18-12_Ultra vs. Rocna Anchor - what is the best anchor (sailing ZERO)

Ahoy,
in this episode we talk about anchors. We tested the ULTRA Anchor in comparison to the ROCNA Anchor. With both anchors we did exactly the same maneuvers to compare their performance.
First we anchored like we do all the time, backing up to set the anchor, but then we drove ZERO to the other side, pretending the wind or the currents are changing. That means we broke it free and reset it immediately. A situation which happens all the time and a good anchor should reset quickly.
Both anchors performed very well but in our experience the ULTRA outperformed the ROCNA with faster setting and resetting and more holding power by digging way deeper into the sand than the ROCNA did.
And on top of that the quality of the used materials and overall appearance is outstanding and the anchor looks like it is produced without making any compromises. Well Done!!
So the winner is the ULTRA ANCHOR!!!
Check out the video if you ever wanted to see how an anchor behaves when you are trusting your boat - your home - to it..
Please leave a comment with your experience or any question you have. And don't forget to like and subscribe so you don't miss any of our episodes..
A big Thanks to ULTRA MARINE WEST (www.ultramarinewest.com) for providing the anchor and trusting our opinion about it.
Aloha
fay + christian
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[@sy-ronja3613]

Hi Christian, thanks for the advice. I just bought an Ultra 27 kg in Düsseldorf 😁👍

[@sailingZERO]

Awesome.. you'll love it.. did you tell them about my video?

[@sy-ronja3613]

Klar, habe ich. Der Mensch am Stand konnte mit der Info aber leider nichts anfangen. 😏Habe trotzdem einen guten Preis bekommen und den Turnbuckle als Naturalrabatt 🤑

[@sailingZERO]

Hmmm.. 🤔 naja jetzt weiss er es ja.. gut dass sie dir n guten preis gemacht haben.. wann wirst du den anker zum ersten mal benutzen??

[@sy-ronja3613]

Hi Christian, ich habe eine Moody 45 DS gekauft, die noch im Winterlager in der Halle steht. Ende März/ Anfang April wird sie in Grömitz ins Wasser gehen und dann werde ich den Ultra Marine zum ersten Mal nutzen. 😎

[@sailingZERO]

@@sy-ronja3613 wow das ist n sehr schönes schiff.. mag die pilothouse idee. Mast und shotbruch..

[@MADRICAN969]

Thanks for posting this video. I always wanted to see how anchors actually work under water 👍

[@chiefcliff]

Very cool video. Have not seen something like this before - nicely done sir.

[@nheeren1]

Such a sweet idea for a video! Right on man!

[@edwardwerthner7717]

Thank you, great job.

[@ecneicsPhD4554]

The algorithm brings me to a whole new world everytime.

[@sailingZERO]

Glad you stopped by.. Aloha

[@Themothershipsailing]

Well that settles that then.. Ultra it is. I’ve been trying to decide which one to replace my CQR with for months now.. this was very helpful, thanks!

[@sailingZERO]

Sweat. You won't regret that choice. Let them know we send you.. Aloha

[@jensjansen3601]

Thanks for sharing Christian!

[@sailingZERO]

U R welcome 🤙

[@PierceAlexanderLilholt]

Anchors are amazing! ⚓

[@barrysummers1622]

Thanks for sharing Christian, good one, I am a 100% Ultra fan, think they are a great tool, well worth it to sleep at night.

[@sailingZERO]

Yep, gives me a good feeling as well. We had a little blow recently, just 35-40kn, but enough for 3 boats having trouble.. my anchor didn't move a single inch.. 😀

[@tomlitton80]

Very nice anchor! 😍

[@EstherCooke]

Yes..Ultra anchor is unbeatable.

[@tarivard]

The Ultra is impressive. I have a Rocna now but would consider an ultra as my next anchor.

[@sailingZERO]

I like the rocna as well. It's a good anchor. The ultra is just better. And when it comes to anchors.. I want the best. Just sleep better..

[@davidmarconi528]

Like the video...somehow w the music i feel like oceans 11 just gave me an anchor comparison lol thanka

[@nheeren1]

Yay time!

[@Corkedit]

3 years Testing on my Ultra and def worth the money. My boat is worth morenthan an anchor so i decided on the best.

