Anyone used them? Do they set good? I was thinking about getting one since they are so much lighter.
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Depends on the bottom!
Jim: As with any anchor, it depends on the bottom more than the anchor. I can assure you that any type of Danforth (which I would consider a Fortress a Danforth type) will not do a good job in a weed or grass bottom. If you are in sand/mud these anchors will hold better than any other anchor on the market. Check out the Practical Sailor reviews on the ability of a Fortress to hold. I have had good luck with a Delta. A lot of owners like the Bruce (too heavy for my taste), but they do a good job in their environment too. Just remember, no anchor does everything well.
Jim: As with any anchor, it depends on the bottom more than the anchor. I can assure you that any type of Danforth (which I would consider a Fortress a Danforth type) will not do a good job in a weed or grass bottom. If you are in sand/mud these anchors will hold better than any other anchor on the market. Check out the Practical Sailor reviews on the ability of a Fortress to hold. I have had good luck with a Delta. A lot of owners like the Bruce (too heavy for my taste), but they do a good job in their environment too. Just remember, no anchor does everything well.
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Bradley Cavedo
A pine board
A pine board tied to a rope would be a better anchor. Fortress is a complete waste of money. I have used Danforth, Fortress and Bruce on the Chesapeake and the Bruce is by far the best anchor.
A pine board tied to a rope would be a better anchor. Fortress is a complete waste of money. I have used Danforth, Fortress and Bruce on the Chesapeake and the Bruce is by far the best anchor.
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Rick Webb
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colin
Bruce evry time!!!
No other anchor sets as well as a Bruce. I wouldn't go near a plough as I had them lie on their side on hard sand repeatedly, had to swim down and set it myself by hand then pull it in tight with the motor. Danforths do not grab the bottom as well as a Bruce and the Bruce is by far the best if the wind shift direction they will pull back in from any angle. Yes, Bruce's are a little heavier but but weight is better than waiting.... for a Danforth or a Plough to set properly.
No other anchor sets as well as a Bruce. I wouldn't go near a plough as I had them lie on their side on hard sand repeatedly, had to swim down and set it myself by hand then pull it in tight with the motor. Danforths do not grab the bottom as well as a Bruce and the Bruce is by far the best if the wind shift direction they will pull back in from any angle. Yes, Bruce's are a little heavier but but weight is better than waiting.... for a Danforth or a Plough to set properly.
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David
Colin
second your opinion of the Bruce. Best overall anchor. When the boat changes direction it rolls to a new set. Danforth style drags on many bottoms too easily and Delta style will pull out and not reset.
second your opinion of the Bruce. Best overall anchor. When the boat changes direction it rolls to a new set. Danforth style drags on many bottoms too easily and Delta style will pull out and not reset.
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Peter
depends on the bottom
A Danforth type is the best (for its weight) in sand or mud. I have never had a problem, nor do I expect to experience one in that sort or bottom. If you sharpen the flukes a bit it'll grab a little better in weed...but for weed and rock bottoms, a bruce is apparently the way to go. Now, a bruce also holds well in mud/sand, but you do need a heavier anchor to be as effective. If you anchor in a variety of bottoms then consider a bruce, it's much more flexible. But I still like the danforth in mud/sand.
A Danforth type is the best (for its weight) in sand or mud. I have never had a problem, nor do I expect to experience one in that sort or bottom. If you sharpen the flukes a bit it'll grab a little better in weed...but for weed and rock bottoms, a bruce is apparently the way to go. Now, a bruce also holds well in mud/sand, but you do need a heavier anchor to be as effective. If you anchor in a variety of bottoms then consider a bruce, it's much more flexible. But I still like the danforth in mud/sand.
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Rodd C.
The Ideal Anchor....
Would be an all aluminum Bruce style anchor. Why can't someone make one? you could use the same aluminm as the Fortress and then you would have the best of all worlds. Just a thought.. Oh yeah I have a Fortress a CQR and a Bruce! Guess which one I use? It's the Bruce!!!!! Sets every time and resets with tide changes. -Rodd C.
Would be an all aluminum Bruce style anchor. Why can't someone make one? you could use the same aluminm as the Fortress and then you would have the best of all worlds. Just a thought.. Oh yeah I have a Fortress a CQR and a Bruce! Guess which one I use? It's the Bruce!!!!! Sets every time and resets with tide changes. -Rodd C.
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Peter
ideal anchor
Rodd, I think you're right. That would be an awesome anchor....an aluminum bruce. I'd buy that and keep my danforth as the spare.
Rodd, I think you're right. That would be an awesome anchor....an aluminum bruce. I'd buy that and keep my danforth as the spare.
If an alum. bruce would be ideal they would....
have built it. The bruce is a fine anchor. It needs mass to function. A quality danforth (not a cheap imitation) will hold as good if not better in mud and sand. They do not work in grass and weeds. I have friends that thought that their anchor would never drag (Bruce knock off). The had a very bad experience in an anchorage. Draging anchor at 2AM is not fun even in only 15 ft of water. You can argue this point for ever but every anchor has it strong and points weak points and every anchor does NOT do everything well NO MATTER WHAT THEY TELL YOU. You need an anchor for the bottom environment.
have built it. The bruce is a fine anchor. It needs mass to function. A quality danforth (not a cheap imitation) will hold as good if not better in mud and sand. They do not work in grass and weeds. I have friends that thought that their anchor would never drag (Bruce knock off). The had a very bad experience in an anchorage. Draging anchor at 2AM is not fun even in only 15 ft of water. You can argue this point for ever but every anchor has it strong and points weak points and every anchor does NOT do everything well NO MATTER WHAT THEY TELL YOU. You need an anchor for the bottom environment.
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Rob
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David
Rodd
I agree, the Delta, CQR, and Danforth style just can't be depended on for holding a set in all situations. I have had a Bruce knockoff for five years and do a lot of overnights on the hook, no problems so far.
I agree, the Delta, CQR, and Danforth style just can't be depended on for holding a set in all situations. I have had a Bruce knockoff for five years and do a lot of overnights on the hook, no problems so far.
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Rob
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