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Choice of anchors for 331

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Viewing 15 posts - 1 through 15 (of 16 total)
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  • #75787
    Andrew Hollway
    Participant

    My Nauticat 331, Senitoa, has a standard CQR anchor fitted. As I’ve not been very satisfied with its performance, I’m looking at changing it for a more effective anchor. Does anyone have experience of fitting an alternative anchor and how can it be accommodated into the stem head fitting and securing points on deck? One option that I’m looking at is the Vulcan. Unlike the Rocna, the Vulcan doesn’t have the roll bar which would prevent it fitting into the stem fitting but I’m concerned about the curved shape of the shank which might cause problems fitting into the stem. Any advice would be appreciated.
    Andrew Hollway
    Senitoa

    #75788

    I have relied on Bruce since they came on the market years ago and the right angle shank should fit your bow profile perfectly
    Regards
    Dick

    #75789
    Andrew Hollway
    Participant

    Dick.
    Thanks for that advice. I’ll do some investigation for fitting into the stem roller. Not at all happy with the CQR that has let us down on a few occasions.
    Andrew

    #75790
    39Schuss
    Blocked

    I have a Bruce which came off my 351 when I swapped it for a Spade. if you would like it, let me know. It is in Cambridge.

    #75792
    David Babsky
    Participant

    Our Nauticat came with a CQR, of course, but although it caught easily on rocky bottoms, or plenty of weed, it wouldn’t seat easily – or at all! – on simple sand ..e.g; outside Ramsgate or Dunkirk.

    Having read plenty, watched videos and tried various different anchors, I settled on a Rocna: sets perfectly, and INSTANTLY (whereas the CQR just rolled and slid on sand.

    I can’t remember if it’s a 15 kg or a fraction more, but it’s great! There was some discussions several years ago about manufacture having switched to China – from New Zealand – and that the shaft [wrong word, but can’t remember the right word!] some (with inferior Chinese steel?) might sometimes bend or kink under severe strain. Rocna’s UK distributors then guaranteed that if any Rocna did, then it would immediately be replaced with one which was confirmed to have ‘proper’ grade steel throughout.

    We’ve never had an trouble whatever, and are very satisfied with it: perfect catch every time, with no slipping, sliding or rolling instead of biting in!

    – David.

    #75793
    Mark Ashley-Miller
    Participant

    Andrew, I strongly recommend a 20kg Rocna Vulcan (the Rocnas with the semi circle bar do not fit a standard 331).
    I have used it in some strong tides and it has never let me down.
    I have 60m of 8mm chain.
    Hope that helps
    Mark 07817845775 Harbour Master Sailing Challenge.

    #75795
    Trevor Doran
    Participant

    We have an oversize Rocna on our 331m (ie. next size up from Rocna recommendation). (having moved up[ from Delta) and we are well satisfied and sleep soundly on anchor. We usually experience 60-70 knots probably twice during our trips to Ionian. However, as important as the anchor is the chain! We have 80-90 metres of 10mm chain and usually anchor in depths of around 5-6 m.
    We are satisfied with this. Trevor and Sally Doran – Dreamcatcher.

    #75796
    Nicholas Muir
    Participant

    Rocna – Vulcan – ideal choice for west coast of Scotland

    #75797
    39Schuss
    Blocked

    I used the CQR anchor that came with my 331 for a couple of seasons, but after several minor scares when the anchor dragged, I decided to change it. I chose a 20kg Spade S Series galvanised anchor after offering up a cardboard cutout template to see how it would fit the bowsprit fitting (drawing available from the Spade website; print onto A4 sheets, stick together, cut out the shapes and transfer to cardboard). It goes out and comes in fine as long as one is reasonably careful. My wife is always at the bow to guide it if necessary. The original bracket that secured the CQR in place on passage does not work with the Spade so I removed it from the deck fitting and now tie the Spade down with some line, which works fine. I did make a mock up of a Rocna Vulcan, but it is very different in shape to the Spade and did not fit as well. I also concluded that nothing with a hoop (like the standard Rocna) would be compatible with the 331’s bowsprit. I hope this helps. Andrew Bell.

    #75798
    39Schuss
    Blocked

    I forgot to add that, in my experience, the Spade Series S is a very effective anchor in most conditions. Highly recommended. Andrew Bell

    #75799
    Mark Ashley-Miller
    Participant

    I should add my Vulcan does catch the point on the gel coat if it gets caught on the dolphin striker when deploying it. I am going to get a bit of stainless steel attached to the top on the stb bow hull to protect it. Mark

    #75809
    Andrew Hollway
    Participant

    Trevor. I presume the Rocna anchor is the one without the roll bar. That would be the one I was considering and my concern was how it would fit in the stem roller. Presumably it fits OK. Andrew

    #75810
    Andrew Hollway
    Participant

    Thanks everyone for the useful information. Choice now seems to be between the Rocna Vulcan and Bruce, both of which seem able to fit into the stem roller. Lots to think about. Andrew

    #75813
    Andrew Hollway
    Participant

    Neil. What size Bruce and how much do you want for it? Andrew

    #75815
    39Schuss
    Blocked

    It is a 20kg Bruce that was original equipment on my 351 that I had to sell earlier this year. I am just happy to have the anchor removed from my garage in Cambridge. The knowledge it is being used is reward enough!

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