Best Boat Anchors, Bruce, Danforth, Delta and Plow

[@icannevergetthistowork]

I presently have a 32 foot boat and my previous boat was a 40 foot steel boat. Both use a Danforth and spent many nights anchored out with no problems. I boat on lake Erie.

[@CaptainCody7]

Cool, Danforth's do work. I use to fish Erie as well but never anchored up much. It probably has a soft bottom which is where Danforth's work well.

[@thenorthernwill]

As a new guy, this was really informative and useful. Thank you for the quality content.

[@CaptainCody7]

Glad it was helpful!

[@luisc5500]

you are incorect my friend i have drag so bad on my cqr anchor in heavy currants or storms and have had bad expiriance rehooking after it pops out and danforth has never faild me even in storms and it has pop out and hook very fast so did not drag at all even in storms

[@CaptainCody7]

Well the best anchor depends on lots of factors, size of boat, length of chain, and type of bottom. I link to an article I wrote with more information with an updated list of best anchors.

[@jdaniels1313]

Thanks for the helpful and educational videos of real anchors, as deployed by "real captains", and your demo of your anchor drop in 400' of water and the anchor ball.

[@CaptainCody7]

Sure thing, thanks for watching!

[@davesmith9365]

As you demonstrated ow to tie the chain onto your anchor I noticed that there is slack chain towards the head. Is that deliberate and if so why?

[@CaptainCody7]

It is not really deliberate it is just hard to pull perfectly tight. Either way tight or a little slack will work.

[@davesmith9365]

@@CaptainCody7 So effectively, the ties you used are taking all of the load put on the anchor.

[@12v]

Great info, learned a lot. We use bruce anchors at work - and they are certainly not tied up right. We pull them out by hand, lost a couple in some deep water with a strong current. My 27 foot Catalina came with two danforth types, I plan on switching now.

[@CaptainCody7]

Cool, glad you found it helpful! If you sleep in your sailboat overnight you might want a high-end anchor. In the video description is a link to an article I wrote will the modern high-end anchor types included.

[@Helliconia54]

can you use cable ties to tie chain to anchor instead of nylon line?

[@CaptainCody7]

Yes you can. If you get ones with a top loop you can also attach the zip ties to the chain to recover the plastic when they do break. Thanks for watching!

[@johntodd1086]

The Danforth anchor you thought was aluminum, is actually a Magnesium alloy. They’re made by Fortress. They’re like 1/2the weight of the galvanized version, and just as strong. I’ve been using a 7 lbs on a 24’ boat with ho problems.

[@CaptainCody7]

Interesting, thanks for the information!

[@mcguireb1]

I plan on doing some over night anchoring on the Mississippi. I don't want to spend a small fortune on an anchor. There is a good probability of various snags that will want to keep my anchor down there. Would a separate line tied to the retrieval hole work instead of rigging the breakaway?

[@CaptainCody7]

I have never seen anyone do that. The two lines might make it a tangled mess. If you are anchoring in water less than 20 feet deep it could be worth trying. Making a breakaway seems like the better option. You can get most Danforth anchors pretty cheap though so that is probably a better idea.

[@searchingforsea]

I would be mindful of advising those overnight anchoring (e.g., sailboats) to have quick releases setup on their Bruce anchors since in rough conditions, the quick release could break and the boat might end up on the shore after dragging.

[@CaptainCody7]

That is a good point, we do not use breakaways when staying on a boat overnight. Just for fishing. Even for scuba diving a break away is not good if someone is not left on the boat.

[@leeclifton9383]

What if you are anchoring your boat and leaving it to go ashore hunting or whatever? Could the breakaway function cause your boat to come loose not in the desired manner while you are away?

[@CaptainCody7]

Yeah, if you sleep in the boat or leave the boat to go ashore it is a good idea to add a shackle or metal zip ties so it can not break free. In that case, people usually have expensive Rocna, Vulcan, or Mantus anchors that can reset as the current shifts the boat. In the description I wrote and article including these anchors.

[@codyledoux4338]

Wow quiet the anchor controversy!! I love all the "pros" that know better than all the Alaskan guides for Alaskan waters!! Anywho great videos Cody, I'm in Southeast AK, and just bought a 220 SeaRunner and bought a couple of the fluke anchors at a lawn sale but I dont feel like they're that great. What size/weight Bruce anchor would you suggest for a 22' Hewescraft with an extended transom?? Thanks bud great videos

[@CaptainCody7]

Sure thing. I think that typically an 11-pound Bruce is used for that size and style of boat 17-22 feet. You could walk the docks and talk to people to confirm it works well. If you have enough chain, 50 plus feet, I bet it will work good. You could go to the 16.5-pound Bruce if that is not holding well, that is common for boats 23-25 feet. SE AK can have very strong currents. The one I used was on a 30-foot boat and was a 22-pound Bruce anchor.

