Fortress Anchor Feedback Wanted

[Dean Abramson]

Anybody want to talk about Fortress anchors? I want to replace my current 20-lb. Danforth with something lighter, because it is a BEAR to get the current one up and maneuver it through the pulpit. I see where Fortress would recommend merely a 4-lb. anchor of theirs for my 25D. But I would go with either the 7-lb. or the 10-lb. But I'm having trouble grasping the concept of how an anchor of similar design and dimensions could have around twice the holding power of the corresponding steel Danforth. (But if so, I'll go for it, for sure.) I'm currently over-anchored by most standards, but I kind of like it that way. Any feedback would be most appreciated.
Dean Abramson
"Mariah"



dabramson@mainephoto.com

[Clay Stalker]

Anybody want to talk about Fortress anchors? I want to replace my current 20-lb. Danforth with something lighter, because it is a BEAR to get the current one up and maneuver it through the pulpit. I see where Fortress would recommend merely a 4-lb. anchor of theirs for my 25D. But I would go with either the 7-lb. or the 10-lb. But I'm having trouble grasping the concept of how an anchor of similar design and dimensions could have around twice the holding power of the corresponding steel Danforth. (But if so, I'll go for it, for sure.) I'm currently over-anchored by most standards, but I kind of like it that way. Any feedback would be most appreciated.
Dean Abramson
"Mariah"

Dean:

I sail a CD27 (7,500 lbs.) and use an FX-16 Fortress, 10 lbs. This is rated for a much larger boat, but I cannot imagine using any anchor that weighs less than 10 lbs....This is a faily big anchor, easy to handle, and hold very well. It may seem large for your boat, but it's what I would recommend.

Clay Stalker
CD27 Salsa #247
Bristol, R.I.



cstalker@cheshire.net

[John R.]

It's real simple Dean.....over anchored is far better than under anchored so you are seemingly in good shape.

There is more to consider about an anchor than simply holding power. Of course holding power is a very important rating but there are some issues regarding Fortress you should be aware of. One issue is that the shanks can be bent, I've seen it first hand on three different anchors. Secondly the seemingly advantage of their being lightweight can be a double edged sword. They frequently foul with the rode during deployment because they tend to swim as they decend into the depths. This is far more common with the mid to lighter weight anchors in their product line.

The advantages of the Fortress are the rated holding power, the finish, the versatility of being able to swap flukes.

Personally I would rather have a *high tensile* Danforth in the lighter weight anchor category you are considering for your CD25.

If you are having a lot of trouble raising your rode with a 20# anchor you may want to consider the installation of a small manual windlass.

Anybody want to talk about Fortress anchors? I want to replace my current 20-lb. Danforth with something lighter, because it is a BEAR to get the current one up and maneuver it through the pulpit. I see where Fortress would recommend merely a 4-lb. anchor of theirs for my 25D. But I would go with either the 7-lb. or the 10-lb. But I'm having trouble grasping the concept of how an anchor of similar design and dimensions could have around twice the holding power of the corresponding steel Danforth. (But if so, I'll go for it, for sure.) I'm currently over-anchored by most standards, but I kind of like it that way. Any feedback would be most appreciated.
Dean Abramson
"Mariah"

[Dean Abramson]

Thanks, John and Clay. Of course, it would have been simpler if you guys had agreed... Any other Fortress pros or cons out there? YOU could cast the tie-breaking vote!

John, about those bent shanks... Could you elaborate? If I went with the 10-pounder on a 25D, wouldn't the weight ratio minimize the chance of problems? I'd be curious to know what size boats, with what size anchors, and in what conditions this happened. Could those boats have been using too small a Fortress? If you have the time, I'd really appreciate more info. I've thought about a manual windlass, but the real bitch is getting the sucker through the pulpit opening; it's a very awkward, back-vulnerable maneuver with the 20-pounder. Really screwed up my back once. I've also looked into an anchor mount/roller, but that is major boat surgery, expensive, and maybe overkill.



dabramson@mainephoto.com

[Duncan Maio]

Dean:

We use a Fortress FX-11 on our CD 27. We don't anchor often, but have never had a problem (muddy/sandy bottoms in Narragansett Bay).

The (7 pound) FX-11 is one size larger than Fortress recommends (the 4 pounder is rated for up to 27') and I think it would be more than adequate for a CD25. It should not be the only anchor you keep on board, of course - we also have a CQR that lives in the lazarette with 20' of chain and 200' of nylon rode.

Duncan Maio
s/v Remedy
CD27 #37
Bristol, RI



mail@mysticmarine.net

[Clay Stalker]

Thanks, John and Clay. Of course, it would have been simpler if you guys had agreed... Any other Fortress pros or cons out there? YOU could cast the tie-breaking vote!

