Bruce Anchors for 356

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Jack

I was wondering if anyone had bought a bruce anchor for their 356 and what size they had. The danforth that comes with the boat seems undersized. Does the bruce anchor fit in the rollers? Thanks, Jack
 
Mar 20, 2004
1,744
Hunter 356 and 216 Portland, ME
356 anchors

Haven't tried a bruce, but a delta fastset (now simpson-lawrence)works very nicely in the bow rollers in either the 22lb (spec'd size) or 33lb (storm size) and holds really well in a wide assortment of bottoms in the NE
 
Dec 2, 1999
15,184
Hunter Vision-36 Rio Vista, CA.
Delta is a good anchor.

Jack: I agree with Chuck. The Delta is a very good anchor. We have one aboard specifically for anchoring in Grass and Week bottoms. It penetrates quickly and hold well. I would think if you used an equal weight Delta vs the Bruce it would outhold it and would perform extremely well. All anchors work better is different types of holding ground. I really do not think that there is a BEST anchor. I is really hard to beat a danforth style anchor in mud and sand. The danforth is probably the worst choice in grass/weeds. I also do not think that the Bruce is a good choice for grass/weeds.
 
Jul 1, 1998
3,062
Hunter Legend 35 Poulsbo/Semiahmoo WA
Prefer Delta 44# vs 35# if Possible

On our H-35 Legend I've used the Delta 35# as the standard anchor for several years and I wouldn't want to go any lighter. In the Northwest I use a lot of scope and 45ft of 5/16 high-test and don't feel that's over doing it. I also have a mushroom anchor that I can rig for use as a kellet if need be. With anchorages getting more crowded every year I'd recommend the Delta 44#. For the few extra bucks and 9 more pounds I think it would be a much better deal and there's nothing like a really solid set. Having said this, going heavier should not a tradeoff for less scope because less scope can really cause problems. If you go over to Santa Catalina where they are prone to getting really high winds the larger anchor would be much nicer to have. I'd give the Delta a two thumbs up. http://www.multihullsmag.com/magazine/articles/delta.htm
 
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Bob Keller

Bruce Anchor

A 22# Delta was supplied when I purchased my 356. Unfortunately the boat always dragged regardless of the scope (rode is 20 ft 3/8 chain and 150 ft 1/2 line) and bottom conditions. Purchased a 33# Danforth last year and had much better luck, but after talking with many of my boat neighbors I have just purchased a Bruce 33# and went to an all chain rode. Those that have the Bruce all insist it works the best for them, grabs and holds and resets the quickest with the change of the wind and tide. Our hope this year is to spend many nights on the hook and I like to sleep, so hopefully we have made the right choice, but only time will tell. The other choice of my most experienced boating neighbors is a heavy CQR.
 
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Jeff

33# Bruce for my 35.5

Only had it part of a season but so far so good. Like others have said, no one anchor is BEST. Depends on local conditions. Jeff
 
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Mark Millham

what will work best for you

Personally, I have Both a Delta and a Danforth at the ready. The #35 Delta on the roller, with 30' chain and 250'5/8 rode. The Danforth is in the anchor locker with 10' chain and 200' 5/8" rode. If one doesn't hold well, the other comes out and usually does the trick. The best advise is to borrow the one you don't have and go out and try it. You'll know which is best for you after you try to set them a few times. Both have unique setting styles and take a little getting used to. Good luck!
 
Mar 20, 2004
1,744
Hunter 356 and 216 Portland, ME
356 anchors

lots of good advice here! I probably should have included that I also carry a fortress fx-23 (danforth style in aluminum) like mark-nothing can beat a danforth in sand, but the fastset and the bruce both seem to get good reviews, and both seem to work well in mixed bottoms. I took an informal survey in the yard today, and the bruce and fastset were about equal in numbers on the bow rollers-almost none of the newer, bow roller equipped boats seemed to have danforths. you should always have at least 2 anchors rigged to go, anyways.
 
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Jack

Does the Bruce Fit in the rollers

Bob, Did you have any trouble fitting the Bruce #33 in the roller. Or do you keep it in the anchor well? Do you have a windlass as well? Thanks Jack
 
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Ivan Bekey

Danforth on the bow roller?

I have been toying with getting a big Danforth or a Fortress because I have had my 35# Delta drag too often in mud, which seems to be my destiny no matter where I go. Does anyone know whether a Danforth or Fortress fits in the bow roller without marking up the bow? How so--sideways? Thanks Ivan Bekey H356 #157 "Victoria"
 
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Marc P

Dragging 35# Delta

Ivan, I upgraded from the 22 # Delta to the 35# Delta on our 356 and have yet to have a problem with dragging. I don't do anything special and have about 20 feet of chain. Scope is sometimes as little as 3 to 1 but normally 5 to 1. Thought you would want to know before you go the expense of upgrading again.
 
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Mark Millham

delta dragging

The only time my Delta drags is when on very short scope(3-1 or less), which isn't very often. My dealer only gave me 10 feet of chain and 150' of rode when I bought the boat. I promptly changed to 30' of chain and 300' of rode. I beleive the chain has made the most difference. If you are a daysailor or "gunkholer", I'd get a longer chain and swap it out on your current rode. Then have a danforth on standby in the locker:)
 
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Bob Keller

Bruce on roller

I sure hope so, I'll find out tomorrow when I get back to the boat. Just got the anchor and the boat does not go in until the week of the 26th, if they are on schedule. I'll let you know how it goes. And yes I have a windlass. It is also my plan to keep the danforth ready to go in the locker.
 
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John Burns

Danforth

I have a very large Danforth on my 356. Had it for years on other boats, not sure of the size. Fits fine. I am looking to sell the little stock Delta that came with the boat and I will replace it with a larger one as a spare However, what Hunter needs to do to all of their models is to install a real bow roller system that can handle two anchors. I will modify mine this year and send in a picture
 
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Mike

33# Bruce

Previous owner said he got this size Bruce because of the anchoring out they did in Puget Sound and the anchor that came with the boat (not sure what it was) wasn't up to PS conditions. Said the 33# Bruce was a big improvement and was happy with it. We have the boat on a lake and a sack of empty beer cans would probably suffice. Mike s/v Charisma 82 H36
 
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Bob Bass

Go With a Delta

We have been cruising for five years on our Hunter. Would recommend a Delta, and go with a larger size (35 lb or so). Also, get enough chain so that you can have a 5:1 scope of all chain if you are going to anchor very much. You and your mate will get a lot more sleep that way. I have 150' chain with 150' rode.
 
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