[@moonbluebob]

Cracking video mate good on ya mucker

[@CaptainCody7]

Glad you liked it, thanks for watching!

[@crunchycrispybacon]

Do you know if the anchor still holds after the rope is broken?

[@CaptainCody7]

Anchors + chains are heavy so it should be right where you left it. If the rope is getting pulled by current the anchor would still work to hold the rope in place. I have known people that went back days later with scuba gear to get their stuck anchors back!

[@jgatkinson744]

Yep you are right and it’s obvious this guy does not know a lot about anchors different anchor designs is for a different soul you are anchoring in you don’t use one anchor for everything it’s not a one size fits all

[@mikenagy938]

Well the anchor discussion has pretty much ended by Steve on Panope. Look him up on the internet, he has dozens of actual trials of every type of anchor out there and some you haven't heard of. He tests these anchors for holding, reset, and in different bottoms using different scope. Some of the conclusions I have drawn are that probably 70 percent of boats out there have a bad anchor, not enough chain, or large enough chain. The old style anchors like Bruce or CQR are pretty much useless but will hold if conditions are perfect. The modern roll bar anchors are much better especially when resetting. The Rocna Vulcan with no roll bar, is excellent as well. If you want the science of which anchors are good, check Panope out.

[@CaptainCody7]

Yeah, I wrote an article with much more detailed information with all the anchor types as well. I read through the anchor holding studies before writing it. It is very much type of bottom dependent. This is why you see different anchors based on geography. This video was mostly just me walking around and seeing what people are using in Alaska. The best anchor for sleeping on anchor overnight is going to be different than the best fishing anchor. I used a Bruce in Alaska in 200-500 feet of water in rough seas almost every day and loved the anchor. The breakaway is great on rocky bottoms when using an anchor ball to pull anchor. It did have 1,000 feet of rope and 75 feet of chain. Most people want to spend $200 on an anchor, not $2,000+. Which is why there are lots of fluke anchors on boats. Sure for people that sail the world in a sailboat, the Rocna or Vulcan will let them sleep better and is likely the best option.

[@davidbolduc828]

I live on the East coast and was wondering why you put so much emphasis on anchor retrieval and then at the end I realized you were anchoring in really deep water. Nice video. Thx

[@CaptainCody7]

Thanks! Yeah, pulling an anchor up with 75 feet of chain from 400 feet by hand is not fun, especially if it stuck. I just wrote an article about all the different types of anchors and a link is in the description. The best anchor choice definitely changes based on how it will be used.

[@davidbolduc828]

@@CaptainCody7 Anchor types also depend on what is popular for your area. Right now its the Rocna/scoop variants for cruising boats in the Southeast. I actually like the Danforth style for sand and the Fisherman for grassy bottoms in Florida and the Bahamas.

[@CaptainCody7]

@@davidbolduc828 ​ yeah the Rocna is probably the best anchor for sailboats and cruising boats anywhere. I have not seen many people use a fisherman, that is interesting.

[@Pistonburn]

Question, when I set my anchor, I back down on it with about 1200 rpm, which usually in the neighborhood of around 600 pounds of force, before I bed down for the night. I would think that would break or weaken the tie wraps and render the anchor useless in a overnight squall. Am I missing something here ?

[@robertparkinson6919]

CQR the anchor for me, never dragged it yet Touch wood.

[@CaptainCody7]

Nice!

[@falsedragon33]

Never fished saltwater, but I have spent countless hours on most of the Columbia, with the reach and McNary being my fav. The Grouser Fluke System (I think that's what they call the so-called Columbia River Anchor) works really well but seems to break away almost every time. I like the screwable zip ties. The ones with the little hole for a screw. That holds, while another regular zip ties through the hole, in order to retrieve it after breaking.

[@CaptainCody7]

Cool, I had never seen the Grouser Fluke System. Yeah, your zip tie method is perfect!

[@weebluegaffer9298]

I have yet to see anyone have the anchor chain attached to the trip hole in the UK or outside fishermen on youtube. I would never do it I could not sleep knowing it was set up like that. The hole at the back of the anchor is for a separate trip line not you main chain/warp. Better to loose an anchor than your boat.