[@eriksvsirocco]

...That's why I bought my Rocna 6 years ago... I really want an Ultra now, but $2,000 just isn't realistic at the moment

[@patrickmiller4987]

@@eriksvsirocco Spend that dough on a SPADE or Excel!

[@AndyMillerPhotoUK]

The ONLY issue with Ultra Anchors is that they dig in -- which is great to stop dragging etc. -- but you have to be patient when pulling the anchor up -- just let the combination of upwards tension and wave action work the anchor free -- it will take time to release. Do not motor over the anchor otherwise you can bend it, which is a really bad and expensive idea. If you are "WORRIED" about retrieving your Ultra - then fix a 2nd rope line to the top of the anchor, move over the anchor and use this line to pull it out of the sea bed, then back up a bit and haul in the chain & anchor. It is very important that this 2nd line never get tight, otherwise the anchor could be released - so ensure you payout, say, a few more metres of rope than chain. I do not use this approach myself, because I am patient. Obviously if the anchor gets stuck and you can dive down to it then attach a 2nd rope to the head of the anchor if you can see it and use this to release the anchor.

[@sailingZERO]

We never had trouble breaking it free. But we usually do it the same way you do it. And the 25to of zero work it free.. I'd rather be patient pulling it up than anxious going to bed or leave the boat. Still. After many many month of daily use.. we LOVE the ultra..

[@armagan2613]

thanks too much

[@seekerstan]

A Stainless anchor is nice but unless you plan to use stainless chain you have to be very carefull with electrolysis. The first galvanised fitting will tend to dissolve. This is espically true if you leave it down for extended periods.

[@sailingZERO]

that applies to allmost all anchor setups. most people have a stainless swivel. but in my time dropping a hock, that wasn't any trouble at all. more a theoretical problem and practically solved very easy by sacrificing one link of chain every so so many years.

[@seekerstan]

One of the things not shown in this video was how dose the ultra handel recovering from being upside down? This is a big strenth of the Rockna, hopfully the ultra can also right itself.

[@sailingZERO]

the ultra is balanced so it doesn't stay upside down.. it upright itself immediately.. look fir one if the older videos I made about the boatshow in San Diego.. there you can see it.. aloha

[@mysurlytrucker7510]

The Bruce anchor would do well in those conditions, , i found a CQR in soft silt would slide along the surface on its side but Scottish Waters you would also do well to have a Fisherman's anchor we have broad kelp and most of these I find except the fishermen will slide along the top of the kelp beds and not dig in very well thank you for your report

[@tlteal]

Yep. My previous boat had a bruce and it does great in those conditions. My current boat has a Delta fast-set and while it's good, soon as you spin around, good luck and cross your fingers if it will reset or not LOL.

[@mysurlytrucker7510]

@@tlteal yes I agree, I think the Bruce resets , but you need say, a fisherman for kelp, what is it they say horses for courses.

[@patrickmiller4987]

@@mysurlytrucker7510 Bruce is proven to have low holding power.

[@puertola7186]

Ultra is pretty interesting! Thank you for this test! Subscribe!

[@sailingZERO]

Thanks for subbing. We still love the anchor. When the wind pics up and everybody gets stressed about their anchor, we relax. Never got disappointed.

[@PaulusPHM]

This time me and my Anchor ...

[@johnmeldrum4717]

Does the ultra only come in stainless? Thank you for the tests

[@sailingZERO]

Ahoy, yes the company policy is NO COMPROMISES. that includes material as well. So they build the best they can and no low quality versions of their products.. that makes their anchors a bit pricy I know. But for me it's still the best choice out there.. Aloha

[@SailingBrickHouse-RVLife]

Please do the same test where it is very rocky...we would very much like to see a test like that...

[@sailingZERO]

I'll keep that in mind..

[@redwood1957]

What anchor is your primary? Thank you happy Easter

[@sailingZERO]

On little ZERO it s the anchor from the video. An ULTRA US35. In big zero it's an UA 100. These are the best anchors available and we never we're disappointed to trust them with our floating home. When around us the boats go on a drift, we stay where we are. Aloha

[@rainfinger]

Are you going to do a presentation on what is the best anchor chain?

[@sailingZERO]

That is not planed for now but maybe one day.

[@jib8779]

What's about the depth and chain length.

