Mantas M1 or Sarca Excel

[Fortytwo]

Originally Posted by rslifkin

He may not be a perfect source of testing, but he has done the most comprehensive testing of a wide range of anchors that anyone has done in a very long time, including with underwater video to see behavior. Despite any weak points in his testing or unknowns in funding sources (keep in mind he started doing this testing with boats and anchors he already had access to before he asked for any outside funding), it's still the best test data available to us at this point.

Agreed.

If you disagree, please share your test results first.

If anyone knows of another resource of the nuts and bolts testing that Steve has done, please share.

[nfbr]

I own a Sarca Excel. It's great. The M1 would also be great, as would the Spade.
I have an Aluminum Sarca Excal as my backup on the bow.

Within the top 5, I would suggest weight and upsizing is more important than which particular anchor.

I chose based on carefully measuring what would fit when I replaced my Rocna.

I could go 1-2 size larger in the Sarca than the Spade due to shank sizing. That made the decision for me.

Hundreds of nights in tidal rivers with 4 resets each day, no worries. 55knts wind no worries. 6knts current, no worries. Wind against tide - ok, that sucks, boats go everywhere. Not dragging, just wind and rode.

[rslifkin]

Originally Posted by nfbr

Within the top 5, I would suggest weight and upsizing is more important than which particular anchor.

I agree. Out of the best tested designs, pick one that fits well on the bow in the size you want. Some boats will fit one anchor better than another, or can fit one anchor in a larger size than another.

[FlyingScot]

Originally Posted by carstenb

Considering Steves response to your allegations- do you have anything to add that substatiates your unfounded accusations or do you wish to apologize?

Any man with an ounze of personal honor would apologize

Totally agree. Seems like some serious unfounded BS from someone with a undetermined motive.

[dlj]

Originally Posted by malbert73

Wandering has gone silent once we all called him on his BS.

Troll?

dj

[Drobert]

I can't provide a comparison between Sarca Excel and M1 but I switched from a CQR to a Sarca Excel and the difference was like night and day. I like the aggressive, sharp downward shape to the weighted point which really helps it set quickly.

[dlj]

Originally Posted by Panope

My responses in red

Panope,

I'd just like to thank you for the incredible work you have done testing anchors. Your work is the best there is - no question.

dj

p.s. it disgusts me that you would have to respond to such crap ...

[SV__Grace]

We love our Excel and it has always set immediately (in viable bottoms) and held our 20 ton ketch without dragging for 5+ years of full time, all season cruising living on anchor, including many gales, rarely visiting a dock.

A bit of an anchor nerd, I grilled the vendor on the design of the Excel and why it was superior to other anchors, here's a few features that impressed me that most don't know-

1. 70/30 hybrid design- 70% plow, 30% scoop

2. Solid construction, this anchor is really, really well made (no bolted parts)

3. Tip is different alloy that can be filed sharp

4. Tip is angled slightly downwards for more effective initial bite and digging

5. Cutouts are not just decorative, they increase holding dramatically. Here's a Youtube video from our friend Panope about this.

Here's a great article by Practical Sailor on the Excel that covers most of the above and more.

[Scrosby]

From New England to currently in Bahamas. Excel is easy to set, it just works perfectly. Cruising for over 40 years, best yet.

[Kelkara]

Originally Posted by Drobert

I can't provide a comparison between Sarca Excel and M1 but I switched from a CQR to a Sarca Excel and the difference was like night and day. I like the aggressive, sharp downward shape to the weighted point which really helps it set quickly.

I can echo this ...


I will also echo all the thanks to Panope for sharing his testing

[Leakie Marine]

My #6 Excel is the best thing I have bought for my First 45f5. I have not dragged yet and it sets as soon as it hits the bottom. Resets very quickly on change of direction. My favourite anchorage at Refuge Cove is a shocker for weed and it used to take many attempts to get the plow to bite. The Excel bites so hard first time you have to hang on

[HankOnthewater]

Originally Posted by Leakie Marine

My #6 Excel is the best thing I have bought for my First 45f5. I have not dragged yet and it sets as soon as it hits the bottom. Resets very quickly on change of direction. My favourite anchorage at Refuge Cove is a shocker for weed and it used to take many attempts to get the plow to bite. The Excel bites so hard first time you have to hang on

Hehehe, funny you mentioned Refuge Cove, see my post #7 up-thread.

Apart form Panope, still no direct comparisons between Mantus and Sarca Excel.
Maybe it is just a case of buying one of these anchors, what best fit on the bow, and/or is best value for money, ie $$ per kilo.

[NevilleCat]

Originally Posted by HankOnthewater

Hehehe, funny you mentioned Refuge Cove, see my post #7 up-thread....

Yeah that's a well known problem anchorage as are many of the Bass Strait islands, and that is what the Sarca's were designed to work in. Local guys presumably testing similar areas.
For me, unless someone can come up with sufficient reason otherwise, I would put my money with the local guys... don't know where you're based UFO.

[UFO]

Originally Posted by NevilleCat

Yeah that's a well known problem anchorage as are many of the Bass Strait islands, and that is what the Sarca's were designed to work in. Local guys presumably testing similar areas.
For me, unless someone can come up with sufficient reason otherwise, I would put my money with the local guys... don't know where you're based UFO.

In Queensland at the moment. The only time I never managed to set the Rocna was in Pig Trough Bay, at Garden Island in Perth - It was called Garden Island for a reason I think, as the Sea Grass was Insane!

[motion30]

My thoughts are you will not go wrong picking either of these anchors. I've had my M1 for just over 10 years. Seen a couple blows over 80 I remember one winter when it was blowing 50 for the whole day. Never had a problem