Fortress FX-11 and Guardian G-16 parts compatible?

[Bilgemaster]

Would anyone happen to own or have actual visual access to both an FX-11 and a Guardian G-16 model anchor, both 7 pounders made by Fortress, who can tell me if the "crown" (the bottom piece where both the flukes and crossbar slide into) might be be interchangeable or could perhaps be made compatible with very light modification, such as might be done with a Dremel tool or basic grinding wheel? I am wondering if a G-16 crown might be used with FX-11 flukes, stock, crossbar, etc.

I know for certain that the "mud feet" that screw into the crowns of both anchor types are the identical part, with identically offset screw holes and identical flange cuts for the pivoting shank. Hence, my hunch is that the crowns themselves may be identical, or at least interchangeable, with the FX-11 perhaps having a spiffier finish and the extra wider-gapping "mud hole" setting, but I don't know for sure. Does anyone out there?

Thanx!
Bilgey

[RobertB]

I do not have an answer - but you have really raised my curiosity. Why?
Is your FX-11 broken? Spare parts are available. Or you could just call Fortress 800-825-6289.

[Bilgemaster]

I do not have an answer - but you have really raised my curiosity. Why?
Is your FX-11 broken? Spare parts are available. Or you could just call Fortress 800-825-6289.

Allow me to sate your curiosity, though it doesn't help me one iota. In fact, it might well do the opposite. Still, you have been the only one kind enough to respond so far. Otherwise it's been crickets. I guess/hope everyone else is out there too busy having fun in the sun to be lollygagging around this forum and measuring anchor parts. I know I'd be.

A very nice Fortess FX-11, with mostly new warranty parts, comes with my newly-acquired Mac 26X (that I have actually yet to fetch home, until its missing trailer title's all squared away). Also conveying with the boat are that FX-11's old and somewhat banged up bits too...in fact, everything but the crown. I know the FX-11 has a lifetime warranty and all, but it just wouldn't feel right to "double-dip". I would, however, have no ethical problems with purchasing a G-16 crown for it, if that would do the trick. That way I'd have a reasonable--if fairly hard-worn--spare and a clean conscience.

So, PLEASE: if anybody else out there has has a Guardian G-16, would he or she please take a couple of photos of its crown section (what both the flukes and crossbar slide into), with maybe some coin nearby just for scale?

[ris]

I also have the FX 11 but have never seen the other one. I did not respond because I cannot help you. I will be going by West Marine next week and will look to see if they have the gurardian. It is 35 miles to the west marine from my home. Will let you know either way.

[Bilgemaster]

Well, I guess I'm overdue on my monthly appeal for anyone out there with a Guardian G-16 anchor to take a couple of photos of its crown, so that I might see whether or not it may be reasonably compatible with their more upscale FX-11. I went by my local West Marine, one of their smaller outlets, and after I got over the shock of the prices there (at first I wondered if maybe they were posted in some foreign currency like Francs or Zlotys or something!...I mean, who'd pay 30 bucks for a quart of paint thinner?), I saw that they only had the FX-11 on display, but no G-16.

So please...throw a noob a bone and post a photo or two of your G-16, if you've got one, OK?

[Catigale]

It might be worth searching the Fora for G-16 to try snag an owner, and then PM directly?

[ris]

We went by WM and it is a small WM and they did not have anything but west marine anchors. Forgot to post, that we did check but no help.

[Bilgemaster]

We went by WM and it is a small WM and they did not have anything but west marine anchors. Forgot to post, that we did check but no help.

Well, thanks for looking into it! My WestMarine store didn't have one on display either. I might take up catigale's suggestion and start buttonholing folks who mentioned having a Guardian in the Archives. Otherwise, please don't be alarmed if you see some guy at some marina on the Chesapeake squatting by your bow with a measuring tape and camera, folks. It's not a deranged insurance inspector or fiberglass fetishist. That'll probably just be me "admiring" your G-16.

[Catigale]

If you start dressing like an anchor, are you an anchor drag?

[Tomfoolery]

If you start dressing like an anchor, are you an anchor drag?

[tv pitch man voice] If so, you need "Drag Queen", the app for sailors who like to swing (but not too far).

[Catigale]

[RobertB]

Seems the only place to get a good answer is from Fortress. Call them and see what they say. They may even just ship you the part you need since you do have a Fortress. Beats waiting.

[DaveB]

You need the FX11 Fortress, just get a good night sleep
The Fortress 11 and Guardian do not fit in my anchor locker, I keep it on the Bow URL21 all the time, even trailering.
Just so nice to release and pull up the anchor, I did change location of running light few inches to Port and added a 12 inch pole light , this is taken off and cap covers elect. connection and just put it on running at night.
I do use 5/16 x 15 ft. of chain.(combo works like a charm even in grassy areas)
The chain keeps the eye down so the forks dig in, you don't want to drag the fortress over grass as it will only clog up the anchor preventing it to grab, do it slowly and jurk on the line until set.
In tidel areas best to do a Bahiman moor in restricted narrow channels.



Dave

We went by WM and it is a small WM and they did not have anything but west marine anchors. Forgot to post, that we did check but no help.

Well, thanks for looking into it! My WestMarine store didn't have one on display either. I might take up catigale's suggestion and start buttonholing folks who mentioned having a Guardian in the Archives. Otherwise, please don't be alarmed if you see some guy at some marina on the Chesapeake squatting by your bow with a measuring tape and camera, folks. It's not a deranged insurance inspector or fiberglass fetishist. That'll probably just be me "admiring" your G-16.

[RobertB]

I was talking a few months ago to some of the local rigging people involved in one of the recent Fortress anchor comparison tests. They found that it does not just set, but in mud, they figured out it dug in about 13 feet down.http://www.allatsea.net/best-anchor-for-mud/
After my experience in 90 MPH winds during the derrecio storm a few years back, my FX-11 was the most difficult to retrieve of many anchors I watched pulled up. That is when I bought a second and mounted it on the stern.

[DaveB]

A lot of people who own the Fortress 11 don't know the proper chain length. Most will say 6-8 ft 1/4 chain. This is not so, use min. 12-15 ft 5/16 chain or 20 ft 1/4 chain. This will set anchor quick so you don't fill anchor with sea grass and drag, also helps in 180 degree current change.
The Fortress anchor is most easy to retrieve and never goes below ground 12 inches.( why the extra chain length)
Dave

I was talking a few months ago to some of the local rigging people involved in one of the recent Fortress anchor comparison tests. They found that it does not just set, but in mud, they figured out it dug in about 13 feet down.http://www.allatsea.net/best-anchor-for-mud/
After my experience in 90 MPH winds during the derrecio storm a few years back, my FX-11 was the most difficult to retrieve of many anchors I watched pulled up. That is when I bought a second and mounted it on the stern.