Static Tests versus Field Use: True Holding Power of Anchor Types?

[Kings Gambit]

Let's see a show of hands of those that have changed to a new generation anchor and wish they had there old bruce or cqr back.

Probably none, but I wonder the basis of comparison. Most of us rarely, if ever, I would guess, swing on the hook anywhere near its ultimate holding power. You folks in the T-storm regions do face the possibility much more so than we here in California where T-storms along the coast or over those waters are very rare. However, I was hit (dead-on hit) only once at anchor in my 11 years cruising SW Florida while riding on a Danforth in my Pearson 30. The rain so thick in my face I could not see forward, but I could look astern to see all those boats leeward of me swinging all over the place! They were between me and the beach, and I wondered how many I might take out on my way there if the ol' Danforth pulled out. Of course it did not; but if I purchased a new gen anchor and never had the same experience--how would I know whether or not I longed for the trusty Danforth? I suppose ease of setting--but we set well probably 95% or more of the time on the first try. The times we do not are usually at the same locales--e.g., two or three tries in the west anchorage of Dana Point is typical, whereas at La Playa in San Diego Bay--a set on the first try every time is normal.

We've done fairly well in avoiding extreme conditions in the 28 yr of coastal sailing, which is my first idea. The second is to seek shelter or refuge as I reported earlier (below). Static tests do not assume seas; good shelter helps avoid seas and might even mitigate the wind power the boat experiences if you're up close to a cliff, under its lee. I suppose the final and ultimate one is to always have well maintained, more-than-adequate gear properly deployed--which is what we're discussing here--in case you're caught and there is no good shelter, and it may be too dangerous or risky to put to sea.

http://forums.sailboatowners.com/index.php?threads/santa-cruz-island-report.180535/

 

[Gunni]

KG; Yes, I remember your deliberation about changing windlasses. Good luck with getting that sorted. In my brief experience the Channel Islands represent significant potential for weather with exposed conditions and few last minite alternatives warranting Best Practice ground tackle. Our ground tackle system always assumes extreme conditions, because of weather and our boat.

 

[pateco]

My boat came with a SuperMax Anchor SuperMax Anchors No one ever has them in their anchor comparisons. Does anyone here have experience with this anchor. I am located in S Florida and will most likely do the majority of my anchoring in sand, muck, or sea grass.

 

[Kings Gambit]

Anchored for six nights at Little Scorpion, the anchor has barnacle growth on it (tiny little newbies), so can clearly see how much of it was embedded/buried (no barnacles there). The entire plow portion up to the crown and swivel connection of the shank. So, not acting like Stu's chain with a rock at the end, or whatever.

See for yourself.

 

[capta]

In a good sandy bottom, my genuine CQR would dig itself down until it was completely invisible. The chain would just go into the sand. If only every anchorage was a good sandy bottom! What the 'new gen' anchors do best IMO, is they work better in a larger variety of bottoms.