Stainless Steel plow anchor
I found what probably is the anchor you are looking at on EBay, at Bo'sun Supplies, Co. Here is the link:http://www.bosunsupplies.com/products2.cfm?product=S70-PMAIt is cast (I have no clue if you CAN forge stainless steel). The cost new is$1,199.90I find it hard to believe that after insisting on a forged anchor instead of cast, you are going to buy a cast anchor of un-known provenance from a total stranger for about 30% of the new price, with no hope of recourse if it doesn't work as advertised. Any clue why they are selling the anchor? One thing I would be worried about is how much stress this anchor has sustained over its life... correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't steel lose strength when stressed, especially repeatedly? At least with a new anchor, you are getting a warranty, and are pretty sure that it is what it is supposed to be. I also seem to recall from somewhere that stainless steel is not as strong as regular steel.Maybe we need a thread soliciting some expert opinions on stainless vs. regular anchors.... I've never heard of anyone complain of significant corrosion problems with an anchor, at least to warrant paying 2x or 3x the price.I'm not an expert, but all my reading leads me to believe that the most common anchoring failure has to do with an anchor dragging, not breaking. (Go ahead, folks, flame me for daring to present an in-expert opinion!!!)Our trips to the Channel Islands, I always try to dive and inspect my anchor (brrr). Then, while the Commodore enjoys life, I scan the horizon, test the wind, check the weather forecast, let out more rode, contemplate a Bahamian moor, adjust the chafe protection, set a stern anchor, take in some rode, re-set the stern anchor, etc., etc., etc.,.....I have learned NOT to bore the Commodore with my thoughts or concerns regarding anchoring.And she has learned NOT to intefere with my pre-occupation with anchoring.So we're both happy!!!Cheers,Bobs/v X SAIL R 8