We’ve had a 35lb CQR on our 30 Ultra since we bought it in 2017, and it has served us mostly well as long as we’ve had it. On a recent long-distance cruise we ran into problems twice with it which prompted me to do some research. Well, it turns out that there was a lot I didn’t know about our anchor. I had no idea that CQRs were well known as low performing anchors (depending on seabed).
All of this is to say I’m shopping for an anchor. I’ve spent time watching SV Panope on YouTube, and have done some reading in Practical Sailor, but I wanted to hear from the Nonsuch community.
What anchors do you like and why? Which ones should we avoid, and why? We sail in the Great Lakes, and mostly encounter sandy seabed, but occasionally get into weedy and rocky spots (areas where the CQR is a real challenge).
Any insights would be appreciated!
Matt Turner
Traverse City, Michigan
Chimera - Nonsuch 30 Ultra #394
I’m sure you will get lots of advice from lots of sailors but for my two cents worth I think you already have found the best authority.
Steve at SV Panope has just got more cred than any of us IMHO. Watch his reviews, think of the conditions you anchor in, and make a choice based on what he has already tested and proven.
After spending a long time down the Panope rabbit hole (all enjoyable) I ended up with a 35lb Mantus M1, primarily for its very fast setting qualities because I anchor in crowded anchorages and can’t afford to drag an anchor far to get it to set. It works great for me in my usage but I encourage you to spend some time with Steve and choose for yourself.
Matt, I went down the same rabbit hole Paul did, and finally chose a Spade S80. I’m sure I’d be just as happy with the Mantus, which is to say: entirely happy. We’ve seen a variety of bottom conditions in Maine, and we have total confidence in that hook.
I bought a Mantus M1 but couldn’t get it to sit nicely in my bow rollers so I sold it. Paul obviously made it work so probably just me and something I did wrong. Get Paul’s advice if you go that route. I planned to buy a Spade but got a great deal on a 35# Rocna Vulcan. Haven’t mounted it yet, but I know other Nonsuch owners have had success.
Honestly, the two nights we anchored out earlier this week I’m not sure why I bothered throwing out an anchor. It was so still the boat never moved.
This is the way my Mantus M1 fits on the bowsprit fitting. I like it because it comes up tight with absolutely no wobble or rattle. Some may not like the hard contact with the stainless rail but I’m not concerned about it. The arrows show the points of contact.
I replaced my 15KG OFFICIAL Bruce with a 20 KG Official Bruce that I found for $80 USD on eBay last year. I thought I should have a little more beef for my 33.
Just tossing my 2 cents in here. My original anchor was a 25lb CQR. I never had an issue with it holding if I took my time setting it, but apparently my parents (the original owners and from whom I bought the boat) seemed to have difficulty with it occasionally and their trials made me a bit nervous every time I anchored.
A few years ago I bought a 15KG (33lb) Rocna Vulcan (no rollbar so it fits my bowsprit nicely). I’m very happy with this anchor - sets easily, holds very well in every bottom in which I’ve anchored (mud, sand, grass, even shell (though that took a bit more patience)) even when wind speeds get higher (gusting over 30mph), and comes out when it is supposed to. I tend to avoid rocky bottoms if possible.
Peter Grabow
S/V CAKE WALK III
1987 30U 430
Jersey City, NJ
