I've noticed lots of comments about how good CQR anchors are and I've never been able to figure out why. As a naval designer they seem like a Rube Goldberg contraption. They're heavy, the shank is too long and the hinge makes no sense. Simpson Lawrence claims the hinge helps the anchor reset better but they also make the Delta and it has the same plowshare geometry with a short shank and no hinge. Does Simpson Lawrence claim that the Delta is inferior to the CQR? This I do know, Simpson Lawrence had the plowshare anchor market until the Bruce anchor was introduced. When Bruce anchors began to gain popularity Simpson Lawrence came out with the Delta. As I said, the Delta has the same plowshare as a CQR but a short shank and no hinge like a Bruce. They said the Delta design set faster and held better than a Bruce. But, now that the Bruce patent has expired Simpson Lawernce is making the Claw which is exactly like a Bruce. If the CQR is so good why does Simpson Lawrence sell the Delta and Claw too? Tim King
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David
? CQR
Tim, I agree. I have used both, plus other types of anchors and the Claw ( Bruce knockoff ) to me provides the best all round security. When the boat shifts due to wind or current changes the Claw just rolls over and digs in on the other side. On most bottoms it is equal to or superior to other types. My worst experiences have been with the Danforth style which are basically good for only one bottom condition.
Tim, I agree. I have used both, plus other types of anchors and the Claw ( Bruce knockoff ) to me provides the best all round security. When the boat shifts due to wind or current changes the Claw just rolls over and digs in on the other side. On most bottoms it is equal to or superior to other types. My worst experiences have been with the Danforth style which are basically good for only one bottom condition.
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Dave
Experience rules
Tim, In My Humble Opinion the only drawback to the CQR based on my experience is it is incredibly expensive. I have anchored for weeks at a time in mud, sand, and eel grass with both Danforths and CQR's for at least 17 years. The danforth usually held ok but I dragged a couple of times mostly due to a bad set in eel grass, I have never had the CQR drag even once. Knock on wood. Since the CQR came with the boat I have no incentive to change it. If I had to buy a new anchor I would probably be too cheap to spend that much and would buy a lower cost option. Simpson Lawrence is smart in that they realize there is a market for a variety of anchors and they are putting a competitive product in each category. If they only had a CQR option they would lose the low price market to the competition. This makes good business sense. It is not a reflection on their preference for one product over another. That is an emotional discussion and I'm sure these are unemotional shrewd business men out to make maximum dollars and they probably don't even own boats!! Dave
Tim, In My Humble Opinion the only drawback to the CQR based on my experience is it is incredibly expensive. I have anchored for weeks at a time in mud, sand, and eel grass with both Danforths and CQR's for at least 17 years. The danforth usually held ok but I dragged a couple of times mostly due to a bad set in eel grass, I have never had the CQR drag even once. Knock on wood. Since the CQR came with the boat I have no incentive to change it. If I had to buy a new anchor I would probably be too cheap to spend that much and would buy a lower cost option. Simpson Lawrence is smart in that they realize there is a market for a variety of anchors and they are putting a competitive product in each category. If they only had a CQR option they would lose the low price market to the competition. This makes good business sense. It is not a reflection on their preference for one product over another. That is an emotional discussion and I'm sure these are unemotional shrewd business men out to make maximum dollars and they probably don't even own boats!! Dave
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Tom
Why CQR? Tradition, good experiences, etc
The CQR has been around for quite a while with a pretty good reputation.....WHen people ask long time sailors what kind of anchor they use...alot of poeple will say they have had good experience with the CQR.....So have I!....In my old boat with a CQR I've held in some heavy winds when people around me were dragging.....plus I've been on the Hudson river for a couple of days with 3-6 knot currents with change in direction every 6hours 20 minutes and it had no problem. Why the Delta....well a lot of reasons...one is that it works very well on an electric windless and pivoting roller that you will find on alot of boats (especially motor boats). I the the Delta is a very good anchor....probably a little bit better than a CQR.....But traditions die hard..... For more info on anchors and anchoring check the website I posted below.It definitely has alot of good information and might change peoples minds on anchors....I now have the highly rated SPADE (only time will tell if its better than the "traditional" anchors) ps...I agree with the comment on the Danforths....when they set ands you keep the direction of pull the same they are the best. But when they "pop" out you are SOL.
