Manson Supreme - 1st test

[John]

I just got my new anchor - a Manson Supreme 35lb. for my Catalina 36 and took it out for a test yesterday. I set it at a little under 5:1 scope and backed down at, ultimately, about 1600 rpm's. The anchor held totally and, as you can see from the photo, it apparently buried itself in the mud all the way up to its roll bar (I guess that's what you'd call it) and buried the shank too. This was despite the fact that as I discovered when I hauled it up it had evidently caught a large piece of some sort of cloth on its tip. So, so far I'm pretty happy with it. (And, no, I don't own stock in Manson.)

We also saw an amazing sight when we were leaving (just by Angel Island in the bay). From a distance, we could see a seal that kept breaking the water surface as dolphins do. As we got closer, we saw that it had ahold of a small shark (maybe about four feet) and was diving half way out of the water and then slamming the shark on the surface of the water, I guess trying to pound it to death. Quite a sight; too bad I didn't have a camera.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

2nd test upcoming?

John
If you have occasion to test it on a grassy bottom, please post that result as I have been thinking of buying one but am interested in it's effectiveness in other than mud bottoms, esp compared with my existing CQR.

 

[Phil Herring]

reply

nm

 

[Shippy]

Grassy Bottom

Don, I purchased the 45# this year for my h356. I did anchor once so far where I knew it to be grassy. We got a small t-storm that evening with winds around 20 knots. No problem setting the anchor (1st try) and no problem holding. I too will find mud and sometimes stones all the way up omn the shank like john shows....imho great anchor

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

good info Shippy

thanks

 

[Stu Jackson]

Nice job, John

Where did you anchor? I used our new Rocna on the Napa River. One really good test will be China Camp with the changing of the currents. 35# anchor I see, we got a 22# but don't expect to use it anything over the 42 knots of breeze our anchor system is designed for: 1/4 chain 30 feet, 1/2 inch rode. What chain and rode do you have installed?

PS - Looks like we can get together re that electrical stuff next week if you're up for it. This week got away from me already!

 

[John]

re: Manson vs. Rocna

I read that review by Rocna about the Manson anchor and some of their criticisms sounded pretty reasonable. Of course, I also take it with a grain of salt since it's coming from a competitor. Even so, I would have gone for the Rocna except for the huge price difference - about double the price for an equivalent Rocna. If the price had been in the ballpark, I'd have seriously considered the Rocna, even if I'd had to spend somewhat more. However, I figured that if the Manson held, then I'd be satisfied, and if not then I could return it to Waste Marine.

As far as the mention of China Camp and shifting tides: I forgot to mention that I backed down from different angles so that the pull was in different directions, and as I said, so far, so good. This time, I anchored off one of the beaches off of Angel Island. I'd like to find some place where there is grass for a second experiment - maybe up in the Delta?

I'd also like to try hard sand and a rocky bottom. Maybe I'll have to take a more long distance voyage (Mexico?) for that. Oh, well, I'll just have to make that sacrifice.

Stu: Anytime you are going to be free, please call me. I'd love to have a chance to pick your brains.

 

[Craig Smith]

If the original designer's not to be trusted

here are some recent comparisons of the Manson Supreme anchor copy vs the genuine Rocna from independent folk:

A look at construction:
http://jfaughn.com/crew_boat_projects/projects/anchor/anchor.htm

Usage of both in identical conditions in the Bahamas (hard sand / grass):
http://www.klutch-kargo.com/Projects.htm (down the bottom)

Not usage but one boater's decision process:
http://blog.dankim.com/2008/07/02/ground-tackle/

 

[Rick I]

Been using the Manson Supreme

for three years. Anchoring out every day for six months each year while cruising US East coast and Bahamas. Best anchor ever. I have the 45 pounder. Rocna blows a lot of smoke. Manson has been manufacturing anchors for years.

 

[EvenKeel]

Can't help myself

I almost hate to wade into this fray--- a regular theme on this board.

I've been testing a new 35 lb Manson Supreme on my Catalina 350 for the past several months. Varying scope, bottom conditions (unfortunately not grass yet), etc etc. It has not failed to set immediately and hold under conditions where I used to drag a Delta all over the place. I have to say that I'm also glad that I installed a washdown pump as the anchor always brings up a mess with it.

I don't have much doubt that the Rocna is a good anchor. Construction techniques may make it more bomb-proof than the Manson. If I were going to do a circumnavigation in a Valiant, I might bight the bullet and pay the premium for a Rocna. But I own a Catalina. I'd love to wander far and wide, but I'll be lucky if I ever made it out of the Chesapeake Bay.

You always hear it said that "You can't be too careful." I don't agree. I would be safer in a Mercedes S500, but I opted for a Toyota, and no, I don't wear a full racing harness and helmet when I drive it. Nor do I keep a SOLAS approved life raft strapped to my deck when I cruise to St. Michael's.

OK, the Manson may not be the best anchor in the world and it may be a knock-off of the Rocna. I think the Rocna folks need to get over it and start selling the product on it's merits rather than bashing the competition. Or maybe I'm just tired of the presidential campaign.

Gary
Even Keel II

 

[newly anonymous]

huh?

WM price of a 66# Lewmar Claw Anchor = $189.99
WM price of a 55# Rocna Anchor = $815.00

 

[jviss]

huh? - not fair comparison

Check this at West Marine

15 kg. Rocna: $508.00
35 lb. Manson: $399.99

That's a 27% premium for the Rocna, not the 329% premuium for the apples to oranges comparison in the previous reply; but only $108 in dollars, so considering the longevity of an anchor, not much if you think the Rocna is better.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Thanks to some very nice Catalina 36 folks

in Fleet 9, we got a very nice discount on our Rocna, so the WM pricing wasn't an issue for us. Maine Sail's anchor analysis from earlier last year was superb, and triggered our decision to get a new design anchor. Here's ours: