Fortress anchor for M

[Ixneigh]

I had a very nice day on the boat today. I had anchored out after a sunset cruise while I continued to play around with the trim of the boat and got to use my new wheel brake. Cheap and effective. Pictures on YouTube if interested. I sailed all the next morning in great weather to an island where the tideflats were exposed. I got out of the boat to run my dogs. The 25 rocha is the only hook I have ATM. I need something light for quick stops that fits in the anchor locker. What's the right size fortress anchor?
While I was in two feet of water I also changed out the slightly damaged rudder for the new one the dealer gave me. That went ok but I used a proper figure eight knot instead of an overhand know that the factory used. The knot wouldn't fit into the little hole because it's slightly larger. So I just left it on the outside. Will that be ok?
I have Ida rudders supposedly on order. Are those really worth the wait and expense?
Thanks
Ixneigh

[hart]

For what you describe the Fortress FX-7 will be fine and I'm 85% sure it will fit in the locker but check on that. If you were planning on anchoring for longer periods or in rough conditions and wanted to use a Fortress I would suggest stepping up to the FX-11 but it won't fit in your locker.

For what it's worth I love the Fortress line, they are light and hold very well. I'm ultimately going to have one of each size. But for lunch stops, etc you could get a standard 8lb danforth style anchor and save yourself about $100. It's heavier but a lot cheaper. Your call.

Can't help with the others, sorry. Have a great weekend.

[mastreb]

I just bought a Fortress FX-7. I'll assemble it tomorrow and check the fit in the chain locker. I'm certain it will fit unassembled, but that would be a hassle.

[Matt19020]

I believe I have the Guardian G-11 this is a lower priced version of the Fortress...I can double check tomorrow to make sure...It fits in the locker just fine and holding is satisfactory... I also carry a G-7 as a back up anchor (I store below).... I have 20' of chain on both with 150' of 3 strand Would STRONGLY RECOMMEND A MIN. OF 20 'FEET OF CHAIN...The anchor + chain+ rode fit fine in locker and you could even stuff more if needed
IXNEIGH-
I Also have the Ida sailer rudders they are a little pricey but they do seem a little more responsive and I like knowing they are not going to break
See here: http://www.macgregorsailors.com/forum/v ... 2&start=15

[Matt19020]

I did check my set up and I have the G-11 (Guardian) and it fits fine in the locker with 150' of rode and 23' chain I could even double my anchor line with ease

[Paul S]

fx-11 fits perfect w/ 200' anchor rode. Works quite well

Just be careful in soft mud - use little or no chain to prevent shank from falling into the mud and bringing the flukes to the surface. Other than soft mud, use appropriate chain.

http://home.comcast.net/~26m/mods/mod1/photo009.html

[Ixneigh]

I did end up with the fx 11, 100 ft of 3/8 line and only five feet of chain, so i can toss it easier. It fits very well. Seems to grab right away in grass. Remember, i have a 25 rocna with thirty feet of heavy chain and thirty feet of 5/8 line as the main anchor, yes i know only neophyts throw anchors...but i do anyway when i need to.

Ixneigh

[hart]

I think I was thinking of the wrong numbers. I think I meant to say the FX-11 and FX 23, not the 7 and 11. Anyway, looks like a good setup.

[Rick Westlake]

I also have a Fortress FX-11 as my #2 anchor. Fortress says an FX-7 is adequate for our boats; oversized ground tackle, though, is the cheapest of insurance. I keep it on the stern, shank-down in a 3" PVC tube mounted back of the helm seat - I posted this mod for the way I mounted it:

Stern Anchor

I have 150 feet of 3/8" 3-strand nylon line for its rode, which I keep in a bag under the cabin steps. If I think I might need the anchor for a quick stop or a kedge, it's quick enough to bring it topside, shackle the anchor end to the chain, and cleat off the bitter end to a stern cleat. Then the anchor is right at hand as an "emergency brake."

My main anchor is a Raya Tempest 800, which is roughly comparable to a Rocna 6 without the roll bar. It has a removable stock, so it fits in the anchor locker with the rode. It's a shame that its manufacturer went out of business....

[Paul S]

Seems to grab right away in grass.

be careful using a danforth type in grass. 98% of the time if the wind shifts it won't reset as it is clogged with grass. A plow (and others) is better for grass

I carry a small delta in a bag below deck for the few times we anchor in grass.

[Divecoz]

X 2 make that X's 4 as My brother warned me of that and the Sea Tow guy asked if that was the anchor that allowed me to drag onto the sand bar..

Seems to grab right away in grass.

be careful using a danforth type in grass. 98% of the time if the wind shifts it won't reset as it is clogged with grass. A plow (and others) is better for grass

I carry a small delta in a bag below deck for the few times we anchor in grass.

[Ixneigh]

I did overnight in mild weather on it, but mostly i wanted a nice light hook for parking on sandbars for short stays. The rocna and its chain was overkill. Needed to be light enough to carry so i could move the boat around, but big enough to stay put so if i am a quarter mile down the flats on foot, the boat dont go away in a sudden gust of wind!
If hand set before walking away, the 11 should just do that. Dont really trust the smaller size.

Ixneigh