Ultra Anchor Update. Anchor Test Video # 155

[@SteinVarjord]

The shank of the Ultra Anchor is not normal 304 or 316 stainless. It’s Duplex steel, which is a fundamentally different material. I assume they use the lowest grade, since that’s plenty expensive enough. Compared to the galvanised steel used in anchors and high quality chain, normal stainless is about half the strength, is very vulnerable to fatigue cracking and does get crevice corrosion, which is hard to spot, until it completely breaks. It’s a very poor material for chain, shackles, swivels, etc. Just a big fat NO! For an anchor it’s probably less critical, since the material volume is much more, but it must be used with care. Duplex, often called 318 steel, is at least on par with top quality galvanised steel on strength and fatigue tolerance, while it will not corrode in seawater, as long as the temperature isn’t higher than 27 degrees C (81 F). If warmer water is expected, I’d consider changing my cruising grounds😊, but various degrees of superduplex tolerates much warmer water. Duplex steel looks like normal stainless, but it’s magnetic and far more expensive. Apart from the very high price, the main problem with the Ultra anchor, in my opinion (I’m always right, so these are facts: 😂) They insist on using their swivel. It’s also made of duplex, but it’s attached straight on the shank, which means it can be loaded at 90 degrees bend. An absolutely unacceptable solution. A swivel is the solution to a non existent problem. It’s another failure point waiting for its moment.

[@flygoodwin]

Stein, thank you very very much for that information about the metals. I'll keep this post pinned at the top so that it does not go un-noticed. Regarding the chain attach, I too wish that ULTRA had provided a normal, oblong hole so that a single, bow shackle could be used. However, a reasonable alternative to using their swivel is to use two shackles (bow to bow). Yes, the shackle that attaches to the anchor can be side loaded, but it can be oversized (a 1/2" shackle fits on the 46lb Ultra) and the lever arm will be quite short. I have little doubt that during an extreme SIDE LOADING event, the shank will bend/collapse before a high strength 1/2" shackle fails

[@ozolli]

From ultramarine website : "Hand-made from 316 stainless steel and hand polished. Ultra Anchors demonstrate the importance of correct weight distribution and design when setting and recovering an anchor." That's easy to check with a simple magnet: Duplex is magnetic, 316 is not.

[@deerfootnz]

​​@@ozolliUltra is 316. It probably only matters if you are leaving your anchor buried for long periods OR in elevated water temperatures, above 24⁰ or 25⁰C say. Certainly above 30⁰C 316 stainless is a no go. The mantus swivel is the only one worth it's salt if you ask me, but then I don't like swivels and I seem to have managed very well for the last 40 years without one. I still don't know what they are for.

[@iainmacdonald1170]

@@flygoodwin ...and that would be the total deal-breaker for me. I do wonder why anyone would buy an anchor with such an obvious weakness, especially as there are other well-proven designs of at least comparable performance. Could it be psychological? Perhaps they feel that if they're not paying for the most expensive and shiniest anchor then they're not getting the best product. I'd far rather invest some of the huge difference in cost in decent, perhaps G70 chain, a powerful windlass, substantial cleats to take the loads and a good snubber.

[@erkutayyucel]

"Hand-made from 316L and 318LN stainless steel and hand-polished, every ULTRA Anchor is designed for excellence." ULTRA also comes with a lifetime warranty for the original purchaser. It has been out there with its ULTRA Flip Swivel for 20 years without any material failures.

[@nokia512]

The legend is back. Please keep up the great work. Your anchor test content is simply the best.

[@bfs007a]

This is a great service to the marine community!

[@mostlysailingnz]

Thanks Steve, you have brought invaluable knowledge to the boating community over the years. Even shorter videos with updates like this one is very welcome - I will for sure keep my subscription to your channel alive. Also enjoyed the non-anchor test vids you have posted 🙂

[@timkenyon6088]

Great to see you kinda back in the saddle!

[@mattie3595]

Glad to see you back.... Big Mantus fan here. M1 bow & a small M1 throwable stern anchor. Perfect here in the Great Lakes. M1 not the prettiest anchor but functional beyond expectations.

