What size Sarca Excel for 9000lbs boat?

[zachduckworth]

Hi,
It’s time for an anchor upgrade. I have an Islander 30 Bahama. She weighs about 9000 lbs or so fully loaded for cruising with 250 feet of chain. I’m looking at Sarca Excels. Would the no. 4 or no. 5 make more sense for a boat my size? Price of course always an issue but I’d prefef less weight on my windlass and on general principal. I use a 25lbs Bruce now and it’s treated me decently, fwiw. Thanks!

[GordMay]

According to this Sarca Excel sizing chart ➥ https://jimmygreen.com/galvanised-an...hor-galvanised
SARCA Excel #4 [16.0kg] is designed for boats 10➛12 metres LOA [30➛39 Ft] @3.5➛7 Tonnes Displacement [4 Tonnes ≈ 9,000 Lbs]
To a point, bigger is [almost] always better; but the #4 should work well, for your boat.

[Leadfree]

Anchor Right the maker’s website has size recommendations.

My experience is that it is a very good anchor thus far in Keys and Bahamas.

[noelex 77]

There are better anchors than the Sarca Excel, but in terms of size for a cruising boat anchoring frequently, the best sizing guide is "the largest anchor that can be comfortably managed.“

Consulting with other boat owners provides the most accurate indication of the largest anchor that the boat can comfortably accommodate. Additionally, templates can be downloaded to create a mock-up using thin scraps of timber or cardboard, demonstrating how well the anchor fits on the bow roller (although I not sure Anchor Right offers this option).

Nevertheless, if an anchor winch is not available (which I assume is the case in your situation), the strength of the crew and the anchoring depth must also be considered.

[Kelkara]

An Excel #3 holds my 27ft 8000lbs boat very well here in BC ... I'd have gone for a #4 if it had fit properly on my bow.

[barnakiel]

I did with a 10kg Bruce on same size of boat. Now we have a 15kg anchor which is just as good, if not quite as easy to handle.


Given your displacement and windage, I would opt for an anchor in this range (10-15 kg) too.


Get some chain too. I noted longer chain makes plenty of difference, so I swapped a shorter bigger chain for more length (but same weight) in a finer and longer chain. This helps. The boat sails less when anchored.


b.

[zachduckworth]

Originally Posted by noelex 77

There are better anchors than the Sarca Excel, but in terms of size for a cruising boat anchoring frequently, the best sizing guide is "the largest anchor that can be comfortably managed.“

Consulting with other boat owners provides the most accurate indication of the largest anchor that the boat can comfortably accommodate. Additionally, templates can be downloaded to create a mock-up using thin scraps of timber or cardboard, demonstrating how well the anchor fits on the bow roller (although I not sure Anchor Right offers this option).

Nevertheless, if an anchor winch is not available (which I assume is the case in your situation), the strength of the crew and the anchoring depth must also be considered.

My boat came with a 35lbs Rocna that was unfortunately stolen (by the sea…), after which I bought the Bruce. I figured if the Rocna fit this should.
I chose the Excel based on Steve’s reviews. Price was a big factor in the win for the Excel. There are a few competitors in its size category but they are significantly more expensive and/or hard to find in the US. The Sarca North America distributor is in Canada but has free 5 day shipping to the US. So $700 total USD shipped, which seems like a relative deal for a modern anchor. We’ll see how it goes..

[thinwater]

Originally Posted by zachduckworth

My boat came with a 35lbs Rocna that was unfortunately stolen (by the sea…), after which I bought the Bruce. I figured if the Rocna fit this should.
I chose the Excel based on Steve’s reviews. Price was a big factor in the win for the Excel. There are a few competitors in its size category but they are significantly more expensive and/or hard to find in the US. The Sarca North America distributor is in Canada but has free 5 day shipping to the US. So $700 total USD shipped, which seems like a relative deal for a modern anchor. We’ll see how it goes..

I've used an alloy Excel a good bit. Top notch. I've tested a good many anchors, and it's up in the top tier. It may look like a Delta, but the performance is altogether different.

[noelex 77]

Originally Posted by zachduckworth

Price was a big factor in the win for the Excel. There are a few competitors in its size category but they are significantly more expensive and/or hard to find in the US.

Cost is a factor, but when the conditions truly deteriorate, having the most effective anchor (design and size) becomes paramount.

[lockie]

The Sarca 3 has held my 28 footer, roughly 4 tons all up in cruising mode, several times in well over 30 knots.
Cheers, Graeme

[Factor]

Originally Posted by noelex 77

There are better anchors than the Sarca Excel,.

Still at it I see.

The excel is a proven strong reliable and safe anchor, I would use a Sarca 4 on the OPs boat,

[Mexican Hat]

I have a #4 Excel for sale in North Florida... I'm only selling it to make room for the #5 Excel to calm my nerves in anticipation of storm force winds as I sail further afield. If you're interested, you can find it in the classifieds.

Better anchors than the Excel? Hmmm, what would they be and who tested them and under what conditions?

[noelex 77]

Originally Posted by Factor

Still at it I see.

Absolutely. Answering members’ questions and offering opinions as I did in post #4 is what the forum is all about .

[Factor]

Anyway - for the OP. yes 4 or 5 is fine, The Excel is an anchor I have used myself extensively on a number of boats. It is used by emergency services extensively in Australia, it is required fitment on a number of commercial operations, it has a world wide user base which has almost total positive feedback. A number of her of production builders offer it as their premium anchor upgrade. It is a reliable choice. Is it the worlds absolute best - not sure but if it isn't then its in the top 3 which are probably interchangeable, dependent on anchor location.

Some here have an option on it having never used it.

As my American friends would say. You do the math.

[zachduckworth]

Here she is. Fit great! She is not fully retracted on the roller in this picture here but she does fit when the roller is fully retracted. Fit perfectly. I’m going to try her out this weekend. This is the No. 4 galvanized as discussed. Definitely oversized for my boat but that’s what I wanted. Thanks for all the advice! I’ll do a product review once I get her in the water….