The CQR has been around for quite a while with a pretty good reputation.....WHen people ask long time sailors what kind of anchor they use...alot of poeple will say they have had good experience with the CQR.....So have I!....In my old boat with a CQR I've held in some heavy winds when people around me were dragging.....plus I've been on the Hudson river for a couple of days with 3-6 knot currents with change in direction every 6hours 20 minutes and it had no problem. Why the Delta....well a lot of reasons...one is that it works very well on an electric windless and pivoting roller that you will find on alot of boats (especially motor boats). I the the Delta is a very good anchor....probably a little bit better than a CQR.....But traditions die hard..... For more info on anchors and anchoring check the website I posted below.It definitely has alot of good information and might change peoples minds on anchors....I now have the highly rated SPADE (only time will tell if its better than the "traditional" anchors) ps...I agree with the comment on the Danforths....when they set ands you keep the direction of pull the same they are the best. But when they "pop" out you are SOL.
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Gary Wyngarden
CQR
When I bought my boat it came with a Danforth which I wasn't happy with. Before buying a new anchor, I researched the test data in Practical Sailor magazine. They did at least three articles over a couple of years in which they shared their test data on a whole bunch of anchors in terms of their setting and resetting ability and holding power in mud and sand. I mostly anchor in mud. CQR came out on top in holding power in mud and did very well in sand and in setting ability. So even though its expensive and heavy, I've gone with it and sleep better on the hook as a consequence. Gary Wyngarden S/V Shibumi H335
When I bought my boat it came with a Danforth which I wasn't happy with. Before buying a new anchor, I researched the test data in Practical Sailor magazine. They did at least three articles over a couple of years in which they shared their test data on a whole bunch of anchors in terms of their setting and resetting ability and holding power in mud and sand. I mostly anchor in mud. CQR came out on top in holding power in mud and did very well in sand and in setting ability. So even though its expensive and heavy, I've gone with it and sleep better on the hook as a consequence. Gary Wyngarden S/V Shibumi H335
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LaDonna Bubak - CatalinaOwners
They can take punishment
When my folks & I sailed down the west coast to Mexico, we put that anchor to the test. Dad decided to go bigger rather than buy the 25 lb CQR that the builders recommended. They all laughed at him for buying a 35 lber but he slept better. One night we anchored in this semi protected cove on the Pacific side of Baja. According to the forecast, we would be protected. Later the weather turned to the only direction we weren't protected from. Long frightening story short, that anchor held all night and when he finally pulled it up, the shaft was not only bent but twisted as well. We took pix & sent them to CQR thanking them for probably saving our boat, if not our lives. And the guys at the boatyard stopped laughing! LaDonna
When my folks & I sailed down the west coast to Mexico, we put that anchor to the test. Dad decided to go bigger rather than buy the 25 lb CQR that the builders recommended. They all laughed at him for buying a 35 lber but he slept better. One night we anchored in this semi protected cove on the Pacific side of Baja. According to the forecast, we would be protected. Later the weather turned to the only direction we weren't protected from. Long frightening story short, that anchor held all night and when he finally pulled it up, the shaft was not only bent but twisted as well. We took pix & sent them to CQR thanking them for probably saving our boat, if not our lives. And the guys at the boatyard stopped laughing! LaDonna
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Debra Blatnik
Simpson Lawrence makes a rip-off CQR
The original came from Europe -- you can still get the real thing from Sailnet, though it isn't listed on their web site. It is even more expensive than the Simpson Lawrence version, but is supposed to made better. (the table that says what weight anchor is needed for what length boat is a bit different) The hinge makes it sit on the bow roller pretty nicely. Different anchors are for different conditions. CQR, Delta, and Plow are not good for soft mud bottoms. Bruce or Claw are. Danforth are good for sand. One size does not fit all conditions. As someone else said, mine came with the boat, so I won't change it out. I will add a bruce or claw before I leave my local crusing grounds -- where I know the CQR holds fine.
The original came from Europe -- you can still get the real thing from Sailnet, though it isn't listed on their web site. It is even more expensive than the Simpson Lawrence version, but is supposed to made better. (the table that says what weight anchor is needed for what length boat is a bit different) The hinge makes it sit on the bow roller pretty nicely. Different anchors are for different conditions. CQR, Delta, and Plow are not good for soft mud bottoms. Bruce or Claw are. Danforth are good for sand. One size does not fit all conditions. As someone else said, mine came with the boat, so I won't change it out. I will add a bruce or claw before I leave my local crusing grounds -- where I know the CQR holds fine.
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