[@sailingZERO]

That's a smart question. We mostly anchor with around 5:1. But it depends. If there's room why not use more. Chain in the locker is not good for anything. But in tight anchorages we can also go down to 3:1 with the ultra. In this video we used exact the same amount of chain every time. Don't recall the numbers but we marked the chain to exactly have the same for all tests..

[@andre1987eph]

You’re in good shape. No Mc Donald’s I bet.

[@sailingZERO]

Thanks and you're absolutely right. We give Mc D a wide berth and try to avoid other processed foods as much as possible. Eat good, feel good!

[@svamour4574]

Did you test the sand at the Ultra exhibit? Or did you trust it would be a fair comparison. I would ask Ultra and Rocna to send me the anchors and I will do an actual Unbiased sandy beach comparison (on an actual beach not a sales exhibit) as well as mud, etc.

[@sailingZERO]

I'm confused.. That's exactly what we what we did. Test both anchors in a real situation. And it was not only this one time.. I anchored with a rocna for years and now with ultra for years. Both are good anchors. The ultra is better.

[@svamour4574]

@@sailingZERO I agree, both are top of the line. Thank you for your further description of your testing. I decided on the spade aluminum A200 for my next anchor.

[@weirdosonboats]

Ahhh come on how you going to down play the tried and true rochna. We just got a 40kg roachna and are getting used to the beast. It was nice to see in the video the rochna rotating 180°. Hope to hear from y'all soon.

[@sailingZERO]

The Rocna is a good anchor. I'm not playing that down. It's just that the ultra is better and I trust my floating home being safe with the ultra more.. the essential difference is that the ultra diggs deeper and deeper with more pull and the Rocna stays at a certain depth.. so the holding power of the ultra outnumbers the Rocna big time. And the Rocna hold very good already.

[@richcarter3242]

So the ocean bottom is not entirely covered with sand. How do these anchors do in weed, mud, and hard bottoms? I rarely get a sandy bottom to anchor in.

[@sailingZERO]

We mostly anchor in sand, but the anchor holds amazingly year round. Even in mud or grassy bottoms. We never had the anchor slip, no matter where we dropped it. But asking for hard bottom or rock?? I think no anchor holds on rock and we avoid dropping it on rocks or coral. And if the chain gets tangled you need to dive.. Everytime we witness boats go for a drift.. we stay solid as bolted down. Gives us a tremendous good feeling and a solid sleep.. aloha

[@kaylaandjimbryant8258]

What about the durability of the stainless? Stainless can be subject to micro-fractures that lead to sudden catastrophic failure such a the shank breaking off, etc. Also, could you show both laying on their sides and also a test inverted, and see which will right itself the quickest? This looks promising, but I've heard no complaints about the rockna. We are shopping, and might be a couple of years before getting on the water, but are educating ourselves extensively.

[@sailingZERO]

We have no issues with any micro cracks so far. And it's almost 4 years and daily usage.. You can see in the video how it resets after manicuring the boat 180 degree around and break it free. The rocna will rest on it's back. The ultra won't. Its self uprighting, see the boat show video from SD. So it's a test we can't do. We only met a few ultra owners, but the ones we do meet are all super happy and won't use anything else. Yes the rocna is a very good anchor, there's no doubt, it's just that the ultra is better. Ist a big bunch of dollares I know but loosing the boat because the anchor slips is even more and sleeping good when others worry is worth a fortune!! Good luck with your shopping.. ALOHA

[@kaylaandjimbryant8258]

@@sailingZERO exactly. When we finally get the boat, the money spent on the ground tackle will be considered "insurance", these boats ain't cheap. I'll definitely look further into the ultra, and might have it, a rockna, and a danforth. That brings up another good question, has anyone ever come up with anything better than a danforth for sand, etc? Seems to me that there is no solution that doesn't require just a lot of surface area. That's probably why it is still so widely used.

[@patrickmiller4987]

@@kaylaandjimbryant8258 Sand? Danforth style and primarily Fortress are considered best kedge/spare anchor for when your in the mud. Gododfor sand as long as not too hard. Cant beat straight line pull holding.

[@kevincostner9734]

Rocnas do pull up a huge chunk of mud in mud. If you dont clean it off before re anchoring it wont set right. They foul easy on plastic too. But i like mine a lot. I am open to this as the roll bar of rocna also fits not nice in my bow sprit.

