Mahalo
Holding Power
- Thread starter LeslieTroyer
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Mahalo
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 22,753
Mantus every time, in my experience. We changed form a Bruce to the Mantus last season and the difference has been remarkable
Either one,, but I'd use more chain on the Bruce. I've done nearly 12,000 cruising miles, and used a 22 pound Bruce clone on my 25 footer the entire time, no problems, even in some 65 MPH winds . I carry 75 feet of chain.
If you believe the published static anchor-holding tests, plus the field-use testimonials from folks on this forum, the hands-down consensus choice for holding power would be for the Mantus.
3) A nice single malt or fine rum followed checking on the anchor snubber for the all chain rode attached to the mantus.
I think the last time I had a Single Malt on the boat, we killed a bottle of 21yr old Costco single malt. Of course there were 5 others helping!!! We were docked at Roche Harbor
actually there is 250' of 5/8 8-plait backing up the chain -- and a Mantus bridal + chain hook for when it is all chain. 60' of water at 6:1
Just curious... but did your Bruce fail often? Or did it just seem like the Mantus was more dug-in when your retrieved it?
My previous experience was with a CQR but the quick resets is a company quote, so i am not disparaging the Bruce but would never return to an old style anchor.
The anchor draggings I've witnessed appear to have been the result of improperly-set anchors, and/or the use of undersized ones. I've spent many nights on the hook in both FL and CA. My wildest ride was during a thunderstorm at De Soto Point in FL. The rain was so hard that I could not see the bow of my 30-ft Pearson from behind the cockpit spray dodger. I looked astern to see many boats anchored between me and the beach as I swung wildly (just as they did) on my genuine Danforth, praying 
that it held through the "ordeal"--which it did. But, it was not a 60-knot storm.
that it held through the "ordeal"--which it did. But, it was not a 60-knot storm.
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I grew up on all chain for our 56' schooner. Never known to drag with a plow from the mid 70s. Couldn't tell you what size, but my father kept the hurricane anchor behind the ladder next to my bunk, it was as big as a 14 year old boy and 5 times as heavy, I think. Never used.
- Will (Dragonfly)
- Will (Dragonfly)
I'll second that. Even the best, whatever that may be, anchor will drag if not set properly or is the wrong type anchor for the holding ground. I've watched people just drop all the holding gear off the bow and then go back to the cockpit or worse, just get off the boat and wonder why their boat is dragging. Educating people on the finesses of anchoring properly is key. Myself, I have a 25# Plastimo plow with 35 ft of 3/8 C4 chain with 5/8 rode behind it. When properly set, I have rode out 50+ knots without a problem. Of course, if I was sitting over a rocky bottom, might be a different story.
Leslie; unless you have a good spot to stow that Bruce I would unshackle it, sell it and get a second anchor you can pack away for that gawd awful day you lose your main anchor and need a plan B. In the mean time you have a kedge option. I like the alloy Fortress/Guardian anchors.
As with any tool, practice using it.
As with any tool, practice using it.