Danforth vs Rocna - About lost the boat last weekend

[jpeac2]

All -

Happy Summer Sailing!

We sailed from Chicago to SW Michigan last weekend and anchored off for about 5 nights. Last night of the weekend we had a wild storm rip through that luckily we emerged from without any major issues. We did however have this happen:

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I have started to research new anchors and there is an astonishing amount of info, threads, and reviews. We sail 100% on Lake Michigan and typically anchor out 10-15 nights a year. We do drop anchor for the day maybe another 15 times a year. We have 50' of chain and about 100' of line after.

The way I see it I have three options:

1. Try to get the manufacturer to do something. Has anyone ever had success with this?

2. Buy a Danforth again

3. Buy a Rocna (or similar type) - seems to be the crowd favorites on the cruising forums

Any thoughts?

 

[Jackdaw]

First question: Is it a real Danforth? There are tons of cheap clones out there.

If you like the danforth style, get a Fortress. Much better.

Ask around to see what local hard-core cruisers use. Don't ask the opinion of anyone with a shiny anchor; they never use it. The 'best' anchor is the the one that holds best in local conditions/bottoms. For us up in the Apostles, it's the Lewmar Delta plow.

 

[Scott B]

1. Not likely get anywhere

2. No

3. Yes. If you search the forums there's lots of discussions and opinions on what is the best. Rocna & Manson come up more often as the favorite. When we bought our Rocna 7 years ago, we were the only one on the dock. Now I see more and more pop up on bows. We've been hit with a few pop-up t-storms and have survived every one ( 52 knots is our record ). You can never predict when you'll be hit, but it's always best to be prepared. We anchor in Georgian Bay, mud, weeds, sand & rock.


BTW, you shold use a seizing wire on your shackle pin to prevent the pin coming loose and losing the anchor, especially bad when anchored.

 

[Kings Gambit]

At least the anchor proved that it is not easily pulled out. I'd rather end up with a bent shank on an anchor that held during a storm than an unbent shank on one that did not. I'd buy another one; but, not to say there aren't perhaps better alternatives for certain conditions.

 

[jpeac2]

Thanks for the replies all.

Another interesting note was it came up with about 3" of clay caked on top of it. Never seen clay on an anchor in this neck of the woods.

 

[Kings Gambit]

The clay may explain why it did not rotate fully to relieve side-loading. I wonder if the other types lacking a swivel at the crown, as for example the swivel on a CQR, would rotate in clay w/o bending the shank or pulling out.

 

[Gunni]

Buy an improved danforth, a Fortress, AND a Rocna/MansonSupreme/Mantus. The fortress is a stronger aluminum alloy construction that breaks down in to a bag, very convenient as your second anchor. The spade type anchors with roll-bars reset better when they pull out. Your ground tackle is an investment in the protection of your life, and your property. Don't cheap out.

Just this weekend we went hard aground on an ebbing tide. The Manson weights 66lbs, runs on 3/8" chain (1-1/2lb/foot), and is on the wrong end of the boat (the stuck end). Out comes the Fortress, assembled and rowed out on 100' feet of rope rode astern. The rode routes to the primary winch (Lewmar54). After 30 minutes of kedging we were back underway, hosing down the muddy anchor, and packing it away. Self-reliant and $1,000 richer. That Fortress has paid for itself 5 times over. I'm eyeing the Mantus as my third (for sale here at the site store). My 35lb CQR is off the boat and for sale, cheap, make me an offer.

 

[Jackdaw]

At least the anchor proved that it is not easily pulled out. I'd rather end up with a bent shank on an anchor that held during a storm than an unbent shank on one that did not. I'd buy another one; but, not to say there aren't perhaps better alternatives for certain conditions.

After seeing the post about the clay bottom, this point is especially relevant. A $100 anchor sacrifices itself to save a $100,000 yacht. Seems like money well spent.

 

[py26129]

After seeing the post about the clay bottom, this point is especially relevant. A $100 anchor sacrifices itself to save a $100,000 yacht. Seems like money well spent.

Especially with the OP mentioning a wild storm and no real problems, I'd say the anchor did it's job. If it were mine I'd mount it on a piece of wood and put it up in a place of honour, in my man cave.

Seriously, check what other cruisers are using and talk to them about their expereinces. For us, (Montreal & Lake Ontario, mostly mud, clay, sand & grass) we have done well with our 35 Lbs imitation bruce and our 35lbs (real) Delta. Otehrs are quite happy with Rocnas etc.

Cheers

Matt

 

[duality]

you also need more rode, being you only have 150' and your bow roller may be 5' off the water, that only leaves you 16.5' to safely anchor in.

where where you when this happens, i too cruise lake michigan.

mike

 

[jpeac2]

you also need more rode, being you only have 150' and your bow roller may be 5' off the water, that only leaves you 16.5' to safely anchor in.

where where you when this happens, i too cruise lake michigan.

mike

We were just off the shore in Sawyer. 11 miles north of New Buffalo.

 

[gleason99]

Bought a Mantus attune boat show last fall, best $260 I have spent, watch their videos. Bites perfectly every time and has yet to drag, have not used my Fortress since