Recomendation 36'

[Jimbo2010]

The boat weights 12,000, I have a Danforth 13S that works dame good as hook for racing/lunch, but now I want to cruise.

I have buddy that has a Fortress FX-16 he wants only $75.

What do you think, I can add appropriate chain of course and 5/8" line, sailing LI Sound out east to the cape etc.

[speedoo]

Go for it. Not quite enough for your storm anchor, but certainly good as a primary.

Fortress Marine Anchors

If you don't want it, I'll take it. Seriously.

[Capt.Don]

I have a Fortress FX-16 as a stern anchor on our Tartan 3500, similar size, displacement as your boat. I believe there's 35' chain and 200' 5/8" line (i'd have to check). I find the Fortress to be pretty easy to stow in the aft lazarette.
Don

[skipmac]

Fortress is a great anchor. I have one myself but, in my opinion, it does have one shortcoming. The Fortress (or any other Danforth type anchor) does not reset reliably when the boat makes a big shift due to reversing current or wind.

Also a 16 I think is much too small for your boat if you are cruising, anchoring over night in conditions where wind may pick up in the middle of the night. Day anchoring when you are awake and watching is one thing. An anchor to hold your boat while you're asleep is quite another.

[Jimbo2010]

well is it about the same as the danforth 12H? Says 1800lbs holding

(I made an error above its not a 13s)

The fx-16 says 1250 lbs

Which is really better I don't want two if they are about the same.

[roverhi]

The FX16 is a good lunch hook/stern anchor for a boat of your displacement. The next size up would be a better anchor for cruising. I've got both.

A 35# Manson Supreme on all chain rode is my primary anchor, however. Boat is a Pearson 35 which is very close to yours in displacement

[speedoo]

Originally Posted by Jimbo2010

well is it about the same as the danforth 12H? Says 1800lbs holding

(I made an error above its not a 13s)

The fx-16 says 1250 lbs

Which is really better I don't want two if they are about the same.

I'm really serious that I will buy it if you don't want it. I am in the area, so please let me know if you're going to pass on it.

Your buddy can email me at an email address that I will pm to you.

Thanks!

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by roverhi

The FX16 is a good lunch hook/stern anchor for a boat of your displacement. The next size up would be a better anchor for cruising. I've got both.

My opinion exactly. I see the Fortress web site it does indicate the FX16 as suitable for 33-38' boats but I would never go with an anchor that small for a boat that size, not for cruising and over night anchoring

Originally Posted by roverhi

A 35# Manson Supreme on all chain rode is my primary anchor, however. Boat is a Pearson 35 which is very close to yours in displacement

I spent a couple of years cruising the Caribbean on a 32' boat with a 35 lb CQR and a similar Danforth and never felt they were too big.

Also for serious cruising and anchoring in a variety of bottoms and conditions I would recommend carrying two different types of anchors. The Danforth/Fortress style is great in the right conditions but not very good at others.

The Fortress is a very strong anchor but the FX16 is only 10 lbs!!! An anchor that light will have great difficulty penetrating a hard sand or grassy bottom.

[Jimbo2010]

So perhaps since I have the Danforth, I should look for a different type to augment my choice then.

[skipmac]

Well, that would be my personal choice. I would take the Fortress, it's a good deal and a good back up anchor and then buy one of the new generation anchors in 35 lbs. There are lots and lots and lots of discussions about the new anchors but, bottom line, almost all of them are better than the old designs like the CQR plow, Bruce, etc.

Look at the Rocna, Manson Supreme, Spade, and similar brands. If you want more information search using any of the names on this forum. Just make sure you have a lot of time to sit back and read all the results.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by Jimbo2010

So perhaps since I have the Danforth, I should look for a different type to augment my choice then.

Absolutely, a very common practice and a good idea to have at least two anchor types aboard. For example, Fortress/danforth designs are good for sand and mud, but pretty useless on a bottom with a layer of weeds or coral rubble. For that you need something heavier like a bruce/CQR/spade.

Sure would stink to pull into an anchorage late in the day, after a long run, looking forward to settling in for the night....just to discover your anchor won't set and you don't have another option aboard.

[Cheechako]

The Fortress is a great anchor. However if that one isnt much bigger than your Danforth not much point I imagine. (You might consider traading it out at that price though.) Others have mentioned good anchors. If on a budget then a used Delta or CQR would be fine. I would choose the Delta. Alot of people are switching out to the new design anchors mentioned (at big cost!) so you might find a Delta available on Craigs list or around the marina....

[Hearts Content]

When purchasing Fortress or Guardian they overstate the holding power in their guides. You must move up to the next size anchor.

My boat drug (in sand), moved to the next size Guardian and it held like a rock.

The other challenge, as was mentioned is grass. The Guardian does not handle grass bottoms well. It either does not penetrate or clogs on a swing.

A Bruce (Lewmar Claw) has been a better solution for me. The Guardian stays below and is used for the stern line to the beach.

[Jimbo2010]

Ok, thanks for the input I took this one as a backup anyway.

Now on to heavier solution.

which one?

Mantus $300 $ 35 lbs
Delta 240
Ronca 420 33lbs
Manson 380
cqr 750 ouch? Not really at that price

Any other brands to consider in the $200-400 range?

[casual]

Have ben anchoring with a Fortress FX 23 for more thean 15years as a Primary anchor.Rode out a hurricane on it have had many current changes always reset,36 ft 12,000 lb displacement,use 12 ft of 3/8 chain and as much 5/8 sampson rode as I,can put out room permitting,100% trust in it.