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Franziska · 10-10-2015, 08:45

Hi,

I have currently a16kg spade style anchor on my cat (see attachment).
This is the prime anchor, it is used with 12m chain and a loooong rode, and sometimes a riding weight.

Boatsize of the cat is 10.70m x 6.10m x 4.5metric Tons (35ft x 20ft, 9920lbs).
No anchor windlass.

The spade works really nice in the soft mud and sand of the Dutch Waddenzee.

We have also a large Fortress on board.
Still I want to add a second steel anchor for long distance cruising.

I'm looking for a versatile second anchor which should possibly cover holding ground in which the spade excels less good.

Any recommendations?

I had a Kobra on a previous boat and was very happy with it, but I believe it would cover about the same bottom as the spade.
The new anchor should have around the same weight as the spade (16kg/35lbs).

Please do not enter the chain vs rode discussion here.
I am also reading the other anchor threads as well!

Thanks for your thoughts.

Franziska

colemj · 10-10-2015, 09:23

Personally, I think you are fine with what you have now. If you lose the Spade for any reason, the Fortress will work as a primary until you can get another Spade (or similar newer gen anchor). Anything more is just extra weight and money.

If you do want another anchor, I would get another Spade or a Rocna/Supreme/Mantus. If not another Spade, then maybe the Mantus because it can be broken down and stored easily.

I don't really believe that there is a complimentary anchor to what you already have - those two cover pretty much everything you should be anchoring in.

BTW, that is a Bugel anchor in the picture, not a Spade. I am assuming you have a Spade?

Mark

Franziska · 10-10-2015, 09:45

Uups, good point, no than its a Bugel not a Spade I have so far.

So I could add a Spade or Cobra.

The Cobra seems like a Spade with a bit of extra weight in the tip.

My past experience with the Cobra is great.

Thanks,

Franziska

Factor · 10-10-2015, 13:14

Another Fortress?

Franziska · 10-10-2015, 14:09

Nope, it's a good backup but I need at least two primaries onboard. Had already a situation where the Fortress turned into a kite.

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Cavalier MK2 · 10-10-2015, 18:49

I still believe in a good Danforth .

**Hudson Force** · 10-10-2015, 19:12

I do keep a folding grapnel below for rock, but my Mantus and Bruce seem to nestle together well on my anchor davit.

I've never had an occasion to choose the Bruce over the Mantus, but I have used both to reduce swing in a crowded space.

I just like the way they "spoon" together at my bow after having years of tying a CQR on it's side next to the Bruce. I know that complimentary stowing was not the intent of the thread, but it is a factor with a crowded space on the bow.

jheldatksuedu · 11-10-2015, 09:26

I have a lot of anchors, I actually think they are more important than sails. I would say a fortress is what I am looking for as an important anchor to have, one not being used everyday. I want a fortress 55, something big enough to kedge my 45 foot boat and still be something I can lift and row out with a dinghy. I have a couple smaller fortresses but the 55 is on my with list.

darylat8750 · 11-10-2015, 09:37

I think you are well set as long as you don't lose anything. If I was cruising away from sources of supply I would add a Mantus and store it disassembled in the bilge.

Bill Balme · 11-10-2015, 10:18

I'd get a 33kg Spade and put it on the roller - and sleep at night! :-)

zboss · 11-10-2015, 11:13

I second a second Fortress, or a cheaper Guardian.

I would even get two more of each. They are lightweight, store small. Then get another 250 feet of rope and 50 feet of g70 rode for each.

That is our plan. We also have a spade and an existing fortress. When we bent our fortress stock they didn't blink twice and sent us a new one for free.

No that I have done this but it's my understanding that three fortresses configured in triangle to a central mooring line makes a great hurricane setup.

GrahamHO · 11-10-2015, 11:15

I haven't tried it yet but the Vulcan looks very good with its big blade area and weighted nose. Assuming it's available where you live; anyone tried it?
Meanwhile I like my genuine Bruce though I don't think they are still made as there are Chinese copies around. I also have a Fortress which is unbelievably good for its weight. I have had Danforth drag with a rock caught between its flukes. Also anchored in sea grass when the sea grass roots pull out.
A Danforth (Fortress also?) sometimes doesn't reset as it can aqua plane.

anacapaisland42 · 11-10-2015, 11:40

Nice boat :-)

Bill

adlib2 · 11-10-2015, 12:28

~~~Where will you be long distance cruising?
I sailed from Canada to the Caribbean, 3500 miles with 2x 45#CQR's, 65# Bruce, #37 Fortress and 2 x Danforths. I only used the CQR & Bruce. Fortress & Danforths dragged in the Trades.