Let's Talk Grounding Tackle

Tom J

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Sep 30, 2008
2,325
Catalina 310 Quincy, MA
Yeah, that's what we figured. We currently hand pull the last 30 feet right now because of the chain so I don't think it will be too difficult. I do wish they still made the kits to add the chain gypsy onto my windlass.
I called Maxwell a few years ago about the gypsy, and they had one conversion kit left for the 500. They wanted $900 for it :eek: I figured it would be cheaper to just by a new windlass some day.
 
Mar 6, 2008
333
Catalina 310 Scott Creek, VA
I just take one turn with the nylon anchor rode around the drum, and can pull my chain/rope splice (which currently has a thimble) right though. One turn provides enough grip to haul up 35' chain and a 33# rocna. A few scratches on the drum, but the drum should outlive the motor (or me).
 
Sep 29, 2008
1,944
Catalina 310 #185 Quantico
Manson is a breaker right?

Darn, all this time I thought it was an electrical topic! :dance:
Actually all fun with Stew aside, :+1::+1::+1: on the post. I especially liked the statement "it appeared that the correct size Manson Supreme would be the 15 to 25 pound anchor. So we bought the 35 pound version."

I have the 25 Manson and like it, but here on the Potomac River we have nice mud and a couple of times I have pulled up a bucket of mud in it. So any more I just let it do it's thing and not try and bury it and it seems to work. I have sampson braided on it as the triple strand gets stiff and is very hang to store in the locker. I hang a good sized danforth in the locker as well with its own chain and rode.

My previous anchor was a danforth that dragged a couple of times, but the last time I used it, it set so hard I bent the shank pulling it out of the mud.
 
Aug 24, 2009
444
Catalina 310 Sturgeon Bay, WI
Comments on the Delta Fast Set that seemed to come standard from my dealer?
 

Tom J

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Sep 30, 2008
2,325
Catalina 310 Quincy, MA
Comments on the Delta Fast Set that seemed to come standard from my dealer?
We have a Delta that we use as the primary anchor. It seems to set well in most conditions, and has even reset itself at times. It has held in 55 knot winds with a good bottom. For extreme conditions, such as a very soft, silty bottom, we use a Fortress, since the flukes can be adjusted for a soft, muddy bottom.
 
Oct 3, 2011
835
Anam Cara Catalina 310 Hull #155 155 Lake Erie/Catawba Island
I enjoy this topic, When we went to the Chicago Boat Show I asked the Pardeys, Nigel Calder and John Rousmaniere what anchor they prefered, all said either Rocna or Manson. My wife (who got new foul weather gear for Xmas) wants a fortress We currently have an oversized Danforth and sail the Great Lakes currently- Thoughts?
 

Tom J

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Sep 30, 2008
2,325
Catalina 310 Quincy, MA
I enjoy this topic, When we went to the Chicago Boat Show I asked the Pardeys, Nigel Calder and John Rousmaniere what anchor they prefered, all said either Rocna or Manson. My wife (who got new foul weather gear for Xmas) wants a fortress We currently have an oversized Danforth and sail the Great Lakes currently- Thoughts?
Get the Manson and the Fortress. That should give you the minimum number of anchors you would need :D, IMHO.
 
Feb 26, 2004
23,084
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
I enjoy this topic, When we went to the Chicago Boat Show I asked the Pardeys, Nigel Calder and John Rousmaniere what anchor they prefered, all said either Rocna or Manson. My wife (who got new foul weather gear for Xmas) wants a fortress We currently have an oversized Danforth and sail the Great Lakes currently- Thoughts?
Alan, wasn't your wife with you when you spoke to those folks at the show? They would have been able to explain a very simple fact of life:

A Fortress or Danforth type is very good at ONE DIRECTIONAL pull and don't take too well for changing direction (i.e., wind shifts, current changes)

The new gen anchors are superb at dealing with wind and current changes and either reset fine or don't pull out.

It's really that simple.

If she still wants a danforth for a primary anchor, ask her: "Gee, honey, what's our entire boat worth to you?"
 
