Anchor dilemma for CD31

[jen1722terry]

Hey Sailors,

We know there's been a lost of posts over the years on anchors, most of which we've read through.

Our dilemma is this: we have a 25# CQR as the primary hook on our 31 which has been reliable in a variety of bottom conditions. However, the anchor is aging and needs re-galvanizing. So, we're wondering if we should do this or change to a Rocna or maybe a larger Fortress (we have a 7# Fortress 11 as backup).

FYI, we plan to add about 90 feet of new chain to our 300 feet of 8-plait 5/8" nylon rode, but not sure if this is a good idea if we go with the larger Fortress.

Our cruising grounds will be Nova Scotia and coastal New England, with a possible winter trip the the Bahamas in a few years.

Any thoughts and advice will, of course, evoke our sincere gratitude.

Jenn and Terry

[Steve Laume]

This post might have been better on the general forum. I can't believe you didn't get a whole lot of response on an anchor question.

The 25lb CQR seems marginal for a CD-31.

Raven is a CD-30 and is sporting a 35lb CQR with 90 foot of 5/16" chain and a couple hundred feet of 3 strand spliced onto it. I don't have a windlass so it is a bit of work to haul it all back on board but has served me very well. I went to the chain after an incident of fouling the rode and that gave serious thought to the possibility of chaffing through the nylon. Most of the time I run out the chain and enough nylon to act as a snubber and then back that up with another snubber hooked to the chain. This forms a bridle and gives me a back up for the nylon line.

If I needed to replace my anchor I would definitely go with one of the newer generation and not the Fortress. I do have a big Fortress tucked away for a storm anchor but don't believe they are any better than a Danforth for every day use. There is still that issue of not resetting.

The only reason not to go with a long length of chain would be if lifting it was a problem. 5/16" chain weighs about a pound a foot so my rig is a little over a hundred pounds. Most of the time you will not be lifting it all and it is lighter in the water so it works for me. A windlass would be nice but there are other things I would rather spend the money on and it is a good work out. With rocks or corral I would not feel comfortable with any less chain, Steve.

[Bob Ohler]

I agree with Steve that the 25# CQR seems a little small for your boat.

I would mention here though that rather than considering a regalvanizing job, why not take an electric drill with a set of wire wheels and take down all the rust? Then apply a coat a primer plus two coats with a good rattle-can spray galvanizing paint? I used CRC Brand Galvanizing Spray some years back and I got amazing service from the paint job. Just my 2 cents. Actually the whole job was perhaps just $15 or so.

[rorik]

Look here:

http://alain.fraysse.free.fr/sail/rode/rode_b.htm

[Big Dave]

If you love the anchor, get it regalvanized. I used a 33# Bruce for years crusing New England and found it to be the best all around anchor for me. It set easily and grabbed quickly. It was heavy enough to penetrate weeds, didn't get fouled by stones, and broke free easily when raising it. Well worth considering.

[joemerchant]

I was fortunate enough to have a buddy loan me a Rocna to try out. It is on the list before we leave cruising. Just deciding whether to leave the 35# CQR or 30# Bruce behind. May leave both and just carry the Rocna and Fortress.

[jen1722terry]

Thanks for the comments, Joe,

Yes, we're also considering a Rocna. Seems like we can get more holding power with less anchor weight.

With a bad back and arthritis in both hands, anchor weight is a consideration.

Thanks, and do enjoy spring outfitting (if spring ever comes).

Terry

[David Morton]

Anybody have any experience with the new Rocna Vulcan? Any word on how it fits a CD31 bowsprit and roller? Curious minds want to know...

[Jim Walsh]

I saw one in person two days ago. It looks a little unusual with the hump in the shank and it is full of curves in the fluke so clearly a lot went into the design process. I'd like to see some test results before I'd consider dropping a few hundred bucks on one. I've done careful measurements and I can't comfortably accommodate one of the modern roll bar designs. Both this and the Spade are on my radar as prospective replacements for one of my current anchors. I've never had a problem with either my bower or kedge but someone is always designing a better mousetrap.

This is a demonstration of the Rocna Vulcan.

http://www.rocna.com/the-film