[@CaptainCody7]

Yeah if we are sleeping overnight with a trip anchor we add a metal shackle so it will not trip. It is nice to have the trip option when fishing in areas where the anchors tend to get caught on the rocky bottom and structure though.

[@weebluegaffer9298]

All of the anchors are trip anchors, Hence the hole where you are attaching your chain. Your solution to the problem you are creating is to stop it doing what you are advocating. A trip line is far easier to do and far more efficient and safer. You need to make it clear this is a picnic stop system and should not be relied upon, instead of belittling those that have done it correctly. Do training schools in USA teach your method? @@CaptainCody7

[@chmodman]

Nice video! One recommendation is to consider tying the end of the line to one of the anchor links so that you can retrieve the nylon line after it breaks. Otherwise, you are adding more nylon (plastic) to the ocean every time you anchor.

[@CaptainCody7]

Yeah, that is a good point. Some people use zip ties and that also puts plastic in the ocean. So tying the rope to a break away would be best. Thanks for watching Kurt!

[@chmodman]

@@CaptainCody7 Yes, I've seen people use two zip ties, the second one secures the first one for retrieval.

[@CaptainCody7]

@@chmodman Yeah, if you get that right type of zip ties that is a great way to secure the anchor. If not I was saying rather then cutting the rope short, tie the second end to the chain so the rope can be recovered.

[@conallocuinn407]

I take it you only use the tie method when you are aboard. I reckon the tie could break when the wind vears and pressure comes from the side before the anchor turns around.

[@CaptainCody7]

Correct, when sleeping onboard or leaving on anchor a breakaway is not a great idea!

[@ericneering6357]

I wish you would explain what the anchor balls for some of us don’t have anchor balls what are they?

[@CaptainCody7]

I have a video, on how to pull an anchor with an anchor ball. I do a demo showing how it works.

[@gregoryclark3870]

I use a oversized Bruce with all chain never have had a problem heard nightmare stories about the plow anchors

[@CaptainCody7]

Cool sounds like you have a nice setup. I have not seen anyone use all chain!

[@gregoryclark3870]

@@CaptainCody7 learned when the anchor line chafed through, glad I hah two anchors deployed kept the boat off the beach

[@SOLDOZER]

I have a Bruce, dont use the safety method and its never got stuck. If its dug in good I just run over the anchor or spin the boat 180 degrees and yank it out.

[@CaptainCody7]

Nice, yeah it does depend on the type of bottom where you are fishing.

[@mrhotdog1968]

Great video. What type of cord did you use for the breakaway. I think you referred to it as "ganyan", but I cant find it anywhere on google.

[@CaptainCody7]

This was the exact line I was using. It is called Ashaway tuna leader 150-pound strength. I had a 1-pound spool. I use it for halibut leaders as well. www.seamar.com/item/ASHAWAY-W/ASHAWAY-TUNA-LEADER-WHITE/ This would also work in size 21. amzn.to/33lOJiA You could also use plastic zip ties.

[@fishyhobby3697]

Thanks! Nice video, ive never seen anyone use an anchor ball.. nice..

[@CaptainCody7]

Yeah, it is very handy when anchoring in deep water! Thank you very much for watching Fish Hobby!

[@johnkosowski3321]

In sand or mud, there is no better anchor than the fluke anchor such as a fortress. Every boat should have an aluminum fluke for a backup. The reason for aluminum is that weight is not relevant for a fluke. Flukes don't perform well in weeds, however, Your "safety chain" method is great for anchoring temporarily, but I would never leave my boat at anchor like that. Best to just have a retrieval line on the same location.

[@CaptainCody7]

Fortress Aluminum Fluke anchors are good for small boats in sand and mud I agree. For large boats, flukes tend to get bent up when they get stuck pulling them with an anchor ball. Thanks for watching John!

[@mrhotdog1968]

Thanks for the reply. What size chain are you using 3/8?

[@CaptainCody7]

That is a good question. I am not positive but I am pretty sure it is a 5/8 inch rope with a 3/8 inch galvanized steel chain. There is more info about all different types of anchors in the article in the description. Thanks for watching Mr. Hotdog!

[@luisc5500]

i also dont trust bruce if rope pulls it with curant change fliping it upside down it might not rehook i can say that out of experiance but the danforth always hooks again cuz claw always faces down

[@CaptainCody7]

That could be the case where you are fishing. Where I anchor, I really like the claw anchor! The Danforth is more likely to get stuck and does not have a good way to release. If you like danforths though that is great cause they are typically the lowest cost anchors.