John, about those bent shanks... Could you elaborate? If I went with the 10-pounder on a 25D, wouldn't the weight ratio minimize the chance of problems? I'd be curious to know what size boats, with what size anchors, and in what conditions this happened. Could those boats have been using too small a Fortress? If you have the time, I'd really appreciate more info. I've thought about a manual windlass, but the real bitch is getting the sucker through the pulpit opening; it's a very awkward, back-vulnerable maneuver with the 20-pounder. Really screwed up my back once. I've also looked into an anchor mount/roller, but that is major boat surgery, expensive, and maybe overkill.

John:

One thing I should have mentioned...really depends what kind of bottom you are anchoring in. The Fortress is great in sand and mud...which, as Duncan points out, is what we generally have in Narragansett Bay and surrounding areas. As far as flukes bending goes, I suspect it would take a lot more boat than mine to bend the flukes on my FX-16....just can't imagine it. The lighter Fortresses do sail on the way down, so it helps to deploy them with lots of chain...I have never had it tangle at all. A heavier Danforth style does this less, admittedly, but I use the Fortress to get a larger, stronger anchor that I can easily handle without a windlass. I never worry about it not holding, and I have anchored at Block Island when the wind was howling and other boats were dragging all over the place. Duncan is also correct in that you should have a plow type anchor as well if you will anchoring in different bottoms. Some folks just use a plow for everything, Delta and CQR are great anchors, but in sand and mud, the Danforth/Fortress style has superior holding because of greater surface area. One things for sure when it comes to opinions on anchors and anchoring....there is a whole lot of agreement and disagreement...just depends on where you anchor and what you like. Good luck!

Clay Stalker



cstalker@cheshire.net

[Paul Hierstein]

Thanks, John and Clay. Of course, it would have been simpler if you guys had agreed... Any other Fortress pros or cons out there? YOU could cast the tie-breaking vote!

John, about those bent shanks... Could you elaborate? If I went with the 10-pounder on a 25D, wouldn't the weight ratio minimize the chance of problems? I'd be curious to know what size boats, with what size anchors, and in what conditions this happened. Could those boats have been using too small a Fortress? If you have the time, I'd really appreciate more info. I've thought about a manual windlass, but the real bitch is getting the sucker through the pulpit opening; it's a very awkward, back-vulnerable maneuver with the 20-pounder. Really screwed up my back once. I've also looked into an anchor mount/roller, but that is major boat surgery, expensive, and maybe overkill.

John:

One thing I should have mentioned...really depends what kind of bottom you are anchoring in. The Fortress is great in sand and mud...which, as Duncan points out, is what we generally have in Narragansett Bay and surrounding areas. As far as flukes bending goes, I suspect it would take a lot more boat than mine to bend the flukes on my FX-16....just can't imagine it. The lighter Fortresses do sail on the way down, so it helps to deploy them with lots of chain...I have never had it tangle at all. A heavier Danforth style does this less, admittedly, but I use the Fortress to get a larger, stronger anchor that I can easily handle without a windlass. I never worry about it not holding, and I have anchored at Block Island when the wind was howling and other boats were dragging all over the place. Duncan is also correct in that you should have a plow type anchor as well if you will anchoring in different bottoms. Some folks just use a plow for everything, Delta and CQR are great anchors, but in sand and mud, the Danforth/Fortress style has superior holding because of greater surface area. One things for sure when it comes to opinions on anchors and anchoring....there is a whole lot of agreement and disagreement...just depends on where you anchor and what you like. Good luck!

Clay Stalker

Bent shank? If I'm not mistaken, doesn't Fortress offer a lifetime warranty on their anchors?

Paul H.



paulhstn@aol.com

[Boyd]

Hi Dean...

Tern came with both a Fortress fx-11 and a 35# Bruce.

The fortress tends to skitter over the bottom when its something harder than mud and since Tern tends to hunt or sail around the anchor
line when the current and wind are not from the same direction the fortress loses grip and I drift. If I want to sleep well then I put down the Bruce. I finally took the Fortress apart and have it stored in a locker.

Fortress does have a life time warrantee against bending of the parts. I recently walked into their office handed them the bent cross bar and they handed me a new one no questions asked.

My experience is heavy is best. Light doesnt always work.

