex 77

The rock slot is designed for short term stops where the boats position is constantly monitored.

A boat that has anchored for a couple hours to fish is a typical example.

If you use the rock slot there is a risk that any change in direction of pull will trip the anchor out. There is a reasonable chance it will reset on its own, but this is by no means certain.

Just use the conventional attachment point and forget about the rock slot if you are typical sailboat.

Ok I get it now. Thank you! Makes much more sense.

[SailFastTri]

The other reason I wouldn't use it: As a practical/safety matter I don't change the shackle attachment frequently because it's seized with wire.

[JK n Smitty]

I don't use my rock slot for attaching the rhode. As others have pointed out the reasons why to avoid this I won't repeat it.

I do attach a second line to the rock slot with a float. It the anchor were to be come stuck, I could use the second line to pull the anchor forward and get it un-stuck.

Fair winds,

Jesse

[ontherocks83]

Originally Posted by SailFastTri

I own a M-Supreme and would NEVER use that stupid slot unless it was a fishing stop or lunch hook. For overnight anchoring or leaving the boat it is out of the question, for the reasons Skipmac gave. The reason I called it stupid is because I view it as a marketing gimmick. If I was anchoring in an area known for rocks and debris I would use a trip line... much more reliable and better control about when it works (the only drawback being risk of interference from other boaters).

So on the note of a trip line, (which has its own set of pros and cons) how many people have had to cut line and leave their anchor (any type) on the bottom. (what was the situation, was there a trip line, ground composition etc.....etc.....)

I think I worry more about it getting hung up and having to cut away all that expensive chain and anchor more than I worry about my anchor holding properly. Am I the only one or is that a valid concern?

[Cotemar]

Only use the rock slot if your anchoring in rocks or coral.
1) Staying on your boat.
2) Do not use at night while sleeping
3) Do not use if you will have a wind or current shift.

Oh and by the way. DO NOT ANCHOR IN ROCKS OR CORAL

[SailFastTri]

I'd rather have my expensive ground tackle at risk than to put the boat at risk. The ground tackle is easily replaced and costs less than my deductible, but the crew safety factor is priceless. To me this is a no-brainer.

So no, I don't use the rock slot and (almost) never use a trip line. I also carry a Fortress with mixed rode for backup/kedge.

[ontherocks83]

Originally Posted by Cotemar

Oh and by the way. DO NOT ANCHOR IN ROCKS OR CORAL

Ha love the response .

Except with my luck I can anchor near a sand bar and catch the only rock within a mile.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by ontherocks83

Understood and very good point!

Not to open a can of worms because I am sure that with out video of an anchor doing this it is ALL speculation but "theoretically" if the anchor pulled out wouldn't the roll bar side or "non pointy side" catch something (i.e a rock or even just the bottom), flip over, the shackle would slide back and then reset. Or am I being way to optimistic?

Well by now you've seen several other replies but just to address this specific question. Manson designed the rock slot exactly for the shackle to slide down the shank to pull the anchor out if it jams in a rock. So if it is designed to do that then why wouldn't it do it whether you reversed pull on the anchor on purpose to pull it out or the pull reversed without your help when the wind changed direction. Doesn't matter why the pull reverses, if it does then the risk is there and even if the risk is very, very small the results if it happens could be very, very bad.

No I have not heard of anyone who has had that happen, maybe because no one uses the stupid slot.

[Panope]

When anchoring in deep, rocky fjords, sometimes one needs to use a stern line to shore (a.k.a. med mooring). The slot could be used safely in this situation as there will be no accidental reversing of pull.

Then again, a trip line could be rigged and since the boat will not be swinging, many of the problems of using a trip line will be eliminated.

Steve