[@joaohenriquecarinhato8343]

Mantus and bulwagga are the best

[@CaptainCody7]

Yeah, Mantus anchors are good. I have them in the best anchor article in the description where I include more anchor types. I do not see many people using Bulwagga anchors.

[@joaohenriquecarinhato8343]

@@CaptainCody7 yeh! Bulwagga is not very known among sailors, but a say it is as good as mantus anchor.

[@JLBrown-ut6uq]

Two sailors walk into a bar.......state authoritatively "Best anchor in the world is my ______________". Brawl ensues, cops are called, everyone is arrested for disturbing the peace. This technique for starting a brawl works anywhere in the world, without fail, especially late at night when everyone is fully loaded. The anchors you love in Alaska are utter failures in my part of the world (Gulf Coast). Over the years I have owned and gotten rid of CQR, Genuine Bruce, Lewmar Claw, Delta and Manson Supreme for their failure to set and hold properly. The "modern" anchors of the day are far superior to the "old school" anchors. For example: SARCA Ex Cell, Spade, Super SARCA, Mantus and maybe Rocna. The Fortress is a very good speciality anchor for soft mud bottoms. To each his own!!! Capt. Jim B.

[@CaptainCody7]

Ha ah! True! Yeah, I think you are spot on. I was mostly showing what is used in Alaska. I wrote an article on the best anchors and showed the others. Also, the best anchor for sailboats anchoring overnight is different from a quick set and pull anchor for fishing. Sometimes lots of chain overcomes the shortcomings of the anchor as well.

[@ysesq]

rocna vulcans are the best

[@CaptainCody7]

Yeah, other than the price. Thanks for watching!

[@jeffm8882]

Just use a couple tie wraps!

[@CaptainCody7]

Yeah, zip ties work great as well. I think many people in the PNW use gangen line because we always have it on the boat for making halibut rigs.

[@billpenczak]

@@CaptainCody7 I have a client who is starting an digital outdoors media platform and I was wondering if we could connect about using some of your videos on the site. [e-mail]

[@mm5aho]

This is a good selection of the worst performing anchors available. No new generation anchors featured? These will have holding power of 8-12 times those featured in the video (expressed as resistance to pull divided by anchor weight in kg/kg). The delta is a CQR with no hinge. The CQR is a 1930s design, the Bruce 1970s. Danforth similar age. So nothing designed in the last 50 years?

[@CaptainCody7]

I was showing the best/common types of anchors that were being used in the harbor I was at. I did write an article that includes modern anchor designs which is linked in the video description. Fishing anchors do not always have to have the highest holding strength. If you are staying in a sailboat overnight then it warrants the modern more expensive designs. Thanks for watching!

[@seanmccambridge]

Those are not “overhand knots”. You’re tying square knots. And it you tie them properly, I don’t see why you’d be tying ten of them.

[@CaptainCody7]

Yeah, I thought it was a bit strange myself but that is how many people in Sitka Alaska tie the anchor and it holds. I thought the uni-knots made more sense.

[@jokagimenez4702]

These are NOT the best anchors. Most of these are actually the WORST in most situations! The new generation ultra high holding anchors (Rocna, Manson Supreme, Mantus etc...) are superior in every way! Only the danforth has better holding, but then it will pull off and barely reset at the first wind change... And you know it! You say so in an other comment. So please mind your wording, it is hard to constantly see nonsense on social media, and I suffer when I imagine all the people that get misinformed and pay the hard price when their boat gets loose and runs aground...

[@CaptainCody7]

Yeah, I am just showing anchors that fisherman commonly use. They are mostly "the best" cause they are cheap and work well for fishing applications. A quick set and pull. Sure if you are on a sailboat anchoring overnight their are better options. I wrote an article and linked to it in the video description that includes most types of anchors, Rocna, Mantus etc. In Alaska, where I was no one used the expensive custom anchors. On a fishing vessel where it is possible to get stuck anchors that can break way are actually better. Sometines we pull the danforth and it is all bent but we got it back. A $2,000 vulcan we might never see again. I like the bruce cause it is setup well for a breakaway. About 50/50 on the rocky bottom where I was anchoring for halibut it was needed.

[@artsmith103]

Probably 11kg 10:30

[@CaptainCody7]

Hmm it does say 11 lbs on the anchor. That boat was probably smaller than you realize.

[@artsmith103]

@@CaptainCody7 10:25 you said it was 18ft boat and clearly 11 lbs. I just traded down from 16.5 lb Bruce that was rated for 28ft boat so I'm sure everything you described is a good match.