Boyd

Anybody want to talk about Fortress anchors? I want to replace my current 20-lb. Danforth with something lighter, because it is a BEAR to get the current one up and maneuver it through the pulpit. I see where Fortress would recommend merely a 4-lb. anchor of theirs for my 25D. But I would go with either the 7-lb. or the 10-lb. But I'm having trouble grasping the concept of how an anchor of similar design and dimensions could have around twice the holding power of the corresponding steel Danforth. (But if so, I'll go for it, for sure.) I'm currently over-anchored by most standards, but I kind of like it that way. Any feedback would be most appreciated.
Dean Abramson
"Mariah"

Boyd@wbta.cc

[Dean Abramson]

Thanks everyone. We mainly anchor in mud here, and my boat is only a 25D, and I'm considering the FX-16 (10lbs.). I like the idea of heavy, too, but my back needs a break, and for my circumstances, this might do it. Jury is still out.


Thanks, John and Clay. Of course, it would have been simpler if you guys had agreed... Any other Fortress pros or cons out there? YOU could cast the tie-breaking vote!

John, about those bent shanks... Could you elaborate? If I went with the 10-pounder on a 25D, wouldn't the weight ratio minimize the chance of problems? I'd be curious to know what size boats, with what size anchors, and in what conditions this happened. Could those boats have been using too small a Fortress? If you have the time, I'd really appreciate more info. I've thought about a manual windlass, but the real bitch is getting the sucker through the pulpit opening; it's a very awkward, back-vulnerable maneuver with the 20-pounder. Really screwed up my back once. I've also looked into an anchor mount/roller, but that is major boat surgery, expensive, and maybe overkill.

John:

One thing I should have mentioned...really depends what kind of bottom you are anchoring in. The Fortress is great in sand and mud...which, as Duncan points out, is what we generally have in Narragansett Bay and surrounding areas. As far as flukes bending goes, I suspect it would take a lot more boat than mine to bend the flukes on my FX-16....just can't imagine it. The lighter Fortresses do sail on the way down, so it helps to deploy them with lots of chain...I have never had it tangle at all. A heavier Danforth style does this less, admittedly, but I use the Fortress to get a larger, stronger anchor that I can easily handle without a windlass. I never worry about it not holding, and I have anchored at Block Island when the wind was howling and other boats were dragging all over the place. Duncan is also correct in that you should have a plow type anchor as well if you will anchoring in different bottoms. Some folks just use a plow for everything, Delta and CQR are great anchors, but in sand and mud, the Danforth/Fortress style has superior holding because of greater surface area. One things for sure when it comes to opinions on anchors and anchoring....there is a whole lot of agreement and disagreement...just depends on where you anchor and what you like. Good luck!

Clay Stalker

Bent shank? If I'm not mistaken, doesn't Fortress offer a lifetime warranty on their anchors?

Paul H.

dabramson@mainephoto.com

[John R.]

Thanks, John and Clay. Of course, it would have been simpler if you guys had agreed... Any other Fortress pros or cons out there? YOU could cast the tie-breaking vote!

John, about those bent shanks... Could you elaborate? If I went with the 10-pounder on a 25D, wouldn't the weight ratio minimize the chance of problems? I'd be curious to know what size boats, with what size anchors, and in what conditions this happened. Could those boats have been using too small a Fortress? If you have the time, I'd really appreciate more info. I've thought about a manual windlass, but the real bitch is getting the sucker through the pulpit opening; it's a very awkward, back-vulnerable maneuver with the 20-pounder. Really screwed up my back once. I've also looked into an anchor mount/roller, but that is major boat surgery, expensive, and maybe overkill.

Dean,

To elaborate a little on those bent shanks I can say I will do as best as memory can serve since it was back in the mid '90's I saw two of those anchors when I was working on a boat for a few months at a Ft. Myers Florida boat yard. The fact of the matter is that I saw two of them at that boat yard and a third one about two years later (summer '97 I think). The first one I saw was about equivalent in size to about a 13 lb. Danforth (maybe it was a Fortress 16). That boat (Beneteau)had been in the Dry Tortugas and they were replacing the anchor and some other stuff while they were here. How exactly it was bent I'm not sure because I never spoke with them directly but the yard manager I was speaking with whom I expressed some surprise to about the anchor condition stated it had something to do with normal deployment and some weather from a depression or TS. I wish I had more details but I don't. The other anchor I saw I know what happened. It simply bent on a boat swinging on the hook in the Boca Grande (Charlotte Harbor) area of SW Florida near Pine Island and Upper Captiva. It was definitely a 14 pound Fortress that was used on an older Allied Seawind, kind of a heavily built boat like a CD. They replaced the anchor with a CQR. Nothing extraordinary happened to that boat except for our usual late afternoon thunderstorms and squalls. That boat was on the hook for about 12 days. The third anchor was a lightweight one probably the 6 lb Fortress near as I could tell and it was on a Catalina 22. It was lashed down on the foredeck and the shank was definitely distorted (bent). I have no idea what caused it but it sure wasn't normal. None of these anchors had drastic bends. The worst was the one on the Seawind, it had a good twist/ bend in it.