[@sailingZERO]

I saw that in sand as well. The rocna is pushing a huge amount if sand. Maybe thats the reason why its not digging deeper.. i love the ultra

[@mm5aho]

Have you tried a Knox anchor?

[@sailingZERO]

Not yet..

[@CraigOverend]

That Ultra sure digs well into loose sand. Would be interesting to see how it fares in mud. SV Panope has some videos of a Rocna in mud setting well but when driving over the anchor it failed to reset because it became clogged with mud. Emily & Clarke did a good anchor video recently where Clarke mentions crevice corrosion in stainless anchors, and his friend's unnamed stainless anchor that failed. The quality of the stainless used in the Ultra would be my only concern: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWSbpHuVnNqYm9k

[@sailingZERO]

I agree, maybe we have the chance to film it in mud somewhere.. but I anchored in la paz for over 4 weeks and they say it's kinda muddy ground there. The tides were strong and the so calked la Paz waltz took place twice a day. Anchors slip all the time but the ultra locked ZERO in position without any movement. I felt very secure. The material used is 316L stainless steel so corrosion should be no problem at all..

[@peterjohnstaples]

I would never own a stainless anchor and 304 would be better than 316 except for Stainless anchors work best when your tied to a marina and that is why you would have 316 as it stays shiny, much better wanker value.

[@peterjohnstaples]

It shoulds work as it is a Spade anchor copy. The Spade anchor has been on the market for over 20 years it is just that not enough people found out how good they are. Yes an like a poster below, No roll bars for me.

[@eriksvsirocco]

Ultra always has the tip making contact with bottom... That's what makes the design unique

[@patrickmiller4987]

@@eriksvsirocco so do others. Mantus, Rocna, Viking, Manson....

[@mandmmilling3716]

Has your rocna ever slipped on you?

[@sailingZERO]

The rocna only slipped once on me. It's a very good anchor as well. The ultra never slipped since we put it on the boat in 2017. 👍👍👍

[@mikenagy938]

It's pretty hard to take your word on what is the best anchor since you are only one guy with one boat. I would be more likely to believe someone like Steve on S/V Panope, who has made hundreds of tests with every anchor in varying seabeds. He puts a camera down with the anchor so you can see what they are doing. He is, in my opinion, the expert when it comes to anchors. Check his videos out, you may be surprised.

[@pierremartin592]

you should try the test with an Mantus anchor

[@sailingZERO]

Next time. But I don't expect the mantus being better than the rocna.

[@peterjohnstaples]

@@sailingZERO The Mantis anchor is one of the best reseting anchors but the shafts can bend and Mantis will replace free of charge but will they replace your boat. Your video is good because it shows the Rocna roll bar anchor not setting deep enough, the Rocna Vulcan is a good anchor as it is a copy of the Spade anchor like the Ultra is. Tip weight to overall weight is very important and I do not know if the Vulcan and Ultra have 50% like the Spade anchor.

[@tlteal]

Just bought 60lb ultra.

[@sailingZERO]

You'll love it. We love ours! Everytime we talk to other boaters and they talk about anchors I can hear that they are afraid that it's not holding. Stay awake at night and run Anker alarms on all their devices.. and even though we like the idea to monitor and watch your position.. we never had any issue for years so we sleep like babies now.. once it's set.. forget! Did you tell them about us?

[@tlteal]

@@sailingZERO yes I absolutely did! The box and packaging is NUTS. Looks like a trophy case LOL. Also got the swivel.

[@tlteal]

installed it today...wow my back loved that LOL. It's a work of art up there. Can't wait to try it.

[@1240enzo]

Ahm, the Ultra might be a superb anchor but it’s too expensive. Hence my choice I am pretty sure will be neither of these but rather a Sarca Excel.I don’t like the roll bar on the Rocna.

[@sailingZERO]

as always quality has its price. but I agree, even though I think the ultra is the best anchor availabe at the moment, there are very good alternatives out there for less $$

[@robertlee8042]

I bought a CQR and used it for 15 years. I never dragged once. I did not use it everywhere. In some bottoms I used a Fortress. I have a feeling anchors are no better nor worse than the sailor setting them. I don’t see any difference between the business end of the Rocna and that of the CQR (or Delta) other than the sharp leading edges. The CQR swivel distinguishes it from all other and I think (just speculation…No designed experiment)it’s salutary impact is significant. It would serve to increase the threshold of rode movement to disturb the anchor set. I’m guessing that’s a good thing. Anchoring is such an elemental and seemingly simple challenge. No moving parts. You’d think there is nothing left to learn. We build rocket ships to the moon for God’s sake.

