When to Change Angle Setting

[Bob Polk]

We relaced the standard Delta Anchor supplied with our Hunter 460 with a Fortress FX-37 since we had problems dragging slowly in the soft mud of the Chesapeake. I set the fluke angle to the soft mud high angle setting. We have been very pleased with the results. Can the anchor be left in that configuration for travelling to the Long Island Sound, New England, down the ICW, Florida and the Bahamas. If not, for which areas should I reduce the fluke angle setting?

 

[Brian Sheehan]

Bob, glad to hear that the FX-37 is performing well for you. If the bottom is soft, very soupy mud, then the 45 degree angle will give you greater holding power.However, in all other bottoms i.e. sand, mud or clay, please re-set the angle to the 32 degree setting. It is my understanding that the bottoms where you will be travelling are a combination of the above, so re-setting the angle when you head out of the Chesapeake area is a good idea.

 

[Brian L.20665]

Chesapeake mud

Brian, so as a generalization with the FXs, you would recommend the high angle mud setting for most of the Chesapeake? And use the "Mud Palms"?Bob, where do you usually cruise to in the Chesapeake where the mud setting is successful--all over? Also, how much chain are you using?We too had a Delta 35# on our H37.5 that did SLOW drags (better than quick ones!) in blows, on the Chesapeake. Thanks!

 

[Brian Sheehan]

Chesapeake mud

Brian, I would try the 32 angle first and see how well it holds. I have exhbited at the US Sailboat Show in Annapolis the past several years, and I have heard from positives from boaters using both angle settings. Another tip for this area: When initially setting the anchor in very soft mud, keep your scope short, i.e. 2 or 3 to 1, and once the anchor set, then let out more scope to the 5 to 1 or greater.Our advice on the mud palms is to install them and leave them on, since we have found that the mud palms will help the anchor set faster in ANY type of bottom.If you don't have them for your Fortress or Guardian anchor, contact us and we will send you a set. They are free.