I don't know how much those bends could affect the setting of those hooks or the integrity of their shanks. Being that these anchors are aluminum/magnesium it seems that they wouldn't take too much bend before they start to loose integrity of the material. Maybe a one direction bend without additional flexing makes no difference at all. It bothers me though to have seen those bent (distorted may be a better word) shanks. I guess this is why I prefer the highly flexible chrome alloy steel of the Hi tensile Danforth in that style of anchor. It is incredible how much those HT Danforth shanks can flex and not be weakened.

Personally I prefer a Bruce, CQR or Delta. That new Spade looks great also. I have a Bruce and Delta on our CD30 and a HT Danforth on the stern. There is also a folding fisherman in the locker, just in case all else fails.

If I were you I would get a one piece design and a bow roller arrangement. No more pulpit concerns with that type setup. Good luck.

To answer your question I don't think Fortress makes a 10 lb anchor, they are either smaller or larger.

[Dean Abramson]

John, thanks for taking the time to explain all of that. Just FYI: the Fortress FX-16 is a 10-lb. anchor. It is recommended for boats of 33 to 38 ft. That's the one I am considering for my 25D. Its physical dimensions are slightly smaller than my current 20-lb. Danforth.

Thanks, John and Clay. Of course, it would have been simpler if you guys had agreed... Any other Fortress pros or cons out there? YOU could cast the tie-breaking vote!

John, about those bent shanks... Could you elaborate? If I went with the 10-pounder on a 25D, wouldn't the weight ratio minimize the chance of problems? I'd be curious to know what size boats, with what size anchors, and in what conditions this happened. Could those boats have been using too small a Fortress? If you have the time, I'd really appreciate more info. I've thought about a manual windlass, but the real bitch is getting the sucker through the pulpit opening; it's a very awkward, back-vulnerable maneuver with the 20-pounder. Really screwed up my back once. I've also looked into an anchor mount/roller, but that is major boat surgery, expensive, and maybe overkill.

Dean,

To elaborate a little on those bent shanks I can say I will do as best as memory can serve since it was back in the mid '90's I saw two of those anchors when I was working on a boat for a few months at a Ft. Myers Florida boat yard. The fact of the matter is that I saw two of them at that boat yard and a third one about two years later (summer '97 I think). The first one I saw was about equivalent in size to about a 13 lb. Danforth (maybe it was a Fortress 16). That boat (Beneteau)had been in the Dry Tortugas and they were replacing the anchor and some other stuff while they were here. How exactly it was bent I'm not sure because I never spoke with them directly but the yard manager I was speaking with whom I expressed some surprise to about the anchor condition stated it had something to do with normal deployment and some weather from a depression or TS. I wish I had more details but I don't. The other anchor I saw I know what happened. It simply bent on a boat swinging on the hook in the Boca Grande (Charlotte Harbor) area of SW Florida near Pine Island and Upper Captiva. It was definitely a 14 pound Fortress that was used on an older Allied Seawind, kind of a heavily built boat like a CD. They replaced the anchor with a CQR. Nothing extraordinary happened to that boat except for our usual late afternoon thunderstorms and squalls. That boat was on the hook for about 12 days. The third anchor was a lightweight one probably the 6 lb Fortress near as I could tell and it was on a Catalina 22. It was lashed down on the foredeck and the shank was definitely distorted (bent). I have no idea what caused it but it sure wasn't normal. None of these anchors had drastic bends. The worst was the one on the Seawind, it had a good twist/ bend in it.

I don't know how much those bends could affect the setting of those hooks or the integrity of their shanks. Being that these anchors are aluminum/magnesium it seems that they wouldn't take too much bend before they start to loose integrity of the material. Maybe a one direction bend without additional flexing makes no difference at all. It bothers me though to have seen those bent (distorted may be a better word) shanks. I guess this is why I prefer the highly flexible chrome alloy steel of the Hi tensile Danforth in that style of anchor. It is incredible how much those HT Danforth shanks can flex and not be weakened.

Personally I prefer a Bruce, CQR or Delta. That new Spade looks great also. I have a Bruce and Delta on our CD30 and a HT Danforth on the stern. There is also a folding fisherman in the locker, just in case all else fails.

If I were you I would get a one piece design and a bow roller arrangement. No more pulpit concerns with that type setup. Good luck.