[@sailingZERO]

I principally agree. Anchoring isn't rocket science and I'm happy to hear that you have successfully used your cqr for so long. But I disagree when you say that the new anchor designs didn't improve. They improved tremendously. You can heal almost everything with more chain but if space is limited you'd wish you had a rocna or ultra. That's just one example.. Have you ever tried an ultra? I recommend you get first hand experience with one and then please tell me your experience. I was and still am very surprised how much better they hold. Aloha

[@robertlee8042]

@@sailingZERO you have the experience. I don’t. So I bow to that. I’ve never used either. I’ve rarely sailed in a boat that was not mine and when I have we did not anchor. I later watched a bunch of videos on these anchors. They do seem to have better designs and data. The ultra seems to be the best.

[@lnewbyliveca]

The the Ultra looks like the Vulcan, the new anchor made by Rocna........

[@peterjohnstaples]

The Vulcan and the Ultra are Spade anchor copies.

[@patrickmiller4987]

@@peterjohnstaples I agree the SPADE is still the most proven anchor, been used by serious bluewater sailors for bout 30 yrs now with only slight weakness in soupy mud if not carefully set.

[@bekirbayburt6157]

Is Ultra a Turkish company?

[@sailingZERO]

Yes it is. Designed and made in Turkey. Follow the link to learn more about ultra marine west.. www.ultramarinewest.com/about-ultramarine-anchors

[@aquious953]

Stainless is superior for corosion. My Rocna is amazing, but starting to rust.

[@legend343]

Pity they’re so expensive, do they really have to be stainless steel.?! Warren s/y Legend

[@sailingZERO]

They say they don't make any compromises on their anchors. That includes the material.. so I guess it's either titanium or stainless..

[@eriksvsirocco]

Galvanizing eventually needs to be redone, and replacing the lead in the tip is a hassle

[@patrickmiller4987]

Stainless is not as strong as the galvanized steel other quality anchors are made of. They are just after the "Marina Queen" market! Cant blame them though.

[@mm5aho]

If these two good anchors amaze you, then you should check out the Knox Anchor - even better performance.

[@sailingZERO]

Never saw one or heard of them. They look strange though.. do you have one?

[@mm5aho]

@@sailingZERO yes for 5 years.

[@billbaxter2914]

Anchors away...

[@crunchycrispybacon]

3x the price though.

[@sailingZERO]

Yes, it's definitely mire bucks to spend. But if you compare it to a stainless steel Rocna it's way closer. I slept well with the Rocna holding us in place but do even better with the ultra. A good anchor is worth the price, stainless or not. Aloha 🤙

[@conradsenior5843]

Use a dead cat on your microphone. Improve your audio. Good information distracted by poor audio.

[@sailingZERO]

don't get distracted by minor issues..

[@garysouza2277]

I don't need an expensive, pretty anchor. I need a good one. I've talked with them at boat shows and told them if they made a galvanized one for less money I'd buy it. Ended up buying a Spade for a LOT less, and it's proven to be a great anchor! I think Ultra is shiny and pretty, but don't think it's worth the money. And no roll bars for me...

[@sailingZERO]

I agree on the price and a galvanized version would definitely help, they say they make absolutely no compromises and that means 316!! And honestly!! It is better than any anchor I had the chance to test.. so it is worth the money I think, especially if you compare the price to a rocna in 316.

[@garysouza2277]

@@sailingZERO Curious if you've tried a Spade...not that I'm looking for a new anchor....I'm happy with mine - without a rollbar

[@patrickmiller4987]

@@sailingZERO You drank the Kool-Aid if you believe SS is best.

[@tartansailor]

For my boat, a 16Kg would be required. The list price in Euros is 1,251e plus the swivel 258e plus shipping cost from Europe ! sure but no thanks.

[@sailingZERO]

As I said, kinda pricey, but compared to other stainless steel anchors reasonable..

[@patrickmiller4987]

@@sailingZERO But you dont need stainless!!