[@MiQBohlin]

Good to see you’re back on line 👌🏼 Hope your research goes on for a very long period.

[@todddavis6720]

Much appreciated! Your diligence and persistence in this anchor endeavor is truly inspiring and remarkable! Bravo!

[@AnkerplexAnchors]

nice to see you!

[@chadrider7274]

Steve, So nice to see and hear you!

[@raireva4689]

Great to see you back again testing anchors! 🙏...adding ultra was a long awaited addition to your body of work!😊

[@madspragroesen8053]

Great seeing you again 🙂

[@jensjansen3601]

Thanks for being online again!!!!

[@douggreenwald8403]

About the cost of the Ultra. Last year I purchased another Ultra. When I compared stainless Ultra to other stainless anchors, the Ultra seemed like a bargain. I then realized that because of the de-valuation of the Turkish Lira, the Ultra more affordable than it had been in the past. I easily sold my Rocna, which was beginning to show its age with galvanize fading. My old Bruce would never do that. Grand Banks in Anacortes

[@Blueybob]

Thanks Steve.

[@sjurpehrson7362]

Great work steve. Thanks

[@calmauric8218]

Thanks again steve. - bought a Sarca No.6 based on what you showed us. Has been a top performer!

[@OMGlameDante2]

Perfect timing for this! Thanks!

[@dahveed284]

I currently own a Mantus mk2 and have experienced a difficult 24 hours with it dragging often in West Palm Beach, FL. So I’m in the market for an anchor that doesn’t suck. I think I might be going for a Mantus mk 1 or a Rocna with a hoop (not sure what model that is. I’m thinking of putting a GoPro on the anchor just to see what is exactly happening down there. Great video!

[@vancekeith5642]

Another great video, thank you

[@josephemidy8604]

interesting video, thanks for putting this data together, Black Friday tomorrow....Ultra anchors on sale at 15% off. Mixed review on this video gives me second thoughts on buying one. Oh, I tried to donate but I had an issue with patreon...will try again though. Happy Thanksgiving all!!

[@flygoodwin]

I appreciate that, Jose. However, I deleted my Patreon and Paypal accounts earlier this year.

[@GI-AUS]

PSA: 5/16" = 8mm chain. Thanks Steve, great test!

[@tommyc9237]

Watched a LOT of your videos. Decided on a Viking 20 for our 47 footer. Worked flawlessly this past summer in the Great Lakes holding in 40 knots on a couple of occasions with less than ideal scope. Your deployment score is accurate (not that great) but that's honestly the last concern I have when anchoring.

[@ericstarr7032]

I think you could expand your focus for videos to include different boaters anchor set up. Look at someone’s boat that has a deck type anchor locker and see how they have it set up. What problems did they have stowing the anchor and rode and how did they solve it. Look at a different boat with a below deck locker fed by a chain tube. How much chain can they pull in before it stops self feeding. Is there someone’s boat that can winch up 200 feet of chain without leaving the windlass to push over the pile below? Can one person weigh anchor and get the boat underway without help from a spouse or other person? Each video would be an interview and look (demonstration?) of one boats anchor set up and an interview with its experienced and knowledgeable owner about the problems he has had and how his set up now works for him. I would personally find that content interesting and informative. Either way, keep up the good work.

[@flygoodwin]

Thank you for the good idea.

[@tombloomer8928]

I have a 25lb Benson's Snag Proof anchor - vintage ~1959. I would like to ship it to you for testing.

[@FlipCouvillion]

If anyone here has a 20lb. Ultra please loan it to the channel for a bit. I want to see the numbers hit almost dead on to his “fake ultra” numbers.🤙

[@davidhopkins]

Steve. I have a riddle for you. Through your videos I have come to understand fluke anchors like the Danforth are great for stern tying and little else. Why do large ships rely on fluke designs? I watched this video with interest. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4ObZZSmZ7CApbcsi=ncTFIaInWwT-HWqy

[@MARIOSAILOR1]

The ultra is not a new tecnologie anchor, in fact, its based on the Spade, but the Spade its much more efective, and much more cheaper. I sailing 3 years full time a board, and see the bad performance on Ultra several times...♠️4ever👍💪