To answer your question I don't think Fortress makes a 10 lb anchor, they are either smaller or larger.

dabramson@mainephoto.com

[Clay Stalker]

John, thanks for taking the time to explain all of that. Just FYI: the Fortress FX-16 is a 10-lb. anchor. It is recommended for boats of 33 to 38 ft. That's the one I am considering for my 25D. Its physical dimensions are slightly smaller than my current 20-lb. Danforth.

Thanks, John and Clay. Of course, it would have been simpler if you guys had agreed... Any other Fortress pros or cons out there? YOU could cast the tie-breaking vote!

John, about those bent shanks... Could you elaborate? If I went with the 10-pounder on a 25D, wouldn't the weight ratio minimize the chance of problems? I'd be curious to know what size boats, with what size anchors, and in what conditions this happened. Could those boats have been using too small a Fortress? If you have the time, I'd really appreciate more info. I've thought about a manual windlass, but the real bitch is getting the sucker through the pulpit opening; it's a very awkward, back-vulnerable maneuver with the 20-pounder. Really screwed up my back once. I've also looked into an anchor mount/roller, but that is major boat surgery, expensive, and maybe overkill.

Dean,

To elaborate a little on those bent shanks I can say I will do as best as memory can serve since it was back in the mid '90's I saw two of those anchors when I was working on a boat for a few months at a Ft. Myers Florida boat yard. The fact of the matter is that I saw two of them at that boat yard and a third one about two years later (summer '97 I think). The first one I saw was about equivalent in size to about a 13 lb. Danforth (maybe it was a Fortress 16). That boat (Beneteau)had been in the Dry Tortugas and they were replacing the anchor and some other stuff while they were here. How exactly it was bent I'm not sure because I never spoke with them directly but the yard manager I was speaking with whom I expressed some surprise to about the anchor condition stated it had something to do with normal deployment and some weather from a depression or TS. I wish I had more details but I don't. The other anchor I saw I know what happened. It simply bent on a boat swinging on the hook in the Boca Grande (Charlotte Harbor) area of SW Florida near Pine Island and Upper Captiva. It was definitely a 14 pound Fortress that was used on an older Allied Seawind, kind of a heavily built boat like a CD. They replaced the anchor with a CQR. Nothing extraordinary happened to that boat except for our usual late afternoon thunderstorms and squalls. That boat was on the hook for about 12 days. The third anchor was a lightweight one probably the 6 lb Fortress near as I could tell and it was on a Catalina 22. It was lashed down on the foredeck and the shank was definitely distorted (bent). I have no idea what caused it but it sure wasn't normal. None of these anchors had drastic bends. The worst was the one on the Seawind, it had a good twist/ bend in it.

I don't know how much those bends could affect the setting of those hooks or the integrity of their shanks. Being that these anchors are aluminum/magnesium it seems that they wouldn't take too much bend before they start to loose integrity of the material. Maybe a one direction bend without additional flexing makes no difference at all. It bothers me though to have seen those bent (distorted may be a better word) shanks. I guess this is why I prefer the highly flexible chrome alloy steel of the Hi tensile Danforth in that style of anchor. It is incredible how much those HT Danforth shanks can flex and not be weakened.

Personally I prefer a Bruce, CQR or Delta. That new Spade looks great also. I have a Bruce and Delta on our CD30 and a HT Danforth on the stern. There is also a folding fisherman in the locker, just in case all else fails.

If I were you I would get a one piece design and a bow roller arrangement. No more pulpit concerns with that type setup. Good luck.

To answer your question I don't think Fortress makes a 10 lb anchor, they are either smaller or larger.

Dean:

I agree with John in that a Delta or CQR will give you more versatility. However, the CQR is prohibitively expensive and very heavy to handle. It will also drag more in sand and mud than will a Danforth style. So once again, it depends on where you will be doing your anchoring. Also, on my CD27, I don't have a bow roller, so have to store the anchor on the bow pulpit (want it handy for quick deployment). There really isn't a good place to put a Delta or CQR...the Fortress is light, so puts less stress on the pulpit. The FX-16, being sized for a much larger boat, should hold mine (and certainly yours) in nearly any weather. Once again, it just depends on your needs. One cannot fault either the CQR or Delta...these are both excellent, high quality anchors, but need a bow roller to use well. The Bruce, which I have used a lot, is somewhat bulky, but sets quickly and resets real well. It does not, however, have the holding power of the others. A small Bruce is ideal for a lunch hook. There are just my honest opinions....I am no anchoring expert, but have done a lot in a lot of different places. There are the things I have learned. Good luck!

Clay Stalker



cstalker@cheshire.net