Oct 3, 2011
835
Anam Cara Catalina 310 Hull #155 155 Lake Erie/Catawba Island
Thanks Guys I appreciate the education, actually she went to other seminars than I did, Maximize time, but I agree that its what the boat is worth also piece of mind while at anchor-the ability to get a restful sleep other than waking every 15 minutes to check position or check anchor drag alarm. She likes the Fortress because it is light... even though we anchored out with a fortress when we went to sailing school on a Catalina 36 and during the night we had a BIG storm and it was like out of the movies on an anchor drill.The anchor broke free and did not reset, I did not leave the keys in the ignition and the battery's were low when I finally found the right key and was able to switch to BOTH to get it started, with wife in her nighty on the foredeck hauling up anchor as I was motoring forward @ 4 AM, we got back to the dock safely but very wet,cold and learned ALOT of valuable lessons! Ok stop laughing now! its all true...
Yes and we passed the course!
 
Feb 26, 2004
23,084
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
Why do people have their wives on the foredeck? Ever? Can't they drive the boats?
 
Oct 17, 2011
221
Catalina 310 USA
I just take one turn with the nylon anchor rode around the drum, and can pull my chain/rope splice (which currently has a thimble) right though. One turn provides enough grip to haul up 35' chain and a 33# rocna. A few scratches on the drum, but the drum should outlive the motor (or me).
This works for me as well.
 

Tom J

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Sep 30, 2008
2,325
Catalina 310 Quincy, MA
Why do people have their wives on the foredeck? Ever? Can't they drive the boats?
My wife prefers to man the foredeck when we are anchoring, while I study the depth finder and chart plotter to find a good spot. At my signal, she lets the anchor go, I tell her the depth, and she snubs the rode up at the desired scope (the chain is marked for depth). However, when we hoist the anchor, we switch positions. She drives and I use hand signals to power up or not, or turn left or right. We usually are using all-chain rode, so it makes sense for me to do the hauling.
 
Oct 3, 2011
835
Anam Cara Catalina 310 Hull #155 155 Lake Erie/Catawba Island
We do what Tom does.. Wife just ran in the storm to the bow and started taking care of Business! I am sold on the Manson Supreme and Defender is $50.00 cheaper than WM.!
I told wife, we anchor out 5 times overnight and save $40/per we have almost paid for the anchor!
 
Oct 3, 2011
835
Anam Cara Catalina 310 Hull #155 155 Lake Erie/Catawba Island
With all the discussion, I also did further research and for our anniversary I have bought my wife what every woman wants and that is the Manson Supreme Anchor from Defender. We look forward to using it this summer and being able to REALLY sleep at night! While a friend out of the same Marina with a CC 34' boat bought a mantus anchor for his boat. Interesting..
 
Nov 18, 2010
2,441
Catalina 310 Hingham, MA
With all the discussion, I also did further research and for our anniversary I have bought my wife what every woman wants and that is the Manson Supreme Anchor from Defender. We look forward to using it this summer and being able to REALLY sleep at night! While a friend out of the same Marina with a CC 34' boat bought a mantus anchor for his boat. Interesting..
To be honest, I would be fine with the Manson, a good rocna, the mantis or the spade. Any of those new gen would be fine for me.
 
Sep 25, 2008
544
Bristol 43.3 Perth Amboy
If anyone wants to get rid of their useless CQRs please let me know. I've anchored with one for 40 years and have never dragged. Not once. 45 lb anchor, some chain, lots of line. Back down and dig it in hard. Lots of use. Not saying there can't be a better mouse trap but maybe it is in the skill of the user. Other anchors might set easier.
 
Oct 3, 2011
835
Anam Cara Catalina 310 Hull #155 155 Lake Erie/Catawba Island
So, Now that we have the New Manson hung onto the chain and on the Bow roller, (Boat is still on the cradle), I have bought a swivel but am not sure if we will need it. How will I know? I have dropped the anchor to the ground and pulled it up, it seemed to work fine w/o it.... Anyone else use a swivel?
 
Oct 3, 2011
835
Anam Cara Catalina 310 Hull #155 155 Lake Erie/Catawba Island
Thanks Stu! I appreciate the information...I will send it back.. I can do so within 30 days..
If I anchor out for the few times this season and check it out..need one I know where to go. Thanks